Skyliner
Carmen McRae Lyrics

Skyliner, skyliner
Addressing the plane "Skyliner", the singer expresses awe and admiration for the bird's unbound freedom as it carries them through the sky.

Flying so freely
Continuing the previous thought, the singer describes the plane's movement as completely unrestricted and uninhibited.

We seem to really
The singer and fellow passengers experience the thrill of flying, which feels like reaching new heights and coming closer to reaching heaven.

Touch heaven higher
The plane ascends ever higher, creating the feeling of being closer to the heavens or outer space.

Higher, ever higher
Reemphasizing the continued climb, and the associated exhilaration of traveling higher above the earth.

Sunbeams all dance
Painting a vivid picture, the singer imagines rays of sunshine dancing over the plane's wings and illuminating the passenger cabin.

On your wings
The piece of machinery that is soaring through the air is personified as having wings that are getting the attention of the sunbeams.

Where the light falls
The light of the sun is shining specifically in certain areas, such as wherever the wings' surfaces are angled to receive it.

And then when night falls
The plane continues its journey through the day and then into the sunset, moving forward without a break.

Stars dance above
As night falls and the sky darkens, the stars come out and appear to twinkle and move above the plane.

Giving a show
The stars become the entertainment for those on the ground looking up, as they appear to move in relation to the plane's fixed location in the sky.

For the people below
The display of stars is visible and enjoyed by those not on the plane, such as those on the ground, adding to the spectacle of the aircraft's journey.

As we fly, as we fly
During the course of the flight, the stars provide an ongoing natural light show, enhancing the sense of awe that the flight induces.

So high
The plane is soaring at great height above the earth, contributing to the experience of complete freedom and exhilaration.

Hearing each single beat
Amidst the sounds of the engines and air moving past the fuselage, the singer can perceive and appreciate the rhythm and repetition of the machinery that keeps them in the air.

Of the motor's repeat
Describing the sound of the engine in more detail, particularly noting its consistent noise and the calming effect it has placed on the artist.

With a sigh, baby
After observing the beat of the engine, the artist utters a deep and possibly romantic sigh, indirectly calling the plane 'baby'.

By and by
The singer contemplates a future, either long-term or short-term, in which they can continue to experience the joys of flight and the peace that comes with moving through the sky.

[Chorus]
The highlighted section is the chorus, which repeats the singer's desire to be with their loved one and the appreciation for the plane that transports them home.

I'll hold him close
The artist is met with an image of embracing their romantic partner, likely waiting for them when they land.

That's the sweet song they sing me
The idea of hugging their significant other becomes the 'song' that the artist refers to, indicating that it is a comforting, delightful thought that fills them with happiness.

I'm hurrying home to you
The artist reminds themselves that their mission is to get home to their partner, so they can experience the feeling of closeness that the plane evokes.

I'm through with being lonely
The singer acknowledges that the act of traveling without their partner has been lonely, and that they are ready to put that behind them as soon as possible.

Don't you know you're
The artist addresses their partner directly and begins a sentence that will lead into a declaration of love and importance.

My one and only
Completing the previous sentence, the singer communicates that their partner is the most important person in their life, the only one they wish to be with, and that the plane has facilitated that reunion.

Fast, fast, traveling fast
The singer shifts focus from the emotions brought on by the plane back to the journey itself, describing the speed at which they are traveling.

Dear, all the quarrels of the past
Using an endearment, the singer creates a tone of tenderness and then immediately suggests that any arguments or conflicts that have taken place between the two of them should be left behind in the new era of their union.

We'll keep in the past, dear
Building on the previous line, the artist further clarifies their commitment to leaving the bad history behind and only moving forward in their relationship.

I wanna be in your arms
The artist drifts into a more detailed recollection of the actions they envision taking once they reunite with their partner.

Where I can hug and kiss you
Continuing the visualization, the singer explains that they want to embrace and kiss their lover, possibly with the aid of the reassuring force of the plane's comforting sound and continued motion.

Wanna show you the way I miss you
The singer further clarifies the depth of feeling for their partner, indicating that they have missed them tremendously and are eager to show them that they are feeling missed.

Fast, fast, traveling fast
Repeating a previous line reiterates the speed and forward movement of the plane, adding to the suggestions of the inevitability of the reunion of the artist and their loved ones.

Dear, and to have you close
Addressing their partner once again with another term of endearment, the artist continues to emphasize how much they desire the closeness of a person they care for deeply.

Is all that I'm thinking of
The final line of the song reinforces the artist's intentions to reunite with their partner, suggesting that the plane has successfully and safely brought them closer to their loved ones than they ever thought possible.