About the song
In the realm of popular music, few songs have captured the essence of adventure, romance, and sophistication as effortlessly as “Come Fly with Me.” Written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn in 1958, this iconic song was specifically crafted for the legendary Frank Sinatra, and it has since become an integral part of his enduring legacy.
The song’s origins are deeply rooted in the Jet Age, a time when air travel was becoming increasingly accessible and exotic destinations were within reach. “Come Fly with Me” embodies the spirit of freedom and exploration that defined this era, with its lyrics painting vivid pictures of far-flung locales like Bombay, Peru, and Acapulco Bay. The song’s carefree, upbeat melody and Sinatra’s smooth, velvety vocals perfectly capture the excitement and allure of traveling to new and exciting places.
As the title track of Sinatra’s 1958 album, “Come Fly with Me” set the tone for a collection of songs that would transport listeners to a world of glamour and sophistication. The album’s success was swift and decisive, and the song soon became a staple of Sinatra’s concert repertoire, featuring in numerous performances throughout his illustrious career.
Over the years, “Come Fly with Me” has been covered by a diverse range of artists, from Pinky and Perky to Robbie Williams, and from Shirley Horn to Michael Bublé. Each interpretation has brought a unique perspective to the song, yet its timeless appeal remains unchanged. The song’s versatility has also made it a popular choice for film, radio, and television, featuring prominently in movies like “Raging Bull,” “Catch Me If You Can,” and “Doctor Sleep,” as well as in TV series like “Airline” and “PanAm.”
One of the most notable covers of “Come Fly with Me” is the 1994 duet between Sinatra and Luis Miguel, which was featured on Sinatra’s album “Duets II.” This collaboration marked a rare foray into English-language music for Miguel, and the result is a delightful blend of styles and voices.
In conclusion, “Come Fly with Me” is a song that embodies the essence of adventure, romance, and sophistication. Its timeless appeal transcends generations, and its influence can be heard in many aspects of popular culture. As a testament to the enduring legacy of Frank Sinatra and the songwriting prowess of Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, “Come Fly with Me” remains an iconic and timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.
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Lyrics
Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away
If you can use some exotic booze, there’s a bar in far Bombay
Come on and fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away
Come fly with me, let’s float down to Peru
In llama land, there’s a one man band
And he’ll toot his flute for you
Come on fly with me, let’s take off in the blue
Once I get you up there, where the air is rarefied
We’ll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there, I’ll be holding you so near
You may hear all angels cheer because we’re together
Weather wise, it’s such a lovely day
Just say the words and we’ll beat the birds down to Acapulco Bay
It’s perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say
Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away
Once I get you up there, where the air is rarefied
We’ll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there, I’ll be holding you so very near
You might even hear a whole gang cheers just because we’re together
Weather wise, it’s such a coo-coo day
You just say those words and we’ll take our birds down to Acapulco Bay
It’s so perfect for a flying honeymoon, oh, babe
Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly
Pack up, let’s fly away
And don’t tell yo’ mama