written by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills
© 1944 Mills Music Inc (ASCAP)

The buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air

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 fly right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down papa don't you blow your top

Ain't no use in jivin'
What's the use in divin'
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down papa don't you blow your top

The buzzard told the monkey you're 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 touching but it sounds like a lie

Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and do right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down papa don't you blow your top

Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and do right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down papa don't you blow your top

Fly right