20 Songs About Flying And Planes

There’s something magical about flying, isn’t there? The thrill of takeoff, the serenity of cruising above the clouds, and the anticipation of landing in a new place—it’s an experience that never fails to captivate me. 

As someone who loves everything about aviation, from the roar of the engines to the sweeping views from a plane window, I find myself drawn to songs that capture this sense of wonder and adventure. Music has a unique ability to convey the emotions of flight, whether it’s the exhilaration of soaring through the sky or the introspective moments of solitude at 30,000 feet. 

In this playlist, I’ve compiled a list of 20 songs that celebrate flying and planes, each offering a different perspective on what it means to take to the skies. Whether you’re a fellow aviation enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a good tune, I hope these songs transport you to new heights.

1. “Airplane” by Plain White T’s

“Airplane” by Plain White T’s is a track from their concept album Wonders of the Younger. The song explores themes of transition and responsibility, symbolized by an airplane journey. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and a desire to move forward in life, leaving behind past regrets and embracing adult responsibilities. The acoustic arrangement and Tom Higgenson’s bittersweet vocal delivery add an emotional depth to the song, making it a poignant reflection on growing up and facing new challenges.

2. “Learning To Fly” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

“Learning To Fly” is one of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ most iconic songs, released in 1991 on the album Into the Great Wide Open. The song uses flying as a metaphor for personal growth and overcoming life’s challenges. The lyrics, written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, describe the journey of learning to navigate through life’s ups and downs. The song’s simple yet powerful melody, combined with Petty’s distinctive voice, creates an uplifting anthem about resilience and self-discovery. It remains a timeless classic, resonating with listeners who have faced their own struggles and triumphs.

3. “Amelia” by Joni Mitchell

“Amelia” is a track from Joni Mitchell’s 1976 album Hejira. The song is a poetic exploration of Mitchell’s own feelings of solitude and longing, intertwined with the story of the famous aviator Amelia Earhart. Mitchell uses the imagery of flight and the desert landscape to convey a sense of searching and introspection. The song’s lyrics reflect on themes of freedom, loss, and the elusive nature of dreams. The haunting melody and Mitchell’s evocative voice make “Amelia” a deeply moving piece that captures the essence of emotional and spiritual flight.

4. “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra

“Fly Me To The Moon”, originally titled “In Other Words,” was written by Bart Howard in 1954. Frank Sinatra’s 1964 rendition of the song became iconic, especially due to its association with NASA’s Apollo missions. The song’s lyrics express a lover’s desire to escape the mundane and explore the cosmos, using the moon as a metaphor for an extraordinary love. Sinatra’s smooth, charismatic delivery, coupled with Quincy Jones’ arrangement, transformed the song into a timeless classic. It remains a symbol of romance and adventure, capturing the imagination of listeners across generations.

5. “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz

“Fly Away” is a song by Lenny Kravitz from his 1998 album 5. The track became a major hit, reaching number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in the UK and Iceland, among others. The song is characterized by its catchy riff and upbeat rock vibe, expressing a desire for freedom and escape. The lyrics, which include lines about flying high like a dragonfly and exploring the universe, capture a sense of longing for adventure and liberation. The song’s success was bolstered by its use in commercials and its Grammy win for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1999.

6. “Fly With Me” by Jonas Brothers

“Fly With Me” is a pop rock song by the Jonas Brothers, released as the second single from their 2009 album Lines, Vines and Trying Times. The song was featured in the closing credits of the film Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. It was inspired by the relationship between Kevin Jonas and his then-girlfriend, Danielle, focusing on themes of love and togetherness despite physical distance. The song’s music video includes behind-the-scenes footage from the band’s world tour, adding a personal touch to the track.

7. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver

“Leaving On A Jet Plane” is a folk song written and recorded by John Denver in 1966, later made famous by Peter, Paul and Mary. The song reflects themes of departure and longing, as it tells the story of someone leaving on a journey and expressing a deep yearning to return. Denver’s version of the song gained popularity through its inclusion on his album Rhymes & Reasons and became a hit when covered by Peter, Paul and Mary, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. The song’s poignant lyrics and simple melody have made it a timeless classic.

8. “Drunk On A Plane” by Dierks Bentley

“Drunk On A Plane” is a country song by Dierks Bentley from his 2014 album Riser. The song tells the story of a man who, after being left at the altar, decides to take his honeymoon trip alone. While on the plane, he starts drinking and turns the flight into a party to cope with his heartbreak. The song combines humor with a sense of melancholy, capturing both the fun and the underlying sadness of the situation. It became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Country Airplay chart and earning multiple Platinum certifications.

9. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a power ballad written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley in 1982. Bette Midler’s rendition, recorded for the 1988 film Beaches, became the most famous version of the song. The lyrics express deep gratitude and admiration, often interpreted as a tribute to someone who has provided unwavering support and inspiration. Midler’s heartfelt delivery in the context of the film, where her character sings it to a dying friend, adds an emotional layer to the song. It won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1990 and has since become a popular choice for funerals and memorial services.

10. “Fly Like An Eagle” by Steve Miller Band

“Fly Like An Eagle” is a song by the Steve Miller Band from their 1976 album of the same name. Written by Steve Miller, the song combines elements of rock, synth-funk, and space rock. It features a distinctive riff and a message about freedom and social justice. The lyrics talk about the passage of time and the desire to escape into a better future, symbolized by the flight of an eagle. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been covered by various artists, including a notable version by Seal for the 1996 film Space Jam.

11. “Up, Up and Away” by The 5th Dimension

“Up, Up and Away” is a 1967 song written by Jimmy Webb and performed by The 5th Dimension. The song is a quintessential example of sunshine pop, characterized by its bright and uplifting melody. The lyrics describe a whimsical journey in a hot air balloon, symbolizing escape and carefree adventure. The song was a commercial success, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1968. Its cheerful and optimistic tone has made it a timeless classic in pop music.

12. “Given To Fly” by Pearl Jam

“Given To Fly” is a song by Pearl Jam from their 1998 album Yield. Written by guitarist Mike McCready and vocalist Eddie Vedder, the song features a soaring melody and lyrics that evoke a sense of freedom and transcendence. The music builds from a calm beginning to an intense crescendo, mirroring the metaphor of flight. Vedder described the song as a fable about rising above challenges and negativity. It became one of the band’s most popular singles, topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and achieving international success.

13. “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra

“Come Fly With Me” is a classic song performed by Frank Sinatra, released in 1958 as the title track of his album Come Fly With Me. Written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, the song is an invitation to a romantic adventure, using the imagery of a flight to exotic destinations. Sinatra’s smooth, charismatic delivery and the song’s upbeat, swinging arrangement capture the excitement and glamour of air travel during the mid-20th century. The song has become synonymous with Sinatra’s persona and remains a timeless standard in the Great American Songbook.

14. “Turbulence” by Bowling For Soup

“Turbulence” is a song by the pop-punk band Bowling For Soup, featured on their 2011 album Fishin’ for Woos. The song uses the metaphor of turbulence in flight to describe the ups and downs of life. Its lyrics offer reassurance and encouragement, emphasizing that despite life’s challenges, things will eventually smooth out. The song’s catchy melody and relatable message make it an anthem for resilience and perseverance. The band’s signature humor and upbeat style add a layer of optimism to the song’s theme of overcoming adversity.

15. “Watching Airplanes” by Gary Allan

“Watching Airplanes” is a country song by Gary Allan, released in 2007 as the lead single from his album Living Hard. The song tells the story of a man who sits at an airport, watching planes take off, symbolizing his longing and heartbreak after a breakup. The lyrics convey a sense of melancholy and resignation as he reflects on his lost relationship and the passage of time. Allan’s emotive vocal performance, combined with the song’s poignant melody, creates a powerful narrative of love and loss. The song was well-received, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

16. “Like A Bird” by Nelly Furtado

“Like A Bird” is a song by Nelly Furtado, released in 2000 as the lead single from her debut album Whoa, Nelly!. The song, often misidentified as “I’m Like a Bird,” features lyrics about freedom and self-discovery. Furtado uses the metaphor of a bird to express her desire for independence and her uncertainty about the future. The song’s catchy chorus and Furtado’s distinctive voice helped it become a commercial success, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Its themes of liberation and exploration resonate with listeners, making it an enduring pop anthem.

17. “Learning to Fly” by Pink Floyd

“Learning to Fly” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. Written by David Gilmour, Anthony Moore, Bob Ezrin, and Jon Carin, the song serves as a metaphor for Gilmour’s personal experiences and the band’s transition after Roger Waters’ departure. The lyrics describe the exhilaration and challenges of flying, paralleling Gilmour’s own journey of learning to pilot an airplane. Musically, the song blends progressive rock with a rhythmic pattern that evokes the sensation of flight. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and is celebrated for its powerful imagery and Gilmour’s soaring guitar work.

18. “Learn to Fly” by Foo Fighters

“Learn to Fly” is a song by the Foo Fighters, released as the lead single from their 1999 album There Is Nothing Left to Lose. Written by the band’s frontman Dave Grohl, the song is about searching for inspiration and a sense of purpose. The lyrics use the metaphor of flying to convey the desire to rise above life’s challenges. The song’s music video, which won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, features the band members in a humorous scenario aboard an airplane. “Learn to Fly” became the Foo Fighters’ first song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 19, and remains one of their most popular tracks.

19. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Free Bird” is a song by Lynyrd Skynyrd from their 1973 debut album Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd. Written by guitarist Allen Collins and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, the song is a rock anthem known for its extended guitar solo and powerful lyrics about freedom and the desire to break free. The song’s iconic line, “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?” captures the essence of a restless spirit yearning for liberation. “Free Bird” became a staple of classic rock radio and is often performed as the closing number at the band’s live shows. It peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is celebrated for its emotional depth and musical complexity.

20. “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti

“Gonna Fly Now”, also known as the “Theme from Rocky,” is the iconic theme song from the 1976 film Rocky. Composed by Bill Conti with lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins, the song is synonymous with the film’s training montage, where Rocky Balboa runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The song’s uplifting melody and motivational lyrics, despite being only 30 words long, encapsulate the spirit of determination and triumph. “Gonna Fly Now” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977 and has become a cultural touchstone, frequently played at sporting events and associated with overcoming challenges.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.