[Verse 1]
A 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, "Hey, listen, Jack"

[Chorus]
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top

[Post-Chorus]
Ain't no use in divin'
What's the use of jivin'?
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top

[Verse 2]
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 touching, but it sounds 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
[Instrumental Break]

[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

[Verse 3]
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"

[Chorus]
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and do right
Straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top