Flying captures the imagination, from soaring through the skies to the freedom and adventure it symbolizes. This collection of songs celebrates flight in all its forms, offering everything from inspiring anthems to heartfelt ballads. Below is a curated list of the best songs about flying and planes, blending themes of liberation, adventure, and wonder.
Be sure to check out the Songs About Flying Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About Flying and Planes
1. “Gonna Fly Now” (Theme from Rocky) – Bill Conti
Lyric Sample: “Getting strong now, won’t be long now.”
This iconic theme from Rocky embodies determination and triumph. Its soaring melody makes it the ultimate anthem for chasing dreams and reaching new heights.
2. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
Lyric Sample: “Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars.”
Frank Sinatra’s timeless classic takes flight with a romantic and celestial vibe. It remains a favorite for those looking to dream beyond the skies.
3. “Learning to Fly” – Tom Petty
Lyric Sample: “I’m learning to fly, but I ain’t got wings.”
In “Learning to Fly,” Tom Petty sings about personal growth and resilience. The track’s simple yet powerful imagery resonates with anyone striving to overcome life’s challenges.
4. “Walking on Air” – Kerli
Lyric Sample: “Feel it, breathe it, believe it, and you’ll be walking on air.”
“Walking on Air” is a whimsical and empowering anthem about breaking free from doubt and embracing the power within. The song’s enchanting melodies and surreal lyrics capture the feeling of soaring to new heights, encouraging listeners to push past fears and reach for their dreams.
5. “Drunk on a Plane” – Dierks Bentley
Lyric Sample: “I’m getting drunk on a plane, buying drinks for everybody but the pilot.”
This country hit humorously narrates a story of heartbreak and escapism. Its upbeat tune is perfect for finding humor in life’s turbulent moments.
Related: Best Songs About Alcohol
6. “Free Bird” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lyric Sample: “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?”
This rock epic is a metaphor for freedom and the open road. Its legendary guitar solo feels as liberating as spreading wings to take flight.
Related: “Free Bird” Song Meaning
7. “Airplanes” – B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams
Lyric Sample: “Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?”
This track blends hip-hop and alternative pop to explore dreams and aspirations. Hayley Williams’ haunting chorus captures the wishful yearning to escape reality.
Related: Best Songs with Similes
8. “Eagle” – ABBA
Lyric Sample: “They came flying from far away, now I’m under their spell.”
ABBA’s majestic track paints a picture of soaring freedom through the eyes of an eagle. Its grand production and poetic lyrics evoke awe-inspiring imagery.
9. “High Hopes” – Panic! At The Disco
Lyric Sample: “Had to have high, high hopes for a living.”
This energetic anthem embodies ambition and the courage to aim high. Its vibrant melodies inspire listeners to take risks and reach for the sky.
10. “Take You Higher” – Goodwill & Hook N Sling
Lyric Sample: “Can I take ya, take ya higher?”
“Take You Higher” is a high-energy, upbeat track that captures the thrill of a carefree adventure. With its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus, it’s a feel-good anthem about seizing the moment and elevating a simple connection into something unforgettable.
11. “Fly Away” – Lenny Kravitz
Lyric Sample: “I want to get away, I want to fly away.”
Lenny Kravitz’s funky anthem channels a deep longing for freedom and adventure. Its uplifting vibe makes it a perfect travel soundtrack.
12. “Paper Planes” – M.I.A.
Lyric Sample: “I fly like paper, get high like planes.”
This track combines infectious rhythms with a rebellious spirit, blending catchy hooks with sharp social commentary. M.I.A. uses the imagery of flight and paper planes to highlight themes of escape and resilience in the face of adversity.
Related: Best Songs About Money
13. “Come Fly with Me” – Frank Sinatra
Lyric Sample: “Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away.”
This Sinatra standard exudes charm and sophistication. It’s a delightful invitation to embark on an exciting journey.
14. “Learning to Fly” – Pink Floyd
Lyric Sample: “A soul in tension that’s learning to fly.”
Pink Floyd’s progressive rock masterpiece captures the spiritual aspect of soaring. Its haunting instrumentals add depth to the exhilarating theme.
15. “Wings” – Little Mix
Lyric Sample: “Your words don’t mean a thing, I’m not listening.”
This empowering pop hit inspires self-confidence and ambition. It’s a feel-good anthem about defying negativity and taking flight.
16. “Airplane” – Plain White T’s
Lyric Sample: “Airplane, airplane, put me to sleep again, take me away.”
“Airplane” is a track about escaping from the stresses of life and seeking solace in a new place. With its soothing melody and introspective lyrics, the song evokes a sense of longing for peace and a fresh start, using the imagery of a flight to symbolize personal renewal.
17. “Spread Your Wings” – Queen
Lyric Sample: “Spread your wings and fly away, fly away, far away.”
Queen’s classic encourages listeners to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Freddie Mercury’s emotive vocals bring passion to this inspiring anthem.
18. “Jet Airliner” – Steve Miller Band
Lyric Sample: “Big ol’ jet airliner, don’t carry me too far away.”
This nostalgic rock track tells a story of travel and self-discovery. Its upbeat melody adds a sense of adventure to its heartfelt message.
19. “Fly With Me” – Jonas Brothers
Lyric Sample: “If it’s you and me forever, if it’s you and me right now.”
The Jonas Brothers bring romance to the skies with this sweet love song. Its heartfelt lyrics and catchy tune make it a fan favorite.
20. “I’m Like a Bird” – Nelly Furtado
Lyric Sample: “I’m like a bird, I’ll only fly away.”
Nelly Furtado’s breakout hit celebrates independence and self-expression. The song’s breezy melodies make it an enduring classic.
Related: Best Songs with Similes
21. “Given to Fly” – Pearl Jam
Lyric Sample: “A wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw, delivered him wings.”
Pearl Jam’s Yield album features this soaring anthem of resilience and transcendence. Its uplifting message and dynamic instrumentation make it a perfect celebration of rising above adversity.
22. “Flying Without Wings” – Westlife
Lyric Sample: “You’re my special thing, I’m flying without wings.”
This ballad is about the joy of finding extraordinary moments in life’s simplicity. Its emotional lyrics and harmonies have made it a timeless love song.
23. “Up, Up and Away” – The 5th Dimension
Lyric Sample: “Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?”
This lighthearted track paints a whimsical picture of taking flight in a hot-air balloon. Its cheerful melody and imaginative lyrics inspire a sense of wonder and escapism.
24. “Learn to Fly” – Foo Fighters
Lyric Sample: “I’m looking to the sky to save me, looking for a sign of life.”
Foo Fighters deliver an anthemic rock song that blends themes of hope and self-discovery. Its energetic guitar riffs and introspective lyrics make it a standout on their There Is Nothing Left to Lose album.
Related: Best Rock Songs About Transformation
25. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” – John Denver
Lyric Sample: “I’m leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again.”
John Denver’s bittersweet ballad captures the emotional weight of saying goodbye. Its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody have made it a beloved classic for decades.
26. “Broken Wings” – Mr. Mister
Lyric Sample: “Take these broken wings and learn to fly again.”
“Broken Wings” is a ballad about overcoming emotional pain and finding the strength to heal. The powerful lyrics and soaring melody create an anthem for resilience, reminding us that even in moments of vulnerability, we can rise again and soar higher.
27. “Fly” – Hilary Duff
Lyric Sample: Lyric Sample: “Fly, open up the part of you that wants to hide away.”
“Fly” is an empowering song about embracing personal growth and overcoming fear. With its uplifting melody and motivating lyrics, the song encourages listeners to break free from self-doubt and take control of their future, making it an inspiring track for anyone ready to soar.
Why Songs About Flying Inspire Us
Songs about flying tap into humanity’s universal desire for freedom and adventure. Whether literal or metaphorical, flying represents breaking free from limitations and embracing boundless possibilities. These songs often evoke feelings of exhilaration and ambition, reminding us of our ability to rise above challenges and see the world from a fresh perspective.
Flying also symbolizes self-discovery and personal growth. Tracks like “Given to Fly” from Pearl Jam and “Fly” by Hilary Duff use the imagery of flight to convey overcoming adversity and finding inner strength. They inspire us to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and trust in our ability to soar.
Additionally, the thrill of adventure is a central theme in many flying songs. Whether it’s the excitement of travel in “Leaving on a Jet Plane” or the journey of transformation in “Learning to Fly,” these tracks remind us that venturing into the unknown can lead to personal discovery and change.
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