About the song
John Denver’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” is a poignant folk song that captures the bittersweet emotions of departure and longing for a loved one. Written by John Denver himself, the song was originally included on his 1969 album “Rhymes & Reasons.”
The song gained widespread recognition when it was covered by Peter, Paul, and Mary later in 1969, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This version propelled the song to international fame, solidifying it as one of John Denver’s signature songs despite being initially overshadowed on his own album.
“Leaving On A Jet Plane” reflects Denver’s knack for crafting simple yet deeply emotive lyrics that resonate with listeners. The song’s melancholic melody, paired with Denver’s gentle vocals and acoustic guitar, creates an atmosphere of farewell and uncertainty. Its universal theme of departure and the sadness of leaving loved ones behind struck a chord with audiences during its release and continues to evoke nostalgia and empathy today.
John Denver’s rendition of “Leaving On A Jet Plane” has since become a classic, showcasing his ability to convey genuine emotion through his music. It remains a staple in folk music collections and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its place in popular culture.
In summary, “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver is a timeless ballad that explores themes of departure and love. Its enduring popularity and emotional resonance attest to Denver’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
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Lyrics
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
And 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
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