John Denver was a celebrated American singer renowned for his warm, clear voice and heartfelt songs about nature, love, and the simple joys of life.
Rising to fame in the 1970s, he became one of the best-selling artists of his time with timeless hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie’s Song, and Rocky Mountain High. His music combined folk, country, and pop, helping to bring acoustic and storytelling songs to mainstream audiences.
John Denver’s career had a deep impact on countless musicians and left a lasting legacy in American music. Even decades later, his songs continue to inspire and comfort listeners worldwide.
About the Song
Leaving on a Jet Plane is a gentle and emotional song that expresses the sentiment of saying goodbye to a loved one before embarking on a trip.
The song expresses a mix of sadness and hope, and it became very popular because many people can relate to missing someone they care about. Its simple words and soft melody make it easy to remember and sing along.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | October 1966 |
| Album | Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits (2004) |
| Writers | John Denver |
| Producers | Keeran Degraw |
Read Full Lyrics of Leaving on a Jet Plane
Verse 1
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 breaking, it’s early morn
The taxi’s waiting, he’s blowin’ his horn
Already I’m so lonesome I could die
Chorus
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
Verse 2
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
Chorus
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
Verse 3
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
Chorus
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
Outro
I’m leaving on a jet plane
Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
Similar Songs Like Leaving on a Jet Plane
Each song showcases his love for nature, home, and deep emotions, connecting listeners to simple yet powerful feelings through familiar lyrics and soothing music.
- Take Me Home, Country Roads: This song talks about the feeling of returning to a special place that feels like home.
- Annie’s Song: A sweet and loving song where John Denver expresses deep feelings for someone special in simple words.
- Rocky Mountain High: It celebrates the beauty of nature and how it brings the singer a sense of peace and happiness.
- Sunshine On My Shoulders: A gentle song about enjoying sunny days and feeling grateful for simple moments in life.
Similar Artists Like John Denver
If you enjoy John Denver’s music, you’ll likely appreciate these artists who blend folk, country, and soft rock sounds.
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James Taylor
Genre: Folk, Soft Rock
Top Album: Sweet Baby James (1970) -
Gordon Lightfoot
Genre: Folk, Country
Top Album: If You Could Read My Mind (1970) -
Jim Croce
Genre: Folk Rock, Acoustic
Top Album: You Don’t Mess Around with Jim (1972) -
Cat Stevens
Genre: Folk Rock, Soft Rock
Top Album: Tea for the Tillerman (1970)
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Leaving on a Jet Plane Always the Song’s Title?
No, John Denver first called it “Babe I Hate to Go” when he wrote it in 1966. The title was changed to “Leaving on a Jet Plane” in 1967.
Did John Denver’s Version Leaving on a Jet Plane Become a Big Hit?
No, John Denver’s version is well-known, but it did not chart. The most famous hit version was by Peter, Paul, and Mary.
What Inspired John Denver to Write Leaving on a Jet Plane?
He wrote it during a layover at Washington National Airport, thinking about the sadness of leaving someone you care about.
