Meaning of "Leaving On A Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul & Mary

"Leaving On A Jet Plane" is a heartfelt and bittersweet song that captures the emotions of saying goodbye to a loved one before embarking on a journey. The lyrics depict the narrator's deep affection for their partner as they express their reluctance to wake them up and say goodbye. The dawn breaking and the waiting taxi symbolize the inevitability of departure and the urgency of leaving. The narrator acknowledges their own mistakes and past indiscretions, but also emphasizes that those moments don't hold any significance in comparison to their love for their partner. The repetition of the phrase "So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you'll wait for me" highlights the need for reassurance and comfort in the face of separation. The mention of wearing a wedding ring when they return suggests a commitment and the hope of a future together. The bittersweetness of the song is intensified by the repeated line "Oh babe, I hate to go," which encapsulates the conflicted feelings of both longing for the present moment to last and the eagerness for the day they won't have to say goodbye anymore. Overall, "Leaving On A Jet Plane" conveys the universal feelings of love, longing, and hope that arise when faced with temporary separation.