Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary

About the Song

While the original version of “Leaving on a Jet Plane” may belong to John Denver, the 1969 rendition by Peter, Paul and Mary transformed the song into a folk classic that captured the bittersweet emotions of goodbyes and departures.

The song’s melancholic beauty lies in its simple yet evocative lyrics. The narrator, on the verge of a journey, paints a picture of packed bags, the early morning light, and the impatient taxi waiting outside. The yearning for a loved one left behind is palpable in lines like “Hold me like you’ll never let me go / Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane.”

Peter, Paul and Mary’s signature vocal harmonies perfectly complement the song’s emotional core. Their voices, a blend of gentle melancholy and folk sincerity, convey the weight of goodbyes and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar and subtle percussion, creates a sense of intimacy, drawing the listener into the narrator’s emotional state.

Unlike the more upbeat Denver version, Peter, Paul and Mary’s rendition focuses on the bittersweetness of goodbyes. It’s a song about the pang of leaving loved ones behind, the anxieties of new beginnings, and the hope for a future reunion. The line “So kiss me and smile for me / Tell me that you’ll wait for me” encapsulates this emotional complexity, pleading for a smile amidst the sadness and a promise of return.

“Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul and Mary is more than just a travel song. It’s a poignant reflection on the human experience of separation and the enduring power of love that bridges distances. The song continues to resonate with anyone who has ever said goodbye, offering a bittersweet melody and a gentle reminder to cherish the connections that bind us, even when miles apart.

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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 goodbye

But the dawn is breakin’, it’s early morn
Taxi’s waiting, he’s blowin’ his horn
Already I’m so lonesome I could cry

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Hold me like you’ll never let me go

I’m leavin’ on a jet plane
I 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 think of you
Every song I sing, I sing for you
When I come back, I’ll wear 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

I’m leavin’ on a jet plane
I 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 time, 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

I’m leavin’ on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again
Leavin’ on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again
Leavin’ on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go