[Verse 1]
A buzzard took a 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..."

[Chorus]
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 diving
What's the use in jiving?
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa
Don't you blow your top

[Verse 2]
The buzzard told the monkey you are choking 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."

[Chorus]
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 diving
What's the use in jiving?
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa
Don't you blow your top
[Instrumental Bridge]

[Outro]
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 diving
What's the use in jiving?
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa
Don't you blow your top