About the song
“Sailing” by the incomparable Christopher Cross. This isn’t just a beloved song from the early 1980s; it’s a tranquil masterpiece, a gentle breeze of a tune that perfectly captures the feeling of escape, peace, and quiet contemplation. For those of us who appreciate music as a form of art and atmosphere, this track is a perfect and timeless example.
Released in 1980 on his self-titled debut album, “Sailing” was an instant sensation, going on to achieve the remarkable feat of winning three of the “Big Four” Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. Its success was a testament to the song’s widespread appeal and its ability to offer a much-needed sense of calm in a world that was becoming increasingly fast-paced. The song’s lyrical theme is a beautiful, metaphorical journey. While it speaks of the literal act of sailing on the open water, it’s truly about finding a refuge from life’s storms, a place to clear your mind and find inner peace. “It’s not far down to paradise / At least it’s not for me / And if the wind is right you can sail away / And find tranquility,” Cross sings, offering a profound sense of hope and a simple solution to life’s anxieties.
What makes “Sailing” so utterly captivating is Christopher Cross’s masterful vocal performance. His voice is smooth, gentle, and entirely free of pretense. He sings with a quiet sincerity that feels like a confidential whisper, inviting you to share in his moment of tranquility. There’s no strain or grandiosity in his delivery; it’s a performance built on subtlety and warmth, perfectly suited to the song’s serene mood. This vocal quality is a key reason why the song remains so comforting and timeless, as it never feels forced or dated.
Musically, the production is a hallmark of the sophisticated “yacht rock” sound of the era. It’s a masterclass in elegant, clean instrumentation. The gentle finger-picked guitar, the soft, shimmering keyboards, and the understated rhythm section all work together to create an airy, dreamy soundscape. The arrangement is meticulously crafted to support the song’s peaceful message, building and receding with a natural grace that feels like waves on the water. “Sailing” stands as a testament to Christopher Cross’s enduring artistry, a song that continues to serve as a beautiful, melodic reminder that sometimes, the greatest solace can be found in the quiet moments of life, far away from the noise and the haste.
Video
Lyrics
Well, it’s not far down to paradise
At least it’s not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me
It’s not far to never never land
No reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy
Of innocence again
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me
Sailing
Takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
Soon I will be free
Fantasy
It gets the best of me
When I’m sailing
All caught up in the reverie
Every word is a symphony
Won’t you believe me?
Sailing
Takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
Soon I will be free
Well, it’s not far back to sanity
At least it’s not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find serenity
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Can’t you, believe me?
Sailing
Takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
