Flying has long been a source of fascination, adventure, and inspiration for musicians, and there is no shortage of songs that capture the excitement, freedom, and wonder of taking to the skies. From classic rock anthems to country ballads, pop hits, and everything in between, songs about flying and planes have become a beloved staple of music, capturing the thrill of travel, the beauty of the sky, and the sense of possibility that comes with exploration. Whether it’s the soaring guitars of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” the dreamy soundscapes of Pink Floyd’s “Learning to Fly,” or the upbeat energy of Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me,” these songs offer a diverse range of styles and sounds that celebrate the joy and adventure of flying. In this collection of 19 Best Songs About Flying and Planes, we explore some of the most iconic and memorable tracks that have become synonymous with the thrill of flight, taking listeners on a musical journey that celebrates the beauty, wonder, and excitement of taking to the skies.
1.‘Sunset (Bird of Prey)’ by Fatboy Slim
“Sunset (Bird of Prey)” is a popular song by British DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, released in 2000. The track features a pulsing bassline, a catchy guitar riff, and samples of a bird of prey’s call. The song’s title is derived from this sample and is reflected in its lyrics, which speak of soaring like a bird through the skies at sunset. The song’s upbeat, energetic tempo makes it a staple of dance clubs and party playlists, and its distinctive sound has helped to establish Fatboy Slim as one of the most recognizable names in electronic music.
2.‘Learning to Fly’ by Pink Floyd
“Learning to Fly” is a classic rock song by Pink Floyd, released in 1987. The track opens with a gentle, melodic guitar riff that sets the tone for the song’s reflective lyrics, which explore themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the process of learning to navigate life’s challenges. The chorus features soaring vocal harmonies and a memorable guitar solo that captures the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes with taking risks and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. The song’s atmospheric soundscapes and rich instrumentation, including keyboards and saxophone, make it a standout track on Pink Floyd’s discography.
3.‘Amelia’ by Joni Mitchell
“Amelia” is a folk-rock ballad by legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released in 1976. The song is named after aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and draws on her story as a metaphor for Mitchell’s own journey as a creative artist. The lyrics touch on themes of ambition, independence, and the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams, with Mitchell’s plaintive vocals and intricate guitar work creating an evocative, wistful mood. The song’s unconventional structure, with shifting time signatures and chord progressions, adds to its emotional complexity and has made it a favorite among Mitchell’s fans for decades.
4.‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Free Bird” is a classic Southern rock ballad by Lynyrd Skynyrd, released in 1973. The song features a haunting guitar intro that builds into a powerful, emotional anthem that explores themes of freedom, love, and the passage of time. The heartfelt vocals and soaring guitar solos, including a legendary extended solo at the song’s climax, have made “Free Bird” one of the most beloved and iconic rock songs of all time. The song’s poignant lyrics and heartfelt instrumentation capture the spirit of the American South and have made it a staple of classic rock radio and concert playlists for generations.
5.‘Come Fly with Me’ by Frank Sinatra
“Come Fly with Me” is a classic pop standard by the legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, released in 1958. The song is a celebration of adventure and romance, inviting the listener to join Sinatra on a journey around the world. The song’s upbeat tempo and swinging big band arrangement, featuring horns, drums, and a lively rhythm section, capture the excitement and glamour of travel in the mid-twentieth century. Sinatra’s smooth, effortless vocals and impeccable phrasing bring the song to life, creating a timeless classic that has become a beloved favorite of both Sinatra fans and lovers of classic pop music.
6.‘Jet Airliner’ by Steve Miller Band
“Jet Airliner” is a classic rock song by the Steve Miller Band, released in 1977. The track features a distinctive guitar riff and a driving beat that capture the energy and excitement of air travel. The song’s lyrics reflect on the thrill of adventure and the longing for escape, with Miller’s soulful vocals and wailing guitar solos adding to the song’s emotional impact. The song’s memorable chorus, featuring a catchy call-and-response hook, has made it a popular sing-along anthem and a staple of classic rock radio. “Jet Airliner” remains a beloved classic rock track that captures the spirit of 1970s rock and roll.
7.‘Learning to Fly’ by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
“Learning to Fly” is a classic rock song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released in 1991. The track opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff that sets the tone for the song’s contemplative lyrics, which touch on themes of personal growth and self-discovery. The song’s upbeat, driving rhythm and lush harmonies create an uplifting and hopeful atmosphere, capturing the feeling of soaring through the skies and breaking free from life’s limitations. The song’s memorable chorus and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio, cementing Tom Petty’s place as one of rock’s greatest songwriters.
8.‘The Zephyr Song’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“The Zephyr Song” is a popular rock track by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released in 2002. The song features a groovy bassline and funky guitar riffs that create a laid-back, psychedelic atmosphere. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of love, connection, and the beauty of the natural world, with lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis delivering his trademark poetic and evocative lyrics with his distinctive voice. The song’s catchy chorus and sing-along hooks have made it a favorite among fans of the band, while its dreamy, ethereal sound has helped to establish it as a standout track on the Chili Peppers’ discography.
9.‘Jet’ by Paul McCartney and Wings
“Jet” is a classic rock song by Paul McCartney and Wings, released in 1973. The track features a lively and energetic rock riff that sets the pace for the song’s upbeat lyrics and infectious melody. The song’s catchy chorus and soaring harmonies have made it a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of love and freedom, while the driving rhythm and tight instrumentation demonstrate McCartney’s prowess as a songwriter and performer. “Jet” remains a beloved track that captures the spirit of 1970s rock and roll and showcases McCartney’s continued influence on the genre.
10.‘Eight Miles High’ by The Byrds
“Eight Miles High” is a pioneering psychedelic rock song by The Byrds, released in 1966. The song features a complex, intricate melody and jangly guitar riffs that create a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere. The song’s lyrics, which were inspired by the band’s experiences touring Europe, touch on themes of escapism, alienation, and the search for meaning in a changing world. The song’s innovative use of harmonies and guitar effects, including a memorable extended guitar solo, helped to establish The Byrds as one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and the song remains a classic of the psychedelic rock genre.
11.‘Learning to Fly’ by Foo Fighters
“Learning to Fly” is a popular rock song by the Foo Fighters, released in 1999. The track opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff that gradually builds into a soaring, anthemic chorus. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of personal growth, resilience, and the courage to face life’s challenges head-on. The song’s powerful, driving rhythm and intense guitar solos, as well as Dave Grohl’s passionate vocals, create an uplifting and cathartic atmosphere, capturing the feeling of breaking free from life’s limitations. “Learning to Fly” remains a fan favorite and a staple of the Foo Fighters’ live performances, showcasing the band’s incredible musicianship and dynamic sound.
12.‘Fly Me to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra
“Fly Me to the Moon” is a classic jazz standard made famous by the legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, released in 1964. The song features a lush, orchestral arrangement and Sinatra’s smooth, silky vocals, which glide effortlessly over the song’s memorable melody. The song’s romantic lyrics and timeless melody have made it a beloved classic, frequently covered by artists in a wide range of genres. The song’s playful, upbeat tempo and catchy chorus have also made it a popular choice for weddings, romantic comedies, and other joyful occasions, cementing its place as one of the most enduring love songs of all time.
13.‘Flight 505’ by The Rolling Stones
“Flight 505” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966. The track features a driving, bluesy riff and a catchy chorus that highlights the band’s trademark blend of gritty rock and roll and blues influences. The song’s lyrics tell a story of a failed love affair, with lead vocalist Mick Jagger delivering his raw and emotionally charged lyrics with his distinctive voice. The song’s tight, dynamic instrumentation and powerful vocals demonstrate The Rolling Stones’ skill as songwriters and performers, showcasing the band’s continued influence on the rock and roll genre. “Flight 505” remains a fan favorite and a classic of the band’s discography.
14.‘Aeroplane’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Aeroplane” is a popular alternative rock song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released in 1995. The song features a funky, bass-driven groove and a catchy chorus that highlights the band’s trademark blend of rock, funk, and punk influences. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of childhood, memory, and the joy of living in the moment, with lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis delivering his poetic and evocative lyrics with his signature style. The song’s dynamic, energetic sound and infectious hooks have made it a fan favorite and a standout track on the Chili Peppers’ discography, capturing the spirit of 1990s alternative rock.
15.‘747 (Strangers in the Night)’ by Saxon
“747 (Strangers in the Night)” is a classic heavy metal song by the British band Saxon, released in 1980. The song features a driving, anthemic riff and a soaring chorus that showcases the band’s powerful vocals and dynamic sound. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of freedom, adventure, and the thrill of travel, with lead vocalist Biff Byford delivering his passionate and emotive lyrics with his distinctive voice. The song’s energetic, driving tempo and memorable guitar solos have made it a fan favorite and a classic of the heavy metal genre, demonstrating Saxon’s skill as songwriters and performers.
16.‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ by John Denver
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a popular folk song written by John Denver in 1966, made famous by Peter, Paul and Mary’s 1969 recording. The song features a gentle, acoustic guitar melody and Denver’s tender, heartfelt vocals, which convey the bittersweet emotions of departing from a loved one. The song’s poignant lyrics and Denver’s emotive delivery have made it a beloved classic, frequently covered by artists in a wide range of genres. The song’s simple yet affecting melody and intimate, introspective atmosphere have made it an enduring favorite among folk music enthusiasts and sentimental listeners alike.
17.‘Jet Boy’ by The New York Dolls
“Jet Boy” is a classic rock song by the New York Dolls, released in 1973. The song features a driving, energetic beat and a catchy chorus that highlights the band’s trademark blend of rock, punk, and glam influences. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of youthful rebellion, sexual freedom, and rock and roll excess, with lead vocalist David Johansen delivering his raw and charismatic lyrics with his distinctive snarl. The song’s high-energy sound and rebellious spirit have made it a fan favorite and a classic of the punk and glam rock genres, showcasing the New York Dolls’ innovative and influential style.
18.‘The Best Way To Travel’ by The Moody Blues
“The Best Way To Travel” is a psychedelic rock song by the Moody Blues, released in 1968. The song features a dreamy, atmospheric sound and a hypnotic, repetitive melody that highlights the band’s innovative use of sound effects and musical experimentation. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of space travel, transcendence, and the search for inner peace, with lead vocalist Justin Hayward delivering his poetic and introspective lyrics with his signature style. The song’s ethereal sound and introspective lyrics demonstrate the Moody Blues’ skill as songwriters and innovators, showcasing the band’s continued influence on the psychedelic rock genre.
19.‘Given to Fly’ by Pearl Jam
“Given to Fly” is a grunge rock song by Pearl Jam, released in 1998. The song features a soaring, anthemic melody and a dynamic, emotional sound that highlights the band’s signature blend of hard rock and alternative influences. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery, transcendence, and the search for freedom, with lead vocalist Eddie Vedder delivering his powerful and emotive lyrics with his characteristic intensity. The song’s passionate, uplifting sound and powerful lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a classic of the grunge rock genre, showcasing Pearl Jam’s enduring influence on the alternative rock scene.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
