“Flight b741” is the title track from the album of the same name. While some have theorized it may refer to Boeing 741, it's most likely a play on the bVII-IV-I chord progression commonly found in classic rock songs (including “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac). In fact, this song uses a bVII-IV-I progression. The title and progression are referenced throughout the album, such as on “Hog Calling Contest” and “Daily Blues.”
While the title stands out for its music theory ties, the lyrics tell the story of a pilot (via their perspective in the cockpit) traveling across the sea to meet their lover. They see the skies they must reach, but their plans are interrupted when the plane’s engine gives out, which sends the pilot downwards towards their death. As they fall, they think about their regrets and say that no matter what happens they’ll be there. If they survive, they will learn to fly once more while living every moment thankful. If they don’t, they’ll watch from above until they can find their way back. The pilot doesn't survive the crash and ends up in heaven, wishing to go home. One could argue this song’s tragic love story is similar to “Lonely Steel Sheet Flyer”, but ultimately Gizzard weaves a different story about love and longing.
Despite the melancholy presented in the lyrics, the song is upbeat and features the pop sensibilities of something like Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” or The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out.” The song switches from a tight 4/4 groove to a 7/4 chorus with lead vocals alternating between Lucas, Cook, Stu and Joey.

This track stands out for a unique reason: it's the first Lucas-penned song to be recorded by the band. He’s garnered writing credits on other tracks ranging from “Ice V” to “Smoke & Mirrors,” but this is the first time he has introduced one of his own songs for an album. He said on Instagram “This is a particularly special one for me as I somehow plucked up the courage to put a song on the table. Which is a hard thing to do for me to do when I work with songwriters and musicians that I absolutely idolise. But as much as my brothers in rock strive for perfection in their own work, they care and collaborate openly and earnestly in mine too. Which is real nice and cute and special and I’m real lucky thanks boys xo.”
The song was performed by Ambrose (Mellotron/harmonica/vocals), Cavs (drums/percussion/vocals), Cook (organ/Mellotron/vocals), Joey (bass/vocals), Lucas (piano/vocals), Stu (guitar/vocals) and guest Sam Joseph (pedal steel). The ASCAP ACE Repertory lists that the entire band received songwriting credits.
It was released on August 9th, 2024. The song would later be used as the b-side to the limited edition 7” single of “Raw Feel” sold at the Gorge record fair on 2024-09-14