John William Baldry, popularly known as Long John Baldry (January 12, 1941 … Read Full Bio ↴John William Baldry, popularly known as Long John Baldry (January 12, 1941 – July 21, 2005) was a pioneering blues singer from England. He sang with and influenced many notable British musicians with Rod Stewart and Elton John appearing in bands led by Baldry at various stages of the 1960s. He enjoyed pop success in the UK where "Let The Heartaches Begin" reached #1 in 1967 and in Australia where his duet with Kathi McDonald "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" reached the top 5 of the charts in 1980. Baldry lived in Canada from the late 1970s until his death, where he continued to make records and do voiceover work. He is known and loved by a younger generation as the voice of Dr. Robotnik in Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Flying
Long John Baldry Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm flying across the ocean and I'm soaring
Back home to the place I was born
You know that I'm flying across the mountains
And valleys, back home to the one that I love so much

Now don't blame me for feeling homesick
I have been away for such a very long, long time
Lord, you know I served once in the county jail

And I feel strong for being hungry, tired and poor

On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows

Yeah, with your buttons and bows
Yeah, with your buttons and bows
Yeah, with your buttons and bows
Yeah, with your buttons and bows

I'm flying across the ocean and I'm soaring
Back home to the place I was born
You know that I'm flying across the mountains
And valleys, back home to the one that I love and miss

On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows
On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows

On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows
On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows

Oh, with your buttons and bows
(On and on, guess I was born to run)
(With your buttons and bows)
Yeah, with your buttons and bows

On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows
On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows

On and on, guess I was born to run
With your buttons and bows

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Long John Baldry's song "Flying" describe a feeling of homesickness and a yearning to return to the place where he was born and to the one he loves. He sings about flying across the ocean, mountains, and valleys to reach his destination. Baldry acknowledges that he has been away for a very long time and has faced difficulties, including serving time in jail and struggling with hunger and poverty. However, the desire to reunite with his loved ones is strong, and he feels born to run towards them, as though it is part of his destiny. The repetition of "with your buttons and bows" at the end of each verse creates a poignant and wistful tone, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Overall, the song is about the universal experience of longing for home and the people we love. It captures the bittersweet feeling of returning to familiar places and people, while acknowledging the hardships that may have been faced in the past.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm flying across the ocean and I'm soaring
I'm travelling across the sea and sky, feeling ecstatic and free

Back home to the place I was born
Returning to my place of origin

You know that I'm flying across the mountains
I'm travelling over high peaks

And valleys, back home to the one that I love so much
Going through low lands to reach the person I deeply care about

Now don't blame me for feeling homesick
Understand that I miss my home and loved ones

I have been away for such a very long, long time
I've been absent for an extended period

Lord, you know I served once in the county jail
God knows I was once imprisoned in the county jail

And I feel strong for being hungry, tired and poor
Surviving adversity strengthened me

On and on, guess I was born to run
My destiny seems to be one of constant movement

With your buttons and bows
Possibly a reference to flashy or superficial objects

Yeah, with your buttons and bows

Oh, with your buttons and bows

Contributed by Jayce I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

@stevemchugh1776

12w↑1

This song was an FM rock classic when I was growing up on Long Island in the 60's and early 70's. It's a GREAT song, and I still love to hear it. Brings back a lot of memories.

@pacskye

24w↑4

I saw him in concert at the Whiskey in Los Angeles. He played this song. It was in my head when I was flying back from England to California. I'd been away for a semester in college. Seeing him was amazing. Love you, John.

@NeilBarrettSLT

4y↑40

Don't come to my funeral if you don't want to hear this song in full at the end.

@tsnyunt1

3y↑2

Amen

@deborahcassidymacphail2097

3y↑3

Perfect

@deborahcassidymacphail2097

1y↑2

Could I get an invite?

@Frenchblue8

13w

All in all....

@Frenchblue8

13w

I'm thinking just the middle 8 from Aqualung, the guitar solo Martin did on the first take.
After that I 'm torn between maybe four

@BobRoden-vy8oi

6w↑1

Classic Elton

@Frenchblue8

Soooo totally classic Elton,

@kimtyndall5211

3y↑16

I've had this album since 1972 - John Baldry was an essential part of the evolution of Rock.

@tomhinton7099

4y↑29

Why have I not heard this before? Talk about a one time listen and getting hooked!

@theBellydancer1949

3y↑2

Ha! ha! "Hooked" - that's 'cos three of the band Hookfoot are playing on this album. Roger Pope - drums, Caleb Quaye - guitar, Dave Glover - bass. Google Hookfoot on youtube!

@tehayes99

I might have heard this song before, but heard it this past Sunday on SXM and it stuck. It went on my list of albums to find.

@missmayflower

46w

The whole album is absolute gold. His voice was at its peak.

@caryellis9575

2y↑3

This is what a MASTERPIECE sounds like ......

@richardmaddocks1961

7y↑16

I had the pleasure of sharing a few beer with John a long time ago. Absolute class guy!!!!!

@Frenchblue8

Nice!
Hope you're still around 7 years hence for the word💙🎶

@daveroman4762

8y↑13

Have not heard this in over 40 years. But have been listening to it in my head all this time. Finally found it again, here. Angelic music.

@dianaheaberlin5422

Here we are!

@christophermoore4961

I listened to the crap out of this LP in the 1970's ( and another Baldry album). We are still here , man.

@johnsanford6406

Yes, it's music from God.

@richardseech9867

3y↑7

He was such a talented singer and muscian who left us much too early!He was so special and unique!He I surely missed!

@suzannehankins380

8y↑17

This was/is a great album that never got its just dues.

@jayeisner2960

It got its just dues at the time. It was considered to be (and still is) a classic.

@shont2038

Suzanne Hankins I totally agree. You’re absolutely right about that.

@vicproulx5625

I agree. I was in CA when it came out, and as far as I recall, it only got play time on alt radio.

@elizabethmcleod246

It’s one of my favourite albums.

@jimmorrison632

3y↑1

Damn shame on me for forgetting this gem of an album!!!!

@pamjardine7201

4y↑11

From the first time I heard this tune back in the early 80's I have loved it. This entire album is amazing!!

@pacskye

8y↑8

I saw Long John at the Whiskey in LA sometime back in the 70's, Elton the first time at the Greek in Hollywood, think it was 1972. John died on July 22nd, the same day as my friend David Corona. This song was in my head while I was flying back to CA. after living in the UK for a while. Will be 61 tomorrow, and I love this song as much as I ever have. Forever.

@artfrontgalleries1818

7y↑1

I am 69 today and on sabbatical in Budapest. Can you tell me where to look for the Genya Raven cover and where to find who actually wrote this? I live in Newark, NJ and show my photo graphs in NYC and the region

@RonnieFriend

7y↑3

The album says that "Flying" was written by Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart & Ronnie Lane. They were the band "Faces." The song originally appeared on the Faces 1970 album "First Step." It's evidently covered on the self-titled "Genya Raven" album (1972).

@dianaheaberlin5422

6y↑1

Wow I am there now!

@imafrench1

5y↑14

Caught this emotional gem this morning on SiriusXM Radio "Deep Tracks" with Earle Bailey as part of his thematic tunes for National Aviation Day. Can't leave it alone now. Just m e r c y!

@sdbarbour1

5y↑2

So did I! Was heading out fishing listening to deep tracks and heard this. Playing it for my wife now! She loves it too!

@shont2038

I also discovered this gem on sat radio. Amazing how unknown it is. Such a great song.

@peterjons3954

3y↑1

Been listening to Earl Bailey since almost the beginning of Sat. radio. He will always be Mr. Deep Tracks. And love John Baldry's version of 'Flying'.

@tehayes99

Earle Bailey is a treasure. So is this tune.

@TheHOULES

Me too I heard on the same channel a couple of days ago

@greggary7217

5y↑13

In later years Long John spent a lot of time in Canada where I was privileged to see him a couple of times. One New Years Eve in a smallish club in Calgary was unforgettable. One of the great British blues men of a generation. RIP

@pacskye

5y↑2

I saw him at the Whiskey in L.A. like in the 70's. This is my favorite song of all time. May he RIP

@rikk7041

5y↑2

I saw LJB twice, at outdoor festivals in BC and Saskatchewan. What a thrill it was to see/hear one of the core founders of the British Blues scene, from even before the Stones existed. For years LJB lived in Vancouver, and sadly he died in a hospital a block from my home.

@TheBCBuddy

4y↑2

Baldry lived in Canada from the late 1970s until his death. He became a Canadian citizen in 1980.

@elizabethmcleod246

3y↑1

I saw him perform in Vancouver at least seven times. It was always a great night. I met him.

@RickyColemanpdx49

4y↑10

Opened the Elton John bio, “ME”, and there is the story of Reg in John Baldry’s band. Hilarious story.

@jasoncarpp7742

10y↑6

I knew that Elton John (Reg Dwight) performed with John Baldry, but this is the first time I've listened to the two together. Awesome music!

@scottwhittet5226

4y↑7

in the early days of flying - hang gliders ... Long John Baldry's " Flying " ran through my head on my first soaring flights , high above the mountains , back to the place where I was born

@kewldude72

kewl!

@pacskye

8y↑18

Elton John was Reggie Dwight. He took his stage name from Elton Dean, and John Baldry. Both of whom were blues musicians in London in the sixties. I was lucky enough to see Long John in Hollywood, and Elton three times in L.A. And I met Bernie Taupin at an Angels game. I love this song so much, still miss Long John.

@shont2038

pacskye yeah it is so cool how he got his name

@jimjosef2446

7y↑12

I heard this first time today on XM. So unbelievable this escaped me ( now age 56 )> I knew it was ELTON JOHN on piano before I looked it up. Beautiful......

@shont2038

4y↑2

Jim Josef me too exactly! Heard it on satellite about 2 years ago and been loving it ever since. Can’t believe this amazing song almost eluded me forever if I didn’t have XM in the truck.
I was so angry. I was growling and beating the steering wheel then that song came on and it changed my life. It calmed me so. It’s been my favorite song since.

@digbickmetalspinning9700

1y↑1

Met John Baldry at Master Johns shoes on Yonge Street in Toronto. It was his voice that made me look

@itwasntmeboningbivvy181

4y↑13

Such an underrated singer. I saw Long John Baldry with Fleetwood Mac and Savoy Brown at the Saint Paul Civic Center in Minnesota in 1972. What a show! Also a big fan of Savoy Brown, and Kim Simmonds.

@pacskye

4y↑3

I saw him at the Whiskey in Hollywood and I have never understood why he wasn't huge in the US. "Don't try to lay no boogie woogie on the king of rock and roll."

@jacquiec9350

That must have been an awesome show!

@dictumfactum9468

3y↑1

Saw the same show at the Ford Theater in Detroit, 1972.

@TheHOULES

2y↑7

Heard this on XM Deep Tracks and knew it was Elton playing that piano instantly. Glad I stumbled onto this masterpiece

@swollennoodles

32w↑1

AMAzING!!!

@mayemcdonald9111

7y↑7

I just love this track. It is my favourite on this classic LP. God Bless Long John Baldry.💙

@ddt4you

8y↑8

i heard this on deep tracks and just had to add it to my playlist..groovy

@SeelenvollGermanShepherds

8y↑2

me too

@alyssakeezer4672

7y↑1

ddt4you me also!

@mchesler44

Ditto. Today.

@1976REDRYDER

10y↑5

you find the best elton music

@joannasierra3118

4y↑7

Just heard this for the first time tonight, on Kspc, and I love it!

@cubes6012

2y↑2

This song gives med goosebumps everyone I listen. Elton’s keyboards are amazing too. John was so talented. An ethereal masterpiece

@tammiekrahmann8084

7y↑17

Fell in love with this song when I was a teenager and it was "vintage then" Doris Troy on Back up is magical! As well as Maggie Bell. I bought the album at a used record shop and I'll have it forever. I teach and when I'm done for the day I go to yu-tube or Spotify and play "Flying" as I'm cleaning up the classroom and am on my way home. Every one always asks me who are you listening to?".

@dianaheaberlin5422

Yes Maggie!

@stewartmcmurry2452

6y↑1

Caleb on Guitar

@tammiekrahmann8084

5y↑1

[ still have people, kids ask me," who is that?". I tell them and they check it out on their phones, of course. And they are highly impressed. There is hope for the future. LOL. Just listening to the voices soar at the end of the song makes my heart soar. And kids really do ask who Doris Troy and Maggie Bell were, and they check out Long John Baldry. Pretty cool!

@lorenzotrunzo1352

Maggie Bell also sang for Stone the Crows

@dianaheaberlin5422

6y↑8

This is into my soul tonite in the Mojave Desert

@anthonysimon4991

5y↑8

He opened for Savoy Brown in the 70's, and it was an Amazing show

@pacskye

He was amazing, no doubt about it. Love him.

@brianodonnell3740

6y↑8

Wow. Just wow. Brings a tear to my eye.

@catherinebenjamin9550

9y↑6

I'm a huge fan of both artists. Thankx for putting this on utbe! All the best to you! Brilliant!

@RonnieFriend

9y↑2

UR welcome! Glad U enjoy! All the Best 2U too :-)

@thecomish3813

8y↑1

I agree-thanks for sharing!

@vicproulx5625

5y↑4

The King of rock and roll.

@pacskye

4y↑2

Yes.

@greggary7217

3y↑2

No Boogie Woogie here!

@unclealand

8y↑7

Doris Troy ("Just One Look") was the choir mistress for the angelic chorus. That's her who says "Since we know the words can we have less light, please." Elton John never played this well again. I heard this on an LSD trip when I lived in Hollywood the year it came out, and it still lifts me to Heaven when I'm down. (Or when I feel perfectly wonderful, for that matter.)

@dianaheaberlin5422

Wow thanks

@ericslagle9786

actually that was Elton John saying dim the lights...his voice is so distinguishable

@ericslagle9786

I correct myself after a relisten.....

@johnsanford6406

You are right, this music comes from Angels.

@clarequilty4962

4y↑1

@@ericslagle9786 Yeah, it's clearly a lady making a firm request.

@nvkotex6972

7y↑13

This music used to hit me in the face from speakers that were taller than I was.

@dianaheaberlin5422

Here we are!

@drewbabydrew7742

yeah
just bought some I HAVE BLOWN 3 TWEETERS Anyway i replace them and buy them from the supplier

@robf1490

4y↑11

Thé girls were amazing made this song

@iganatiousjr

3y↑2

Liza Strike, Leslie Duncan and Doris Troy were, IMHO, the 3 ladies who laid down the brilliant vocals on the Dark Side of the Moon album.

@peterjons3954

3y↑1

@@iganatiousjr Agree - the female singers are fantastic. Coupled with John's somewhat gruffy voice it works beautifully.

@dianaheaberlin5422

Exquisite!

@altaneves

5y↑3

Inesquecível.

@MrUSSAM

4y↑16

SO cool that Elton gave props to John right from page 1 of his new memoirs,,too bad the Movie did not even mention his name let alone how HE was the one to give Reggie his 1st break.

@TPDManiacXC626

As much as I respect Baldry as a singer and the first voice of Robotnik, he’s not a well known name in the music world.

@elizabethmcleod246

3y↑5

@@TPDManiacXC626 Not true for many in their 60’s now. We loved him.

@TaylorFan9

3y↑3

It is very odd that John Baldry is airbrushed out of Elton's history in the movie.

@Frenchblue8

2y↑1

Two things, love the Wawa but most of all the women's voices in that exquisite chorus.... Oh my Lord I can't pick which harmony to sing each time, so I vary it up, haha! All the singers out there know what I mean

@pierrebelle-isle4647

6y↑2

cant find this album, It aint easy, anywhere. not even I tunes. its always on my mind.

@jayeisner2960

5y↑1

It's available on most streaming services.

@georgekouracos5417

6y↑8

what a great song ....and yes brian it does bring a tear to your eye....i wonder who were the women on the background vocals........hookfoot ----omg.

@RonnieFriend

6y↑5

I've added a complete credits list now, thanks for asking! Quite an incredible backing chorus indeed. Many of these people sang on Elton's early records.

@costab.elaine

5y↑2

Amazing chorus indeed!

@clarequilty4962

5y↑1

The choir was led my Doris Troy, of "Just One Look" fame.

@shont2038

RonnieFriend thank you I’ve always wondered who the backing choir voices were. Beautiful!

@dianaheaberlin5422

yes indeed!

@michaelwiberg7419

Such a very long long time indeed

@thairave919

6y↑4

Wow

@stephenmarceau7872

3y↑6

Nice use of the wahwah! Still have the lp

@KCBarr1

Me too, and it still gets played regularly.

@boychildnew1

4y↑12

wow, excellent version. its better than the Faces version, i thinkify.

@lilianagreenborcegos6544

6y↑6

Sounds great especially Caleb's performance. Could have bet it wasn't Johnstone style though huge gtr player!

@stewartmcmurry2452

6y↑1

Caleb Qauye ....definitely ! And Hookfoot to boot. Caleb is now National Worship leader to our Head church in LA. Named my son after him Been listening to this song almost 50yrs

@dougseely1174

37w↑1

I learned how to play piano by Elton john
This and Mr. Ruben were my first songs I learned

@pacskye

2y↑2

Saw Long John at the Whiskey. and he would not sing this song. I yelled sing FLYING. and he would not do it. He died the same day as my pal David Corona.

@elizabethmcleod246

2y↑1

When was that?

@pacskye

@@elizabethmcleod246 It was in the late 70's.

@detlefzimmer3956

.....in latest Years ( .....2000 = Concert in Leipzig..... ) was this Version of him better in Quality......

@kyleeagle8889

6y↑4

Ronnie Lane was left off the songwriting credit.

@RonnieFriend

6y↑3

Sorry! And thanks - I have remedied that 😃

@tylerrenthewise7390

34w↑1

Anyone else here because of “Robotnik Farts Part 3”?

@mikemasterton

4y↑4

I like LJB but I prefer Rod's version of this....missing Mac's Hammond...

@itwasntmeboningbivvy181

I think this song was more suited to Long John, but Rod's cover is also awesome!

@TJ-xh3yr

4y↑2

I love Ghene Raven doing this soft also.

@bjgrant1234

8y↑1

this is good but the faces live version rules!

@elainericketts8820

7y↑1

the original version is usually/always best……that’s the reason others cover it….because it effected them in a truly spiritual way……..it’s a wonderful thing and the most gracious compliment one can give………..

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