The song "Night Flyer" by John Mayall is about a restless and homesick traveler who is unable to sleep due to missing their loved one who is far away. The lyrics convey the desperation and longing felt by the protagonist as they contemplate leaving their current location and traveling back home to their partner. Despite the potential obstacles and challenges they may encounter, they are determined to make the journey and reunite with their loved one. The song's title "Night Flyer" is a metaphor for the protagonist's desire to escape their current situation and take flight towards their destination. The airport represents a place of solace for them, where they can smoke and wait until they can board a plane and make their way home. The lyrics also hint at the protagonist's history of leaving and returning, as they mention their friends still sleeping and not knowing that they are planning to leave again. This suggests that the protagonist may have a tendency to run away from their problems or become restless when away from their loved one. Overall, "Night Flyer" tells the story of a person who is consumed by their love for someone else and is willing to take risks to be with them. The song's melancholic tone and reflective lyrics capture the intensity of this longing and the profound impact that distance can have on relationships.