Introduction:
Leaving On A Jet Plane, a melancholic folk-pop ballad about the bittersweet emotions of goodbye, was originally written and performed by singer-songwriter John Denver. Released in 1969, the song became a surprise hit, propelling Denver to national stardom.
While Denver’s recording achieved a level of success, the song’s path to ubiquity wasn’t solely paved by his rendition. In 1970, Michelle Phillips, a vocalist for the iconic folk-rock group The Mamas & the Papas, heard Denver perform Leaving On A Jet Plane and immediately connected with its message. She convinced the band to record their own version, featuring the soulful vocals of Cass Elliot, another Mamas & the Papas band member.
Cass Elliot’s rendition of Leaving On A Jet Plane, released in 1970 on the compilation album The Christmas Gift of the Mamas & the Papas, presented a distinct contrast to Denver’s original. Elliot’s powerful and emotive delivery imbued the song with a deeper sense of longing and vulnerability. This captivating performance resonated with audiences, and it became synonymous with Leaving On A Jet Plane for many listeners.
The confluence of Denver’s original success and Elliot’s enchanting cover further amplified the song’s popularity. Leaving On A Jet Plane topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969, solidifying its place in American pop culture. The song’s simple yet evocative melody and relatable theme continued to resonate with listeners across generations. It garnered a timeless quality and became a favorite for covering by numerous artists, including Peter, Paul and Mary, whose version lent itself to interpretations associating the lyrics with the Vietnam War.
Leaving On A Jet Plane transcended the realm of popular music. The song’s enduring legacy is evident in its appearances in movies and television shows. It continues to be a popular choice for weddings and other occasions tinged with sentimental goodbyes.
While the original recordings by John Denver and Cass Elliot offered distinct interpretations of Leaving On A Jet Plane, both versions cemented the song’s place as a poignant and enduring folk-pop classic.
Video:
Lyrics:
All my bags are packedI’m ready to goI’m standin’ here outside your doorI hate to wake you up to say goodbyeBut the dawn is breakin’It’s early mornThe taxi’s waitin’He’s blowin’ his hornAlready I’m so lonesomeI could die
So kiss me and smile for meTell me that you’ll wait for meHold me like you’ll never let me go‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet planeDon’t know when I’ll be back againOh babe, I hate to go
There’s so many times I’ve let you downSo many times I’ve played aroundI tell you now, they don’t mean a thingEvery place I go, I’ll think of youEvery song I sing, I’ll sing for youWhen I come back, I’ll bring your wedding ring
So kiss me and smile for meTell me that you’ll wait for meHold me like you’ll never let me go‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet planeDon’t know when I’ll be back againOh babe, I hate to go
Now the time has come to leave youOne more timeLet me kiss youThen close your eyesAnd I’ll be on my wayDream about the days to comeWhen I won’t have to leave aloneAbout the times, I won’t have to say
Kiss me and smile for meTell me that you’ll wait for meHold me like you’ll never let me go‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet planeDon’t know when I’ll be back againOh babe, I hate to go
But, I’m leavin’ on a jet planeDon’t know when I’ll be back againOh babe, I hate to go