The buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air
The monkey thought that everything was on a square
Buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
But 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 pappa, don't you blow your top

Ain't no use in divin', what's the use of jivin'
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down pappa, don't you blow your top

The buzzard told the monkey, "You are chokin' me
Release your hold and I will set you free"
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye
And said, "Your story's so touching but it sounds like a lie"

Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down pappa, don't you blow your top

Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down pappa, don't you blow your top

Ain't no use in divin', what's the use of jivin'
You better straighten up and fly right
Cool down pappa, don't you blow your top

Fly right