Anyone who has ever been on a plane will tell you that the experience can be either spectacular or nerve-wracking, depending on your point of view.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just taking your first flight, these 20 songs about flying will help to make the experience more enjoyable.
From classical pieces to contemporary pop anthems, there’s something for everyone on this list. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
By the way, if you’re searching for songs about flying, you may also like some of our other playlists, like songs about freedom, songs about friday, songs about psycho, songs about soaring, and songs about space.The Second Star to the Right – Peter Pan
The song “The Second Star to the Right” is a beloved tune from the 1953 Disney classic, Peter Pan.
The lyrics were written by Sammy Cahn, and the music was composed by Sammy Fain.
The song is sung by Peter Pan, as he flies through the London sky with Wendy Darling.
In the film, the song represents the power of dreams and hope, as well as the magic of never growing up.
The lyrics tell of a place “beyond the right hand of God,” where one can find happiness and their heart’s desire.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Stevie Nicks, Taylor Swift, and John Legend.
It remains an iconic and timeless classic that continues to inspire listeners of all ages.
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” is one of the most enduring and popular songs of all time.
Originally written in 1954 by Bart Howard, the song has been covered by many artists over the years.
However, it was Sinatra’s 1964 rendition that really made the song take off.
Featuring only a piano and Sinatra’s signature crooning, the song quickly became a favorite of both critics and fans.
In addition to its popularity, “Fly Me to the Moon” is also notable for its connections to space exploration.
The song was played on board the Apollo 11 mission, making it the first piece of music to be heard on the moon.
Today, “Fly Me to the Moon” remains an everlasting symbol of both Sinatra and the Space Age.
Superman – Five for Fighting
Superman is a song by Five for Fighting that was released in 2001.
The song is about a man who is struggling to deal with the challenges of life and is seeking guidance from Superman.
The lyrics describe the man’s feelings of inadequacy and his need for someone to look up to.
The song has been praised for its emotion and its ability to connect with listeners.
It has also been popular among people who are dealing with personal challenges or who are seeking inspiration.
Superman has become an anthem for many people, and it continues to be one of Five for Fighting’s most popular songs.
Drunk on a Plane – Dierks Bentley
“Drunk on a Plane” is a song by American country music singer Dierks Bentley.
It was released in May 2014 as the lead single from his seventh studio album, Riser.
The song was written by Bentley, Jim Beavers, and Brett Beavers.
The song’s narrator is a man who is flying home from his bachelor party, and he imagines all of the things he could do if he had a bottle of whiskey on the plane.
He fantasizes about getting drunk and flirting with the flight attendant, among other things.
The song has been well-received by critics, who praised its clever lyrics and Bentley’s vocal performance.
Up, Up, and Away – The 5th Dimension
Sammy Davis Jr.’s 1968 hit “Up, Up, and Away” is one of the most recognizable songs of the 20th century.
The cheerful tune and lyrics about flying high have made it a favorite among children and adults alike.
But there’s more to the song than meets the eye. In addition to being a timeless classic, “Up, Up, and Away” is also a highly effective marketing tool.
The song was written by Jimmy Webb as part of an advertising campaign for United Airlines.
Webb was commissioned to write a song that would capture the spirit of flight, and he succeeded brilliantly.
“Up, Up, and Away” has since been used in commercials for everything from cars to credit cards.
Its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness as a marketing tool, as well as its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics.
I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly
I Believe I Can Fly is a song written and performed by R. Kelly, released in 1996.
The song was originally written for the film Space Jam, but was not used in the final cut of the movie.
However, it was included on the film’s soundtrack album and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song has since been covered by numerous artists and has become an anthem of hope and inspiration.
I Believe I Can Fly is notable for its uplifting message and Kelly’s soaring vocals.
The lyrics tell the story of someone who has faced setbacks and failures but still believes in their ability to achieve their dreams.
The song has been praised for its ability to empower listeners and instill a sense of confidence.
In spite of its popularity, I Believe I Can Fly has also been criticized for its use of auto-tune and Kelly’s personal history of sexual misconduct.
Nonetheless, the song remains an enduring classic and continues to inspire listeners all over the world.
Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
Danger Zone is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins.
It was released in May 1986 as the lead single from the soundtrack to the film Top Gun.
The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a global hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries.
Danger Zone was written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, and produced by Moroder.
The song is an uptempo synth-pop track that features a prominent saxophone riff.
It has been widely praised for its Catchy hook and energetic melody.
Danger Zone has been used in popular movies numerous times.
It remains one of Loggins’ most successful songs, and is considered one of the best movie songs of all time.
Fly – Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna
The song “Fly” by Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna is a catchy and powerful pop anthem.
It was released in 2011 as the lead single from Minaj’s debut album, Pink Friday.
The lyrics are written in a ethereal and emotive style, and the vocals are both powerful and tender.
The track features an infectious hook sung by Rihanna, and its positive message of self-empowerment resonated with listeners around the world.
In the years since its release, “Fly” has become one of Minaj’s most iconic and popular songs, helping to cement her status as one of the world’s biggest superstars.
Learn to Fly – Foo Fighters
“Learn to Fly” is a song by the American rock band Foo Fighters, released as the lead single from their 1999 album There Is Nothing Left to Lose.
The song was written by Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, and Chris Shiflett, and it features a catchy, upbeat melody and lyrics that encourage the listener to spread their wings and fly.
The song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching the top 40 in several countries and receiving widespread radio airplay.
In terms of its theme of flying, “Learn to Fly” can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming challenges and achieving one’s goals.
The lyrics encourage the listener to “find [their] way” and “break away” from whatever is holding them back, suggesting the idea of breaking free from one’s constraints and reaching new heights.
The song’s upbeat and optimistic tone further reinforces this message of hope and perseverance.
Overall, “Learn to Fly” is a classic rock anthem that has inspired many people with its message of hope and determination.
As one of Foo Fighters’ most popular songs, it has solidified the band’s place in the pantheon of great rock acts and continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
I’m Like A Bird – Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado’s song “I’m Like a Bird” was released in November 2000 as the lead single from her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!
The song was an instant success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and eventually being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
The song is notable for its use of bird imagery and metaphors, which have been interpreted in a variety of ways.
Some believe that the lyrics are about the feeling of freedom that comes with being in love, while others interpret the song as a commentary on the transient nature of life.
Regardless of its meaning, “I’m Like a Bird” remains one of Nelly Furtado’s most iconic and beloved songs.
Given To Fly – Pearl Jam
Given To Fly is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam.
It was released on January 16, 1998 as the first single from their fifth studio album, Yield.
Written by lead singer Eddie Vedder, the song was inspired by a dream he had in which he was “given to fly” like a bird.
The lyrics are interpretations of the dream, and deal with themes of freedom and spirituality.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Pearl Jam’s best-known singles.
Given To Fly has been included on multiple Pearl Jam greatest hits compilations, and was ranked number 859 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “Greatest Songs of All Time”.
Come Fly With Me – Frank Sinatra
Come Fly With Me is a song written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, and originally performed by Frank Sinatra.
The song was commissioned by the owners of the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was intended to promote the new jet service that had recently begun flying guests to the casino from Los Angeles.
Sinatra’s recording of the song quickly became a massive hit, reaching the top of the Billboard charts in 1958.
In addition to its commercial success, Come Fly With Me also received critical acclaim, winning a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Male Vocalist.
Over the years, the song has become one of Sinatra’s signature tunes, and has been recorded by numerous other artists.
Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz
The song “Fly Away” was released by Lenny Kravitz in 1998.
The song became a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
“Fly Away” is a song about freedom and escape.
The lyrics describe a person who is tired of the grind of everyday life and yearns to fly away to a better place.
The song speaks to the feeling of being trapped and wanting to break free.
The soaring vocals and uplifting music create a sense of hope and possibility.
“Fly Away” is a timeless anthem of freedom that continues to inspire people all over the world.
Leaving On A Jet Plane – John Denver
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a song written by American singer-songwriter John Denver.
The song was released as a single in 1969, and it became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in the United Kingdom and number two in the United States.
The song is about a person who is leaving on a jet plane and is unsure if they will ever return.
Denver wrote the song while he was living in London, and it is thought to be based on his own experiences of leaving the city to travel to America.
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” has since been covered by numerous artists, including Peter, Paul and Mary, who had a hit with their version of the song in 1970.
Denver himself recorded a new version of the song in 1987, which was featured on his album One World.
Jet Airliner – Steve Miller Band
The song Jet Airliner was released by the Steve Miller Band in 1977.
The song is about a man who is trying to get home to his loved ones, but he is continually delayed by bad weather and mechanical problems.
Despite the setbacks, he remains determined to make it back to them.
The song reflects the frustration that many people feel when they are stuck in a long journey.
However, it also highlights the importance of perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity.
Jet Airliner remains one of the Steve Miller Band’s most popular songs, and it continues to resonate with listeners who can relate to its message.
Learning To Fly – Pink Floyd
Few songs are as iconic as “Learning to Fly” by Pink Floyd.
The song was released in 1987 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, thanks in part to its memorable melody and lyrics.
The song is believed to be about the human journey from birth to death, and its lyrics reflect this theme.
The first verse talks about the process of learning to fly, which is often used as a metaphor for growing up and becoming an adult.
The second verse discusses the ups and downs of life, and how we all face challenges that test our strength and resolve.
The chorus encourages listeners to keep going, even when times are tough.
Flying High Again – Ozzy Osbourne
“Flying High Again” is a song by British rock band Ozzy Osbourne.
It was released as the lead single from the band’s sixth studio album, Diary of a Madman, in 1981.
The song was written by Osbourne and bassist Bob Daisley, and it was produced by Osbourne and multi-instrumentalist Randy Rhoads.
“Flying High Again” is one of the band’s most popular songs, and it has been performed live regularly throughout their career.
The song is notable for its catchy Hook and guitar solo, which are both considered to be among the best in rock music.
“Flying High Again” has been included on several of the band’s live albums and compilations, and it remains a staple of their live shows to this day.
On The Wings of Love – Jeffrey Osbourne
On The Wings of Love is a song by American singer Jeffrey Osborne, released in 1985 as the lead single from his self-titled album.
The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a worldwide hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries.
On The Wings of Love is a love song with a simple but effective message: that love can help us overcome any obstacle.
The lyrics tell the story of a couple who are kept apart by circumstance but are eventually reunited.
The song’s enduring popularity is testament to its universal message of hope and love.
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Wind Beneath My Wings is a song written in 1982 by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley.
The song was first recorded by Bette Midler for the soundtrack of the film Beaches, and it quickly became one of her signature songs.
In the years since its release, the song has been covered by many different artists and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
The lyrics of the song are about appreciation and gratitude, and they have resonated with many people over the years.
The song is often associated with funerals and memorials, but it also has a more uplifting message about how the love and support of others can help us through difficult times.
Wind Beneath My Wings is a song that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, and it will continue to do so for many years to come.
Watching Airplanes – Gary Allan
Gary Allan’s song “Watching Airplanes” is a ballad about a young man who is reminiscing about a past love.
The song reflects on the feelings of nostalgia and longing that can come with looking back on a relationship.
The lyrics describe the narrator’s experience of watching airplanes take off, and how they reminder him of his former partner who is now “flying high” without him.
Although the song is sad, it also has a message of hope, as the narrator recognizes that he is still able to move forward after the end of the relationship.
The song has resonated with many listeners, and its popularity has led to it being covered by several other artists.
Final Thoughts On Songs About Flying
So there you have it, 18 of the best songs about flying.
Whether you’re a fan of rock music, ballads, or R&B, there’s sure to be a song on this list that you’ll enjoy.
If you’re looking for songs to listen to while flying, these are great options.
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