Straighten Up And Fly Right
Reeves Dianne Lyrics
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The monkey thought that everything was on the square
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
But 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 divin'
What's the use in jivin'
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
The buzzard told the monkey "You're chokin' me
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 it 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
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 lyrics to Reeves Dianne's song "Straighten Up and Fly Right" tell a story about a buzzard taking a monkey for a ride in the air. The monkey, however, thinks everything is normal until the buzzard tries to toss him off his back. The monkey manages to grab on to the buzzard's neck, prompting the bird to coax the monkey into releasing him in exchange for freedom. The monkey refuses, accusing the buzzard of lying and tells him to straighten up and fly right. The monkey repeats the phrase, insisting that the bird cools down and does not blow their top.
The song serves as a metaphor for people to be responsible and make the right choices. The buzzard in the lyrics represents temptation, and the monkey represents one's better judgment. The bird may try to lead people astray, but it is up to them to hold on to their values and beliefs and make wise decisions. The chorus, "Straighten up and fly right, cool down, papa, don't you blow your top," is a call to action to be responsible and make sensible choices and not let emotions cloud one's judgment.
The song was written in 1943 by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills and was inspired by a Black folklore tale where buzzards would take other animals for a ride and drop them from high altitudes. The song was a hit and became Cole's first big success. It has been covered by many artists, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Robbie Williams. The song's lyrics continue to resonate with audiences to this day, encouraging us always to make the right choices.
Line by Line Meaning
A buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air
A cunning and manipulative person mistakenly led the gullible and ignorant person into a dangerous or risky situation.
The monkey thought that everything was on the square
The gullible person believed that things were going as planned or as they were supposed to be, without realizing the impending danger or risk.
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The manipulative person attempted to deceive or betray the ignorant person, to get rid of them and avoid getting caught in their plan.
But the monkey grabbed his neck and said: Now listen, Jack
The ignorant person fought back and confronted the manipulative person, showing that they were not helpless and powerless.
Straighten up and fly right
Get your act together and start doing the right thing.
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
Stay calm and composed, do not get angry or lose your temper.
Ain't no use in divin'
There is no point in taking a risky or unnecessary action.
What's the use in jivin'
Why bother talking nonsense or boasting about things that you cannot achieve or do?
The buzzard told the monkey 'You're chokin' me
The manipulative person tried to make the ignorant person feel guilty or responsible for their own wrongdoing, by accusing them of causing harm or inconvenience.
Release your hold and I'll set you free'
The manipulative person offered a false promise or a way out of the situation, hoping to deceive the ignorant person once again.
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
The ignorant person faced the manipulative person with courage and challenge, refusing to give in or be fooled again.
Straighten up and stay right
Commit to doing the right thing and sticking to your principles.
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