The Airport Song

Album: The Preflyte Sessions (1964)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to Roger McGuinn, this song, recorded in 1964, was written in tribute to the times when he and David Crosby would hang out at the airport to watch airplanes take off. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Sean - Chicago, IL

Comments: 2

  • Roman from Barrie, Onif you want some classic David Crosby, latch onto his album titled "Oh yes I can" where he does solo work, often backed by members of CSN&Y as well as other artists.
  • Kevin from Reading , PaThis is really a pretty remarkable song, especially when you consider how early on it was recorded. Crosby does a great lead vocal and the singing is very moody, almost jazz. Interestingly, this was recorded during the "Prefylye" sessions in '64 that precluded the Byrds' first album release, Mr. Tambourine Man. Despite a great lead vocal on this, Crosby was not afforded a lead vocal on either of the group's first two albums, though is omnipresent through his harmony singing. Jim (later Roger) Mcguinn and Gene Clark took all the lead vocals on the first two albums. With Clark's departure during the "Fifth Dimension" sessions in '66, room opened up for Crosby to sing "Hey Joe" and "What's Happening." By the fourth album Crosby had four or five lead vocals, and was on the verge of taking over the group from McGuinn during the "Notorious Byrd Brothers" sessions when he was fired by McGuinn and Chris Hillman. Crosby, of course, had the last laugh, going on to bigger fame and fortune with Nash, Stills and occasionally, Young.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.