Leaving on a Jet Plane

John Denver

About Leaving on a Jet Plane

"Leaving on a Jet Plane" is a song written by John Denver in 1966 and most famously recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary. The original title of the song was "Babe, I Hate to Go", as featured on his 1966 studio album John Denver Sings, but Denver's then producer Milt Okun convinced him to change the title. Peter, Paul and Mary recorded the song for their 1967 studio album, Album 1700, and Warner Bros.- Seven Arts released it as a single in 1969. It turned out to be Peter, Paul and Mary's biggest (and final) hit, becoming their only No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song also spent three weeks atop the easy listening chart and was used in commercials for United Airlines in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The song also topped the charts in Canada, and reached No. 2 in both the UK Singles Chart and Irish Singles Chart in February 1970. In 1969, John Denver recorded a version of the song for his debut solo album, Rhymes & Reasons, and re-recorded it in 1973 for John Denver's Greatest Hits. His version was featured in the end credits of The Guard. 


Year:
1997
3:37
938 
#6

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All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin'
It's early morn
The taxi's waitin'
He's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome
I could die

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

There's so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
I tell you now, they don't mean a thing
Every place I go, I'll think of you
Every song I sing, I'll sing for you
When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

Now the time has come to leave you
One more time
Let me kiss you
Then close your eyes
I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say

Oh, kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

But, I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

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John Denver

Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After traveling and living in numerous locations while growing up in his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success was as a solo singer. Throughout his life, Denver recorded and released approximately 300 songs, about 200 of which he composed. He performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his enthusiasm for music, and relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country and western, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning him 1… more »

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Written by: John Denver

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

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11 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Leaving on a Jet Plane" was written and composed by John Denver in 1966. Denver initially titled the song as "Babe, I Hate to Go".
Song Interpretations
The lyrics of the song often evoke feelings of sadness and longing, representing someone bidding farewell to their loved ones as they embark on a journey.
Initial Release
Even though the song was initially penned and recorded by John Denver, it was first released by The Mitchell Trio in 1966, of which Denver was a part.
Peter, Paul, and Mary's Version
The folk singing group "Peter, Paul, and Mary" released their own cover of the song in 1967 on their Album 1700, but it was not released as a single until 1969.
Chart Performance
Peter, Paul and Mary's version of the song became their only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Vietnam War Era
The song gained immense popularity during the Vietnam War as it resonated with the emotions of soldiers leaving their loved ones behind to go to war.
John Denver’s Version
John Denver himself did not release his own version of "Leaving on a Jet Plane" until 1969, on the album "Rhymes & Reasons".
Use in Media
The song has been prominently featured in several movies and TV shows, including "Armageddon" and "Mad Men", usually during scenes involving departures or goodbyes.
Different Covers
Many popular artists over the decades, including The Kendalls, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, have covered "Leaving on a Jet Plane" in various genres from country to pop-punk.
Last Song Sung Live by John Denver
Ironically, "Leaving on a Jet Plane" was the last song that John Denver performed live on October 5, 1997, less than a week before he tragically died in a plane crash.
Legacy
The song continues to be a universally recognized track and has been interpreted in various languages across the world. It remains a poignant anthem for departures and farewells.

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