About The Song
Leaving on a Jet Plane is a timeless classic penned by the iconic singer-songwriter John Denver. Originally written in 1966 under the title “Babe, I Hate to Go,” the song captures the bittersweet emotions of parting ways with a loved one. Denver’s poignant lyrics paint a vivid picture of the departure process, from the initial packing of bags to the finality of the closing door. The song’s simplicity and relatable themes have resonated with audiences for generations.
While Denver recorded the song in its final form for his 1969 album “Rhymes & Reasons,” it was the cover version by Peter, Paul, and Mary that catapulted it to international fame in 1969. Their rendition became a number-one hit, further solidifying the song’s enduring popularity. Despite the song’s age, its message of love, longing, and the bittersweet nature of goodbye continues to strike a chord with listeners, making it a timeless anthem of departure.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
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