This Flight Tonight

Joni Mitchell

About This Flight Tonight

"This Flight Tonight" is a song originally by Joni Mitchell, from her 1971 album Blue. Scottish hard rock band Nazareth released the song as a single in 1973 that charted internationally.


Year:
2000
138 
#1

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Look out the left the captain said
The lights down there, that's where we'll land
I saw a falling star burn up
Above the Las Vegas sands
It wasn't the one that you gave to me
That night down south between the trailers
Not the early one
That you can wish upon,
Not the northern one
That guides in the sailors

Oh star bright, star bright
You've got the lovin' that I like, all right
Turn this crazy bird around
I shouldn't have got on this flight tonight

You got the touch so gentle and sweet
But you've got that look so critical
Now I can't talk to you baby
I get so weak
Sometimes I think love is just mythical
Up there's a heaven
Down there's a town
Blackness everywhere and little lights shine
Oh, blackness, blackness dragging me down
Come on light the candle in this poor heart of mine

Oh star bright, star bright
You've got the lovin' that I like, all right
Turn this crazy bird around
I shouldn't hove got on this flight tonight

I'm drinking sweet champagne
Got the headphones up high
Can't numb you out
Can't drum you out of my mind
They're playing, Goodbye baby, Baby Goodbye,
Ooh, ooh, love is blind

Up go the flaps, down go the wheels
I hope you got your heat turned on baby
I hope they finally fixed your automobile
I hope it's better when we meet again baby

Star bright, star bright
You got the lovin' that I like, all right
Turn this crazy bird around
I shouldn't have got on this flight tonight

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell, CC (born Roberta Joan Anderson; November 7, 1943) is a Canadian musician, singer songwriter, and painter. Mitchell began singing in small nightclubs in Saskatchewan and Western Canada and then busking in the streets and dives of Toronto. In 1965 she moved to the United States and, touring constantly, began to be recognized when her original songs ("Urge for Going," "Chelsea Morning," "Both Sides, Now," "The Circle Game") were covered by notable folk singers, allowing her to sign with Reprise Records and record her own debut album in 1968. Settling in Southern California, Mitchell and her popular songs like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Woodstock" helped define an era and a generation. Her more starkly personal 1971 recording Blue has been called one o… more »

9 fans

Written by: Joni Mitchell

Lyrics © Crazy Crow Music / Siquomb Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Creation
"This Flight Tonight" was originally written and performed by famed Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
Album Inclusion
The song can be found on her critically acclaimed 1971 album 'Blue.' This album is often considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
Song Meaning
The lyrics of "This Flight Tonight" are centred on Mitchell's experiences with travel and the conflicting emotions that occur when leaving someone behind.
Unique Aspect
The song features Mitchell's use of open, alternative guitar tunings, a musical technique she pioneered.
Cover Version
Scottish hard rock band Nazareth covered "This Flight Tonight" in 1973, two years after Mitchell's original version.
Chart Performance (Nazareth version
Their version reached number one on the German Singles Chart, and number 11 on the UK Singles Chart in 1973.
Genre Shift
With Nazareth's cover, the song transitioned from its original folk and pop roots into a hard rock anthem.
Notable Quote
Interestingly, Joni Mitchell has been quoted saying she didn't initially recognize the song when she heard Nazareth's version.
Album Inclusion (Nazareth version
Nazareth included their cover of "This Flight Tonight" on their 1973 album 'Loud 'n' Proud.'
Use in Media
"This Flight Tonight" was used in the 2000 film 'Almost Famous.' Though the version used was Nazareth's cover, the film is about a young journalist following a band in the 1970s, much like Mitchell did with Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Continual Popularity
Despite being nearly 50 years old, "This Flight Tonight" continues to be a popular song and is played frequently on classic rock radio stations.

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