About the song
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a timeless ballad that has captured the hearts of music lovers for generations. Written and recorded by the legendary American singer-songwriter John Denver in 1966, this song has undergone several transformations, yet its essence remains unchanged. The song’s origins date back to Denver’s early days as a musician in the Los Angeles folk scene, where he penned the lyrics during a layover at Washington National Airport.
The song’s title, “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” was initially “Babe I Hate to Go,” a demo recording that Denver gave out as Christmas presents in 1966. However, his producer, Milt Okun, convinced him to change the title, and the song was re-released in 1967. The song’s popularity soared when Peter, Paul and Mary recorded their own version in 1969, which became a huge hit.
John Denver re-recorded the song for his debut studio album, Rhymes & Reasons, and released it as a single in October 1969. Although it is one of his most beloved songs, his single failed to chart. The song was re-recorded again in 1973 for his Greatest Hits album, and it has since become a staple of his compilation albums.
The song’s lyrics are a poignant reflection of the pain of separation, as Denver sings about leaving behind a loved one. In his own words, “This is a very personal and very special song for me. It doesn’t conjure up Boeing 707s or 747s for me as much as it does the simple scenes of leaving. Bags packed and standing by the front door, taxi pulling up in the early morning hours, the sound of a door closing behind you, and the thought of leaving someone that you care for very much.”
The song’s themes of love, loss, and longing have resonated with listeners across generations, making it a timeless classic that continues to touch hearts to this day.
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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