[Originally by Nat King Cole] 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 But 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 divin' What's the use in jivin' 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 stay right Straighten up and fly right Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top. [Instrumental interlude] Straighten up and fly right Straighten up and stay right Straighten up and fly right Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top.