John Denver – Leaving On A Jet Plane

About The Song

Did you know that John Denver’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” was initially titled “Babe I Hate To Go?” It was included on his debut demo album John Denver Sings. However, his then-producer, Milt Okun, persuaded him to replace it, so he gave the song a new name.

While it was one of the most famous singles of Denver, it sadly failed to enter the chart. It was the American folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary that actually made it popular – becoming the group’s only No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their version was also heard in the United Airlines’ commercials during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“Leaving On A Jet Plane” is one of John Denver’s songs penned before he embarked on a solo career and as one of the members of the Chad Mitchell Trio.

Written during a layover at Washington Airport in 1966, the song tells the tale of a man who left home with a heavy heart. He went on his journey despite the sad thought of leaving his loved one behind – without any idea “when I’ll be back again.”

John Denver said that “Leaving On A Jet Plane” is a very personal and special song for him. In fact, it only took him just a couple of hours to finish the wistful ballad. He even made several record copies of it to give them out as Christmas presents.

And while he’s glad it became a hit, it still “strikes a lonely and anguished chord in me because the separation still continues,” he said. After all, there’s no joy in the thought of “leaving someone you care for very much.”

Video

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