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John Denver – Leaving On A Jet Plane

John Denver | Colorado Music Hall of Fame

About the Song

“Leaving On A Jet Plane” is a song written by American singer-songwriter John Denver. It was released in 1969 on his debut album John Denver Sings. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart.

The song is a country-folk ballad about a young man who is leaving his home and loved ones to travel the world. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and the melody is catchy and memorable. Denver’s gentle vocals add to the song’s emotional impact.

“Leaving On A Jet Plane” has been covered by many artists over the years, including:

  • Peter, Paul and Mary
  • Dionne Warwick
  • The Carpenters
  • Willie Nelson
  • Dolly Parton

The song has also been used in a number of films and television shows, including:

  • The Graduate (1968)
  • Forrest Gump (1994)
  • Up in the Air (2009)

“Leaving On A Jet Plane” is a classic folk ballad that has stood the test of time. It is a song that is sure to continue to be enjoyed by listeners for many years to come.

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • The song was written in 1966, when Denver was just 21 years old.
  • The song was inspired by Denver’s own experiences of traveling the world.
  • The song was originally recorded as a demo, but it was later released as a single.
  • The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in the United States and Canada.
  • The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Peter, Paul and Mary, Dionne Warwick, and The Carpenters.
  • The song has also been used in a number of films and television shows, including The Graduate, Forrest Gump, and Up in the Air.

John Denver - Songs, Death & Music

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Lyrics: Leaving On A Jet Plane

All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go
I’m standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say good-bye
But the dawn is breaking, it’s early morn
The taxi’s waiting He’s blowing 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 leaving 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 leaving 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
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 leaving on a jet plane
Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go
I’m leaving on a jet plane
Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go

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