Jet Airliner
Steve Miller Band
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Leavin' home, out on the road I've been down before Ridin' along in this big ol' jet plane I've been thinkin' about my home But my love light seems so far away And I feel like it's all been done Somebody's tryin' to make me stay You know I've got to be movin' on Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner Don't carry me too far away Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner 'Cause it's here that I've got to stay Goodbye to all my friends at home Goodbye to people I've trusted I've got to go out and make my way I might get rich you know I might bet busted But my heart keeps calling me backwards As I get on the 707 Ridin' high I got tears in my eyes You know you got to go through hell Before you get to heaven Big ol' jet airliner Don't carry me too far away Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner 'Cause it's here that I've got to stay Touchin' down in New England town Feel the heat comin' down I've got to keep on keepin' on You know the big wheel keeps on spinnin' around And I'm goin' with some hesitation You know that I can surely see That I don't want to get caught up in any of that Funky shit goin' down in the city Big ol' jet airliner Don't carry me too far away Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner 'Cause it's here that I've got to stay Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner Don't carry me too far away Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner 'Cause it's here that I've got to stay Yeah, yeah yeah, yeah Big ol' jet airliner Don't carry me too far away Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner 'Cause it's here that I've got to stay Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner Carry me to my home Oh, oh big ol' jet airliner 'Cause it's there that I belong
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27 facts about this song
Origin"Jet Airliner" was not actually written by Steve Miller but by Paul Pena, a blues singer-songwriter. Pena composed the song in 1973, but it didn't reach popularity until Steve Miller Band performed it.
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Album ReleaseThe song is one of the tracks in Steve Miller Band's album, "Book of Dreams," released in 1977. The album was very popular, reaching the second position on the Billboard 200 chart.
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Chart Success"Jet Airliner" itself was a huge hit and peaked at number 8 on Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977.
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Lyrics InspirationPaul Pena wrote the song when he was feeling homesick on a flight to Boston. The lyrics reflect his anxieties over making a significant move from his rural home to a big city.
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Second VersionThere are two versions of the song("Jet Airliner") - a "slow" one by Paul Pena and a "fast" one by Steve Miller Band. Steve Miller's version is usually more recognized by the public.
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Not in First ReleaseAlthough "Jet Airliner" is one of Paul Pena’s most famous songs, it was not included in his first two albums. It appeared on "New Train", which was recorded in 1973 but was not released until 2000.
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Cover SongDespite its popularity, "Jet Airliner" is not a staple song of Steve Miller himself. It's categorized as a cover song in Steve Miller Band's extensive list of tunes.
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Musical StyleConsidered a classic rock staple, "Jet Airliner" merges elements of rock and roll and blues.
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Radio and TV AppearancesSince its release, "Jet Airliner" has been frequently played on classic rock radio stations and used in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Simpsons", contributing to its continuing popularity.
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International SuccessNot only was "Jet Airliner" successful in the US, but it also found success in Canada where it peaked at number 19 on the RPM Top Singles chart in 1977.
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Virtual PerformanceSteve Miller Band performed "Jet Airliner" in Activision's video game, Guitar Hero World Tour.
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Live Concerts"Jet Airliner" has been one of the biggest crowd-pleasers in Steve Miller Band's live concerts. It is often played as the last song of the set.
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Special TechniqueSteve Miller used a talkbox to modify his guitar sound on "Jet Airliner," a technique popular in the '70s rock music scenery.
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Songwriter"Jet Airliner" was not written by Steve Miller or any members of the Steve Miller Band, but by Paul Pena. Pena was an American singer-songwriter who drew influences from rhythm and blues, jazz, and folk genres.
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Release Date"Jet Airliner" was first released in 1977 as part of Miller's "Book of Dreams" album.
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Chart PerformanceThe song experienced considerable commercial success, reaching No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Music StyleIt is noted for its rock and roll style, with guitar-driven melodies and catchy chorus, making it one of the band's signature tunes.
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LyricsDespite the upbeat tune, the lyrics of "Jet Airliner" express a reluctance to leave home and the fear of the changes that come with travel.
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Original VersionThe original version by Paul Pena was more of a blues song and was slowed down. Steve Miller changed the tempo and added rock elements, which made it a hit.
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Pena's AlbumPaul Pena's album that included "Jet Airliner" was not released until 2000, more than 20 years after Steve Miller Band's version became a hit.
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GraphicsMiller's "Book of Dreams' cover showcases a “Pegasus” horse soaring through the air. This became a symbol of the Steve Miller Band and its powerful, soaring rock sound.
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Airplane SoundsIn the long version, the song begins with the sound of a jet airliner landing.
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Album Success"Book of Dreams," which features "Jet Airliner," is one of Steve Miller's most commercially successful albums, having been certified 3x Platinum in the United States.
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Popular Song"Jet Airliner" is often one of the first songs that come to mind when the Steve Miller Band is mentioned. It continues to receive regular radio airplay.
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Modern CultureThe song has been featured in several movies and TV shows, demonstrating its enduring popularity and cultural permeation.
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Live Performance"Jet Airliner" is a staple in the band's live performances and is often used as the closing number.
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Cover VersionsOver the years, it has been covered by several other artists, including country singer Alan Jackson and rock band Motörhead.
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Citation
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"Jet Airliner Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/339687/Steve+Miller+Band/Jet+Airliner>.
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