I just saw an old interview recently where the interviewer was sharing how they were always so touched by the deep symbolism of flight and freedom and light mixed with dark and then Dave was just like, "I wrote it when I was planning to get my pilot's license."
Specifically, when that happens to critics; they invent a whole ethos and message, and the artist is just like "What? I just wanted an ice cream cone."
Edit: Just saw the Clarkson interview video you added. She practically died inside. Oh man. lol.