He has sold more than 200,000 albums worldwide.
Straighten up and Fly Right
Vince Jones Lyrics
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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 lyrics to Vince Jones's "Straighten up and Fly Right" tell the story of a monkey who was taken for a ride by a buzzard, but soon got into trouble when the buzzard attempted to throw him off. The monkey, however, holds on and tells the buzzard to straighten up and fly right. The chorus emphasizes the importance of staying calm and composed in difficult situations, encouraging the buzzard to "cool down papa" and avoid losing his temper. The monkey confronts the buzzard about his intentions and tells him to be truthful and honest. The second chorus reiterates the importance of straightening up and staying on the right path to prevent trouble.
The song is a classic example of jazz standards from the 1940s, showcasing the talents of Nat King Cole, who wrote and performed the original version of the song with his trio in 1943. The song was based on a popular African-American folk tale about a buzzard and a monkey, and the lyrics were written by Cole and his friend Irving Mills. The story of the song is a metaphor for the importance of staying on the right path in life and avoiding temptation.
Line by Line Meaning
The buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air
The buzzard deceived the monkey and took him on a ride in the air
The monkey thought that ev'rything was on the square
The monkey believed everything was fair and honest
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The buzzard attempted to harm the monkey by throwing him off his back
The monkey grabbed his neck and said, "Now, listen, Jack
The monkey held the buzzard by his neck and said firmly
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and fly right
You need to change your ways and behave honestly
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top
You need to calm down and stop acting recklessly
Ain't no use in divin'. What's the use of jivin'?
There is no benefit in becoming frantic or dishonest
The buzzard told the monkey, "You're choking me
The buzzard complained that the monkey was choking him
Release your hold and I'll set you free"
Let go of me and I will free you
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
The monkey maintained eye contact with the buzzard and spoke
"Your story's touching, but it sounds like a lie"
I find your explanation emotional, but I don't believe it
Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and stay right
You need to act honestly and correctly from now on
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Nat King Cole
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