Straighten up and fly right
Charlie and the Bachelors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 and fly right' by Charlie and the Bachelors is a narrative of a monkey who is taken for a ride on the back of a buzzard, but soon realizes that the bird wants to throw him off his back. The monkey tells the buzzard to straighten up and fly right, meaning that he should fly in a straight line without any tricks or deception. The monkey adds that the buzzard shouldn't get angry or agitated and should stay calm, cool-headed and collected.
The meaning of the song is that people should not allow others to deceive or take advantage of them. They should recognize when someone is trying to harm them and stand up for themselves, as the monkey did. The song encourages listeners to stay on the right path, even if it's not easy or convenient, and to not let their emotions get the better of them.
This song was inspired by a folk tale that Nat King Cole's father used to tell him called 'The Monkey and the Buzzard,' which had a similar story. Nat King Cole recorded his own version of the song in 1944, and it became a hit, reaching number one on the R&B charts.
Line by Line Meaning
The buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air
The buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air.
The monkey thought that every thing was on the square
The monkey believed everything was fine and trustworthy.
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The buzzard attempted to shake off the monkey from his back.
The monkey grabbed his neck and said, 'Now, listen, Jack
The monkey held onto the buzzard's neck and spoke sternly to him.
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and fly right
Shape up and act properly to reach success.
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
Adjust yourself to the right path and remain calm, don't get frustrated.
Ain't no use in divin', what's the use of jivin'?
There is no point in messing around or lying.
The buzzard told the monkey, 'You're choking me
The buzzard informed the monkey he was being suffocated.
Release your hold and I'll set you free
If you let go of me, I will release you.
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
The monkey stared right at the buzzard and spoke candidly.
Your story's touching, but it sounds like a lie
Your explanation is emotional, but it seems untrue.
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and stay right
Correct yourself and stick to the proper path.
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
Straighten up and remain calm to reach success.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Nat King Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Late Late Show with James Corden
Which way?
Jill Hollon
Datway!
Alice Forslund
datway😂
Amira Husna
The Late Late Show with James Corden datway!
Arão Bongue
daway
Mr Mosely
I dont know what way i think im lost can someone inform me on where to go
Alexis Dominique
Still one of the funniest carpools…Rest In Peace Takeoff.
Z-40
Bro took off
Quinn Rife
I had to come back to watch it
jitbass
@Z-40 😐