Straighten Up & Fly Right
Angelyna Martinez Lyrics
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The monkey thought that ev'rything was on the square
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The monkey grabbed his neck and said, "Now, listen, Jack
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
Ain't no use in divin'. What's the use of jivin'?
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top"
Release your hold and I'll set you free"
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
"Your story's touching, but is sounds like a lie"
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
The song “Straighten Up & Fly Right” by Angelyna Martinez is a tribute to the classic swing jazz tune of the same name, originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1943. The lyrics tell a story of a buzzard who takes a monkey for a ride in the air. The monkey at first thinks everything is fine but then realizes that the buzzard is trying to throw him off his back. The monkey then tells the buzzard to straighten up and fly right, reminding him to stay focused and not get distracted. In the second verse, the buzzard tells the monkey to release his hold, promising to set him free, but the monkey sees through his lies and tells him to straighten up and stay right.
While the song is often interpreted as a moral lesson about honesty and integrity, it can also be seen as a metaphor for the challenges of navigating life’s obstacles. The monkey represents someone who is vulnerable and at risk of being taken advantage of, while the buzzard represents the forces in life that seek to exploit and manipulate others. By telling the buzzard to straighten up and fly right, the monkey is taking control of the situation and asserting his own agency.
Overall, “Straighten Up & Fly Right” is a timeless song that continues to resonate with audiences today. With its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and clever lyrics, it’s no wonder that the song has become a classic of the swing jazz genre.
Line by Line Meaning
The buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air
The buzzard deceived the monkey and took him for a ride through the air.
The monkey thought that ev'rything was on the square
The monkey believed that everything was going smoothly and fairly.
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The buzzard attempted to betray the monkey by throwing him off his back.
The monkey grabbed his neck and said, 'Now, listen, Jack'
The monkey took control of the situation and spoke firmly to the buzzard.
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and fly right
The monkey gave the buzzard advice to improve his behavior and actions.
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
The monkey urged the buzzard to keep calm and behave appropriately to succeed.
Ain't no use in divin'. What's the use of jivin'?
The monkey questioned the buzzard's choice to deceive and play games instead of being honest and straightforward.
The buzzard told the monkey, 'You're choking me'
The buzzard protested that the monkey was holding on too tightly and causing him trouble.
Release your hold and I'll set you free
The buzzard offered to let the monkey go if he stopped holding on so tightly.
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
The monkey looked directly and seriously at the buzzard before he spoke.
'Your story's touching, but is sounds like a lie'
The monkey did not believe the buzzard's explanations or excuses.
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and stay right
The monkey repeated his advice to the buzzard, telling him to improve and behave properly.
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
The monkey reminded the buzzard to stay calm and focused in order to succeed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Nat King Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind