Exploring the skies through music has been a timeless journey, with artists capturing the essence of flight in melodies and lyrics that evoke the freedom, adventure, and allure of soaring above the clouds. From classic tunes to contemporary hits, songs about flying have a unique ability to transport us to ethereal heights or convey the emotions tied to taking flight.
We’ve included our picks for the best 20 songs about flying and planes. They are from all kind of genres so no matter what music you listen to, there will be a son here for you.
20 Best Songs About Flying and Planes
1. “Come Fly With Me” By Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” is a joyful call to travel that captures the romance and excitement of seeing new places. Sinatra’s smooth vocals and upbeat tempo transport listeners to a whirlwind of locations while portraying the beauty of travel and the temptation of discovery. Together with Sinatra’s captivating performance, the song’s colourful orchestration generates an addictive energy that invites listeners to share in the thrill of an adventure full of limitless possibilities.
Sinatra creates a realistic picture of a jet-setting journey with her deft wordplay and striking visuals. The song’s first line, “Come fly with me, we’ll fly, we’ll fly away,” establishes the mood and instantly entices the listener to go on an amazing journey. The phrase’s repetition highlights the need for friendship and the common experience of travel.
2. “Eight Miles High” By The Byrds
The Byrds’ “Eight Miles High” is an essential tune to have in any compilation of songs about flying. This psychedelic rock song, which was released in the middle of the 1960s, broke through musical conventions. With its complex guitar lines, heavenly choruses, and mysterious lyrics, the song captures a soundscape that reflects the band’s experiences touring around England. “Eight Miles High” is a song that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of rock music.
It is frequently understood as a tribute to the exhilarating experiences of a surreal flight, both literally and figuratively. The song takes listeners on a sonic voyage and evokes a sense of altitude, mirroring the band’s experience of flying to England and embracing the hypnotic allure of higher realms.
3. “The Zephyr Song” By Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ “The Zephyr Song” is like a melodic floating fantasy. Imagine yourself enjoying the laid-back vocals and mellow guitar tones that give you the impression that you’re coasting on a breeze. It was released in the early 2000s and transports you on a serene flight through the skies. It’s like a sonic getaway.
The lyrics? They are all about that sensation of floating weightlessly on a sweet, liberating wind, like a lovely zephyr. This is the kind of music that makes you want to close your eyes and fly away from all of your troubles. In this song, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers truly captured the feeling of freedom and floating.
4. “Airplanes” by B.o.B. feat. Hayley Williams
B.o.B.’s song “Aeroplanes,” which features Hayley Williams, resembles a musical journal filled with lofty goals and what-if reflections on life. This hip-hop meets pop anthem, which was released in the late 2000s, really gets you talking about achieving your dreams. In the rap verses, B.o.B. explores themes of uncertainty in life and the desire to rewrite events, while in the chorus, Hayley Williams expresses a raw emotion that reflects the urge to take flight and get away from it all.
The lyrics depict a universe where everything is possible, reflecting on life while staring up at the sky. It serves as a reminder that everyone has aspirations of reaching new heights and boundaries, regardless of who they are.
5. “Fly Me To The Moon” By Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s song “Fly Me To The Moon” embodies a timeless love letter within a song. It’s a classic crooner’s portrayal of soaring to the skies with someone special, released in the late 1950s. The lyrics are all about this romantic retreat, about taking that fantastical moon trip with the person you love.
In order to show how much they are willing to follow their partner, the narrator asks the person they love to take them on an excursion to the stars and planets. It also symbolises the narrator’s willingness to go to tremendous measures for the person they love.
It feels like you’re gliding through space, hand in hand, with your significant other thanks to Sinatra’s silky voice and the jazzy composition. Even though the music has been around for a while, it still has that timeless appeal and feels new. It’s like being taken back in time every time you hear it, to a time when love songs were all about sweeping your significant other off on an unforgettable cosmic adventure.
6. “Learning to Fly” by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s “Learning to Fly” is a musical voyage into the wide unknown. This rock song, which was released in the late 1980s, perfectly expresses the feeling of taking off—both literally and figuratively. The guitar chords and pounding beat of the song give you the impression that you’re flying over the skies with Pink Floyd at your wheel.
The song’s lyrics emphasise the bravery of venturing into unknown areas, taking on obstacles head-on, and choosing your own route. It’s not just about flying; it’s also about developing yourself, being resilient, and experiencing the rush of taking flight. The song is a powerful anthem that speaks to anyone who has dared to move outside their comfort zone because of its blend of rock and reflective lyrics.
7. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver
John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a melancholy song that perfectly captures the feelings of desire and farewell. This moving ballad, which was released in the late 1960s, expresses the loss and excitement of saying goodbye to a loved one. It feels as though you’re sitting at the window seat, seeing the world shrink as the jet takes off, thanks to Denver’s heartfelt lyrics and the straightforward guitar strumming.
The song’s lyrics describe saying farewell, vowing to be back, and experiencing the pain of being apart. This song makes you feel things, reminding you of the times you had to say goodbye to someone you loved and weren’t sure when you’d see them again. It concerns the expectation of reunions and
8. “Big Jet Plane” by Angus and Julia Stone
Angus and Julia Stone’s “Big Jet Plane” is a quiet, personal song that transports you to a soulful place. This folksy, melodious song, which was released in the late 2000s, transports you on an emotional journey. The sound of Angus and Julia’s voices blended harmoniously with the song’s soft guitar strumming gives off an air of cosiness and warmth that makes you feel as though you’re on a large aircraft cuddled in a cocoon.
The song’s lyrics express love and longing, encapsulating the desire to leave reality and let the pure love between two people carry you away. It evokes the sensation of being curled up in someone’s arms and embarking on an adventure together, much like a musical embrace. The sincere simplicity of the song and
9. “Learning to Fly” By Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Rock song “Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers captures the spirit of resiliency and development. This upbeat song, which was released in the early 1990s, perfectly expresses the concept of conquering obstacles and gaining confidence. Petty’s signature vocals and the song’s steady beat give off an air of resolve, as though you’re taking off after a difficult time.
The idea of learning, failing, and then succeeding—in life and in love—resonates with the lyrics. It’s motivating, like a musical encouragement, to welcome change, face hardship, and welcome the thrill of fresh starts. The song is a timeless anthem that speaks to anyone on their path to resilience and self-discovery because of its blend of rock, reflection, and optimism.
10. “Like A Bird” By Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado’s “Like A Bird” is lighthearted music that makes you feel carefree. This funky song, which was released in the middle of the 2000s, makes you want to relax and just go with the flow. Furtado’s cool vocals and the song’s infectious tempo give off an air of freedom, as if you’re floating around carefree.
The song’s lyrics deal about letting go of worries and cacophony and simply living in the present. On a road trip, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, this is the kind of song you would blast. It’s a go-to anthem for those times when you just want to dance through life and embrace everything that it has to offer.
11. “Jet Airliner” By Steve Miller Band
Steve Miller Band’s “Jet Airliner” is like a musical passport for adventure. This timeless rock hymn, which was released in the late 1970s, inspires you to take to the road—or, in this case, the skies. Miller’s silky voice and the song’s catchy guitar riffs give off an exciting vibe as if you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey.
The song’s lyrics talk about the desire to fly away from one’s problems and escape on a jet plane. It’s that song that makes you desire to travel and discover new places when you have wanderlust. It has a beat that encourages you to sing along and tap your feet while daydreaming of taking flight over the skies.
The song is a must-listen for everyone with an itch for adventure and a need to let loose due to its positive attitude and contagious enthusiasm.
12. “High Flight” By John Gillespie Magee Jr. (performed by John Denver)
John Denver’s rendition of John Gillespie Magee Jr.’s “High Flight” is a musical ode to the marvels of flying and the splendour of the sky. Denver’s interpretation of Magee’s original poem captures the spirit of floating above the earth. You’ll feel as though you’re flying into the clouds with Denver thanks to his tranquil voice and the soft acoustic melody.
The song’s lyrics, which depict the sense of touching the skies and being embraced by the heavens, are a beautiful celebration of the freedom and thrill of flight. This upbeat song vividly depicts the amazing vistas and the overwhelming excitement of taking off, elevating your mood.
13. “Rocket Man” By Elton John
Elton John’s song “Rocket Man” , which was released in the early 1970s, perfectly captures the loneliness and desire of space travel. It feels as though you’re soaring through space with the Rocket Man himself, exploring uncharted territory, thanks to Elton’s unique voice and mysterious soundtrack.
The lyrics discuss the alone and loneliness of an astronaut’s life as they float among the stars, cut off from the outside world. This song masterfully blends a sense of melancholy with the breathtaking grandeur of space to depict the human experience of travelling beyond our bounds.
The song gains emotional depth from Elton’s delivery, making it an anthem for anyone who aspire to reach the stars despite the potential emotional cost of doing so.
14. “Sky Pilot” by Eric Burdon & The Animals
Eric Burdon & The Animals’ “Sky Pilot” explores what it’s like to be a military chaplain in times of war. It encapsulates the realities of war and the juxtaposition of flying amidst conflict.
Burdon’s powerful voice and the song’s powerful guitar riffs evoke a sense of urgency and tension that makes you feel as though you’re there in the middle of the turmoil. The chaplain, who serves as the sky pilot, and their faith provide comfort to warriors suffering the brutal realities of battle, as depicted in the lyrics.
This song explores themes of sacrifice, uncertainty, and the pursuit of purpose in the midst of upheaval, capturing the moral and emotional quandaries encountered during turbulent times.
15. “Into the Great Wide Open” by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ “Into the Great Wide Open” is a great rock song that vividly depicts the idea of pursuing aspirations and navigating the uncertain path that lies ahead. Petty’s narrative vocals and the lively tempo of the song give off an impression of adventure, as if you’re speeding down an open road with the wind in your hair. The song’s lyrics tell the tale of a young idealist who sets out into the world with hope and ambition only to learn about the ups and downs of celebrity and the unpredictable nature of life. This song perfectly expresses the spirit of taking chances, welcoming danger, and enduring life’s unexpected turns.
16. “Up, Up and Away” by The 5th Dimension
The 5th Dimension’s “Up, Up and Away” is a buoyant, uplifting song that celebrates the boundless joy of imagination and soaring above the clouds. Its whimsical lyrics and infectious rhythm evoke a sense of childlike wonder.
17. “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away” is an anthemic rock track that exudes a sense of liberation and independence. Its upbeat tempo and Kravitz’s impassioned vocals inspire listeners to break free from constraints and soar into the unknown.
18. “Flying” by The Beatles
The Beatles’ instrumental track “Flying” is an experimental piece that captures the sensation of flight through its hypnotic melody and dreamy instrumentation. The song’s ethereal soundscape invites listeners on a tranquil journey.
19. “Aeroplane” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers return with “Aeroplane,” a vibrant and energetic track that encapsulates the band’s signature blend of funk and rock. The song’s infectious rhythm and playful lyrics evoke the thrill of air travel.
20. “Fly” by Sugar Ray
“Fly” by Sugar Ray is a breezy, feel-good song that embodies the carefree spirit of youth and the desire for adventure. Its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm evoke a sense of nostalgia and the longing for endless summers.
Best Songs About Flying and Planes – Closing Remarks
Artists have long used the world of music as a canvas to depict a dreamlike state of flying and the attraction of aeroplanes. These songs capture the spirit of taking off, both physically and figuratively, from the exciting rock choruses to the dreamy ballads. They are more than just songs and lyrics; they take listeners to new heights and inspire feelings of adventure, freedom, and wanderlust.
These songs serve as windows into the human soul rather than just discussing the act of flying. They encapsulate the common desire for freedom from routine, for adventure outside of the ordinary, and for aspirations that inspire people to aim high. Every song has a whisper of a story about a person’s journey, be it the passionate longing that comes with leaving, the strength that comes from conquering obstacles, or the thoughtful thoughts that arise while in flight.
These songs listen in this article have an enduring appeal across genres and historical periods. They become trip companions, adventure anthems, and consolation for those looking for comfort in the embrace of music. The melodies of music—whether soaring guitar solos, mesmerising rhythms, gentle ballads, or intense beats—all act as emotional backdrops for the rollercoaster of life’s emotions.
Their songs offer listeners a connection to the indescribable experience of flight in addition to pure entertainment. These songs capture the insatiable yearning of the human spirit to go beyond boundaries, explore the uncharted, and find beauty in the process of travelling.
The greatest songs about aviation and flying encourage us to embrace the skies and soar into the vast unknown by serving as a reminder that flying is more than just the physical act—it’s a profound emotional and existential trip. These ageless tunes act as a gentle reminder that the sky is a blank canvas on which our dreams can soar, not just a place to go.
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A music enthusiast who has taken his passion for music to the next level by starting his own blog. He spends most of his free time listening to new albums, attending concerts, and researching emerging artists.
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