About the song
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a deeply moving song written by John Denver in 1966. Originally, it appeared on his debut demo recording, where it was titled “Babe I Hate to Go.” Denver, who was just beginning his music career, distributed copies of this early version as Christmas gifts that year. With encouragement from his producer, Milt Okun, the song was retitled “Leaving on a Jet Plane” in 1967.
The song gained significant attention when the popular folk group Peter, Paul and Mary released their version in 1969, which contributed to its growing fame. Denver recorded the song again for his debut studio album, “Rhymes & Reasons,” and released it as a single through RCA Records in October 1969. Despite its popularity, the single did not chart at that time.
In 1973, Denver recorded the song once more for his “Greatest Hits” album, and this version has since become the most recognized and is featured on many of his compilation albums. In 1998, Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk also recorded a version that reached No. 33 on the Canadian charts.
John Denver, then a young musician in Los Angeles, composed the song during a layover at Washington National Airport. Denver described the song as a personal reflection on the experience of leaving loved ones behind. He emphasized that it captures the emotional weight of departure, not just the mechanical aspects of flying.
While the song was not originally about the Vietnam War, its poignant lyrics resonated with many, including those interpreting it as a protest song about soldiers leaving for war. Denver himself noted that the song remains special and bittersweet to him, representing the enduring sense of separation and longing that comes with farewells.
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Lyrics
All my bags are packed
I’m ready to go
I’m standin’ here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin’
It’s early morn
The taxi’s waitin’
He’s blowin’ 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 leavin’ 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 leavin’ 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
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
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 leavin’ on a jet plane
Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
But, I’m leavin’ on a jet plane
Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go