Flying Down to Rio
Fred Astaire Lyrics


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An old sailor, in old time, would sing an old song
Rolling down to Rio by the sea
A young sailor, in these times, would sing a new song
Flying down to Rio, come with me!
Where the lovely Brazilian ladies will catch your eye
By the light of the million stars in the evening sky

My Rio, Rio by the Sea-o
Flying down to Rio where there's rhythm and rhyme
Hey feller, twirl that old propeller
Got to get to Rio and we've got to make time
You'll love it, soaring high above it
Looking down on Rio from a heaven of blue
Send a radio to Rio de Janeiro
With a big hello just so they'll know and stand by there
We'll fly there
Oh, Rio, ev'rything will be okay
We're singing and winging our way to you

You'll love it, soaring high above it
Looking down on Rio from a heaven of blue
Send a radio to Rio de Janeiro
With a big hello just so they'll know and stand by there
We'll fly there




Oh, Rio, ev'rything will be okay
We're singing and winging our way to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fred Astaire's song Flying Down to Rio describe the excitement and allure of traveling from a sailor's perspective. The lyrics contrast old and new times, with an old sailor singing about rolling down to Rio by sea, while a young sailor sings about flying to Rio. The song speaks of the beauty that awaits in Rio, particularly the lovely Brazilian ladies that will catch your eye under the evening sky. While the journey may require some effort - such as twirling the old propeller and making time - the reward will be worth it, as the song promises a heaven of blue and an ultimate destination of excitement and adventure.


Overall, the mood of the song is one of optimism and adventure, as the sailors take to the skies in search of excitement and the beauty of Rio. The lyrics envision a paradise of rhythm and rhyme, where everything will be okay and the journey will be worth it. The song's lyrics tap into the spirit of travel and discovery, reflecting the excitement and wonder that can arise from new experiences and new places.


Line by Line Meaning

An old sailor, in old time, would sing an old song Rolling down to Rio by the sea
Back in the day, a sailor would croon a melody about rolling down to Rio by the sea


A young sailor, in these times, would sing a new song Flying down to Rio, come with me!
These days, a sea dweller would sing about flying down to Rio, asking you to come along


Where the lovely Brazilian ladies will catch your eye By the light of the million stars in the evening sky
In Rio, the gorgeous Brazilian women will capture your attention, illuminated by millions of stars in the night sky


My Rio, Rio by the Sea-o Flying down to Rio where there's rhythm and rhyme
Rio, the city by the sea, is the destination where the heart beats to the rhythm of the music


Hey feller, twirl that old propeller Got to get to Rio and we've got to make time
Spin the propeller, let's hurry to Rio and make haste


You'll love it, soaring high above it Looking down on Rio from a heaven of blue
You'll adore Rio, while gliding above it, peering at it from the heavens above


Send a radio to Rio de Janeiro With a big hello just so they'll know and stand by there We'll fly there
Let's send a message to Rio de Janeiro and let them know we're coming. We'll fly there soon enough


Oh, Rio, ev'rything will be okay We're singing and winging our way to you
Rio, don't worry as everything will be alright. We're flying to you while singing on our way




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VINCENT YOUMANS, GUS KAHN, EDWARD ELISCU

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@OLD_SOUL1900

My thanks for posting this masterpiece in such outstanding quality!😁And with Fred and Ginger, it's always the time!😚 I was transported to the time I long to be. Again, thank you!πŸ˜‰

@punkworkschannel

This is just amazing! Not sure how the ladies would effect the aerodynamics of those wings but great entertainment none the less!

@pauljung3534

Imagine that, Fred serenading a flock of angels down from heaven.

@OLD_SOUL1900

Ha! YES! One of those gorgeous angels being the lovely Ginger Rogers!πŸ‘€πŸ’–

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