A couple of guys in first class on a flight
From New York to Los Angeles
Kinda making small talk killin’ time
Flirting with the flight attendants
Thirty thousand feet above, could be Oklahoma
Just a bunch of square cornfields and wheat farms
Man, it all looks the same
Miles and miles of back roads and highways
Connecting little towns with funny names
Who’d want to live down there in the middle of nowhere?
They’ve never drove through Indiana
Met the man who plowed that earth
Planted that seed, busted his ass for you and me
Or caught a harvest moon in Kansas
They’d understand why God made
Those fly over states
I bet that mile long Santa Fe
Freight train engineer’s seen it all
Just like that flatbed cowboy
Stacking US Steel on a three day haul
Roads and rails under their feet
Yeah, that sounds like a first class seat
On the plains of Oklahoma
With a windshield sunset in your eyes
Like a water colored painted sky
You’ll think heaven’s doors have opened
You’ll understand why God made
Those fly over states
Take a ride across the badlands
Feel that freedom on your face
Breathe in all that open space
Meet a girl from Amarillo
You’ll understand why God made
You might even wanna plant your stakes
In those fly over states
Have you ever been through Indiana
On the plains of Oklahoma
Take a ride
The Heartland from Above: A Closer Look
“Fly Over States” by Jason Aldean captures the often-overlooked beauty and hardworking spirit of America’s heartland. Through vivid storytelling, the song invites listeners to see beyond the stereotypes of vast cornfields and empty highways, urging an appreciation for the people and culture that define these regions. Aldean paints a picture of farmers, freight train engineers, and long-haul drivers whose lives and labor are deeply intertwined with the land. The lyrics challenge the casual dismissal of these “fly over” areas, suggesting that a closer look reveals their richness and purpose.
Why These States Matter
The song’s narrative conveys a sense of pride and respect for the Midwest and the Great Plains. By referencing real places like Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Amarillo, Aldean highlights the unique stories and experiences that flourish far from the spotlight of major cities. “Fly Over States” ultimately argues that these regions are foundational to the American identity—worthy of admiration, understanding, and, perhaps, a visit or a permanent stake in the ground.
Song Credits
Artist: Jason Aldean
Songwriters: Neil Thrasher, Michael Dulaney
Release Year: 2012
Label: Broken Bow Records