Goldblum has also starred in several TV series, including the eighth and ninth seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent as Zack Nichols. He directed the short film Little Surprises, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
Jeffrey Lynn Goldblum was born to Jewish parents on October 22, 1952, in West Homestead, Pennsylvania. He is of Austrian-Jewish and Russian-Jewish descent. His mother, Shirley Jane Goldblum (née Temeles; 30 October 1926 – 9 January 2012), was a radio broadcaster who later ran a kitchen equipment and appliances sales firm; his father, Harold Leonard Goldblum (25 April 1920 – 23 February 1983), was a medical doctor and major in the U.S. Army during World War II. He has a sister, Pamela, and an older brother, Lee. Another older brother, Rick, died of kidney failure at age 23.
During his childhood, Goldblum belonged to an Orthodox synagogue and had a bar mitzvah ceremony. His parents were interested in show business. His father nearly studied acting before deciding to pursue medical studies. Goldblum moved to New York City at 17 to become an actor. He worked on the stage and studied acting at the renowned Neighborhood Playhouse under the guidance of acting coach Sanford Meisner. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical Two Gentlemen of Verona. He is also an accomplished jazz pianist and declared that if he did not act, he would have become a professional musician.
Straighten Up And Fly Right
Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The monkey thought that everything 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
Ain't no use in diving (Ain't no use, no no)
What's the use in jiving? (What's the use in jiving?)
Straighten up and fly right (Straighten up, yeah)
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
The buzzard told the monkey you are choking me
Release your hold and I will set you free
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
"Your story's so touching, but it sounds just 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
To do to do to do do do
Ohh, The buzzard told the monkey you are choking me
Release your hold and I will set you free
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
"Your story's so touching, but it sounds just like- oh"
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
To do to do to do do do do, do do do
Oh oh oh
Da da, da da, da da, da da
Straighten up and fly right (Straighten up, wop wop)
Straighten up and stay right (Oh, stay right)
Straighten up and fly right (Oh oh, yeah yeah)
Cool down, papa
Don't you blow
Your top
Fly right
The lyrics of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" tell a story of a buzzard and a monkey in a metaphorical context. The buzzard is depicted as someone who takes advantage of others, while the monkey represents an individual who initially trusts the buzzard but eventually realizes the deception.
The first verse introduces the buzzard taking the monkey for a ride, with the monkey believing that everything is fair and honest. However, the buzzard's true nature is revealed when he attempts to throw the monkey off his back. This action prompts the monkey to take control of the situation and assert himself, urging the buzzard to straighten up and fly right.
The chorus reinforces the monkey's message, repeating the phrase "Straighten up and fly right" as a mantra. The second verse reinforces the monkey's determination as he confronts the buzzard, telling him that his story may be emotionally compelling but seems false. The monkey's refusal to believe the buzzard's words serves as a metaphor for not being easily deceived by empty promises or charm.
The repetition of the chorus showcases the importance of staying on the right path and not allowing oneself to be swayed or manipulated. The phrase "cool down, papa, don't you blow your top" suggests the need for the buzzard to control his temper and not lose his composure. It serves as a reminder to maintain a level-headed approach, even in challenging situations.
Overall, the lyrics of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" encourage the listener to be vigilant, not easily falling for the deceitful tactics or empty promises of others. The song's metaphorical narrative highlights the importance of asserting oneself, questioning false narratives, and staying true to one's own principles.
Line by Line Meaning
A buzzard took a monkey for a ride in the air
A cunning opportunist took advantage of a naïve individual in a precarious situation
The monkey thought that everything was on the square
The naïve individual believed that the situation was fair and honest
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The opportunist attempted to rid themselves of the responsibility or burden imposed by the naïve individual
The monkey grabbed his neck and said, "Now listen, Jack"
The individual, refusing to be easily discarded, firmly confronted the opportunist
Straighten up and fly right
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Straighten up and fly right
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Straighten up and fly right
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
Relax, my friend, don't let your emotions get the best of you
Ain't no use in diving (Ain't no use, no no)
There is no benefit in futilely plunging into unnecessary actions
What's the use in jiving? (What's the use in jiving?)
What purpose does engaging in meaningless talk serve?
Straighten up and fly right (Straighten up, yeah)
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
Relax, my friend, don't let your emotions get the best of you
The buzzard told the monkey you are choking me
The opportunist claimed that the naïve individual was suffocating their freedom
Release your hold and I will set you free
If you let go, I promise to liberate you from this situation
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
The individual confidently confronted the opportunist, maintaining direct eye contact
"Your story's so touching, but it sounds just like a lie"
"Your narrative may sound emotional and heartfelt, but it lacks credibility"
Straighten up and fly right
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Straighten up and stay right
Adopt a more responsible and upright behavior
Straighten up and fly right
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
Relax, my friend, don't let your emotions get the best of you
To do to do to do do do
To act decisively and purposefully
Ohh, The buzzard told the monkey you are choking me
The opportunist claimed that the naïve individual was suffocating their freedom
Release your hold and I will set you free
If you let go, I promise to liberate you from this situation
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
The individual confidently confronted the opportunist, maintaining direct eye contact
"Your story's so touching, but it sounds just like- oh"
"Your narrative may sound emotional and heartfelt, but it lacks credibility"
Straighten up and fly right
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Straighten up and stay right
Adopt a more responsible and upright behavior
Straighten up and fly right
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
Relax, my friend, don't let your emotions get the best of you
To do to do to do do do do, do do do
To act decisively and purposefully
Oh oh oh
Expressing surprise or realization
Da da, da da, da da, da da
Musical interlude
Straighten up and fly right (Straighten up, wop wop)
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Straighten up and stay right (Oh, stay right)
Adopt a more responsible and upright behavior
Straighten up and fly right (Oh oh, yeah yeah)
Adopt a more responsible and moral approach
Cool down, papa
Relax, my friend
Don't you blow
Don't let your emotions burst out uncontrollably
Your top
Your temper or patience
Fly right
Behave correctly and responsibly
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Nat King Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Fraser Urquhart
its like a group of professional jazz musicians letting one of their crazy friends sit in with them
J.G. Zilco
Exactly.
da11king
🤣 loll I am also a keyboardist...sooo true what you said. He s definitely taking advantage of "arts"
chris yang
It is good to be famous
Irawan Gani
by that you mean, the person who gets you paid 5 times the usual rate because of him?
Martin Eyer
Man I don’t think you understand jazz piano. Jeff is actually very good Jazz pianist 👍
M. Entera
I love how Jeff uses his whole body to show his appreciation for the excellent musicians he performs with.
Annie Warbux🏴☠️
Fascinated when performers do crossovers! Jeff has Unique execution and timing! A dragging kind of way of staying in time! His playing reflects his personality!! Bravo!!
John tatum
Jeff goldblum surprisingly good musician and great actor.
mitchell wiseman
this man needs an npr tiny desk concert !