Beneath the Wings

Hey Doc,

I love that Bette Midler song, ‘The Wind Beneath my Wings’, but I really don’t get it. What does she mean when she uses that expression?
Signed,
Puzzled Pilot

Hey Puz,
Good question. As best the Wiz can tell, The Divine Miss M. is making two statements:
1. ‘You are a good friend, and I can always count on you.’
2. ‘I don’t know squat about aerodynamics.’

While we appreciate what she is trying to say—and love that gal to pieces—we feel compelled to help out with the science. As Bernoulli’s principle clearly states, it is the wind above the wings that provides the lift. To the extent that wind beneath the wings has any effect at all, it is to bring down the flying object (bird, plane or Superman) and—aerodynamically at least—to be a drag.  We feel certain that this was not the message she meant to convey. 
We encourage La Midler to continue her exemplary work entertaining us – occasionally moving us to tears of joy or laughter, but to leave science to the professionals… like Doctor Wizard.

Signed,
Your Well-grounded Doctor