Leaving On A Jetplane

"Leaving on a Jet Plane" is Number 3 in Billboard's top 20 goodbye songs, and the first to involve a form of transport. For the curious, No Doubt's "Don't Speak" and "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan are Numbers 1 and 2 on the list, respectively. Although Denver's lyrics are primarily about leaving the love of his life, the lyrics in the first verse seem particularly appropriate for our scheduled departure time: "But the dawn is breakin', It's early morn, The taxi's waitin' He's blowin' his horn".  To be honest, the sun rose at about 2 hours before we got up and the taxi was 20 minutes late so no horn tooting was required, but please grant me some poetic licence.

I have had fun thinking about daily events in terms of song lyrics and if you have also been entertained then my work here is done. There were some that I wanted to use but the opportunity didn't arise, so given that nothing happened today other than we got up and flew home, here is a brief synopsis.

Brand New Key, Melanie
Dedicated to the joy of using my new keyboard and pain-free thumbs. You may be more familiar with the alternative version by The Wurzels, The Combine Harvester (Brand New Key). If you are, then shame on you.....

Why Does It Always Rain on Me, Travis
It is always good to have something put aside for a rainy day, but it is better that I didn't get to use it.

Sunset Song, Richard Thompson
For Maia, who loves sunsets, and in memory of her Uncle Bill.

We Are Family, Sister Sledge
Family bonds are precious and worth looking after.  If your children and grandchildren still want to spend time with you, be grateful and never take it for granted.

Whistle for the Choir, The Fratellis
For the parents seated directly behind my seat on the flight home - if you're going to buy a whistle to amuse your child, take it from them before you get on a plane.

Flying Over Water, Jason Isbell
For me, because we did and because it is a great song. 

My Book, The Beautiful South
For Jackie and Laura and the 2 suitcases of dirty clothes, if only for the lyric "Back to Reality"

So Far Away, Dire Straits
For Ryanair's truly awful seating policy. Would I fly Ryanair again? Possibly, but reluctantly. Would I pay for a seat? No chance - and no offence Jackie, I love sitting beside you, I just don't think I should have to pay £30 for the privilege.

And finally...

It's All Over Now, The Rolling Stones
Because it is, but only till next time...Read more