Straighten Up And Fly Right
Nat King Cole · Other Songs - Nat King Cole
The monkey thought that everything
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 stay 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 in jivin'?
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top.
The buzzard told the monkey,
You are chokin' me.
Release your hold and I'll set you free.
The monkey looked the buzzard right
dead in the eye and said,
Your story's so touching, but it sounds
just 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.
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top.
Ain't no use in divin'
Ain't no good in jivin'
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow - your - top.
Fly right!
Straighten Up And Fly Right
Nat King Cole's "Straighten Up And Fly Right" stands as a defining moment in his transition from a jazz pianist to a vocal superstar. Recorded in the late 1930s, the track showcases Cole's smooth baritone and sophisticated phrasing, qualities that would come to define his extensive discography. The song, written by Cole Porter, captures the upbeat swing style that dominated the era, allowing Cole to demonstrate both his instrumental prowess and his emerging vocal charisma. This recording helped establish his reputation beyond the piano bench, paving the way for his future success in pop and jazz. It remains a beloved song in his catalogue, illustrating the timeless appeal of his early work and his significant contribution to American music history.