About the song
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a timeless classic that has been captivating audiences for over five decades. Written and recorded by the legendary American singer-songwriter John Denver in 1966, this song has undergone several transformations before becoming the iconic hit we know today. Initially titled “Babe I Hate to Go,” Denver’s demo recording was given as Christmas presents to friends and family that year. However, it wasn’t until 1967, with the persuasion of his producer Milt Okun, that the song was renamed “Leaving on a Jet Plane.”
The song’s journey didn’t stop there. In 1969, Denver re-recorded “Leaving on a Jet Plane” for his debut studio album, Rhymes & Reasons, and released it as a single through RCA Records. Although it’s one of John Denver’s most beloved songs, his single failed to chart. Undeterred, Denver re-recorded the song again in 1973 for his Greatest Hits album, which has since become the most widely recognized version.
Interestingly, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Chantal Kreviazuk, whose version reached No. 33 in Canada in 1998. Despite its multiple iterations, the song’s emotional resonance and nostalgic charm have remained unchanged, making it a staple of American folk music. With its poignant lyrics and soaring melody, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” continues to evoke feelings of longing and nostalgia in listeners of all ages.
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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