Cross released his debut album, 'Christopher Cross', in 1979, and it garnered him five Grammy Awards. He's the only artist in history to receive all of the "Big Four" Grammy Awards (for 'Best Record', 'Best Song', 'Best Album', and 'Best New Artist') in the same year. Hits from the critically acclaimed album, along with "Sailing" (a number one hit that remained within Billboard's Top 40 for over three months), include "Ride Like the Wind" (which was a #2 hit), "Never Be the Same" (going to #15), and "Say You'll Be Mine" (rising to #20). Critics such as Allmusic's Mike DeGagne have lauded Cross' " crisp and colorful" songwriting and "soothing voice".
Labeled as possibly having 'peaked too early' as time went on, Cross proved the doubters wrong with another number one hit in "Arthur's Theme" (also known as "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)"). A part of the Dudley Moore film 'Arthur', the track, as stated before, won him the Academy Award for Best Song in 1981 alongside co-composers Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen. Although his popularity has waxed and waned over the years since his 70s heyday, Cross has earned a reputation as one of the key artists playing what would become known as "yacht rock" alongside contemporaries such as Loggins & Messina.
Sailing
Christopher Cross Lyrics
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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
And 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, really, 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
The song 'Sailing' by Christopher Cross is a heartfelt song about finding solace and peace in the midst of life's struggles. The song begins with Cross singing about how paradise is not far away from him, and that he can find tranquility if the wind is right, and he decides to sail away. This first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a reflection on the power of nature to heal and transform our lives.
In the second verse, Cross sings about the joy of innocence and how the wind can take us back to a time when life was more simple and carefree. He again emphasizes the power of the canvas, or the sail, to perform miracles and transport us to a better place. The chorus then comes in, and Cross repeats the phrase "sailing, takes me away to where I've always heard it could be," which conveys the idea that he is following his dreams and pursuing a life that he has always desired.
The third verse talks about how the fantasy of sailing can sometimes overwhelm Cross, but he still finds himself caught up in the symphony of the experience. The idea of being carried away by the wind and the dream of sailing is like music to his soul, and he wants the listener to believe in the power of this dream as well. The chorus then repeats, and the song ends with Cross singing about how sailing can bring him back to sanity and find serenity.
Overall, 'Sailing' is a powerful song that speaks to the human desire for escape and finding a better life. It is a reminder of the power of nature to heal and transform us, and how sometimes the simple act of setting sail can be a life-changing experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, it's not far down to paradise
Paradise is not a faraway location, at least not for me.
At least it's not for me
It might be far for some, but not for me.
And if the wind is right you can sail away
If the wind is blowing in the right direction, you can travel by boat.
And find tranquility
Find peace of mind.
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
The sail can work wonders.
Just you wait and see, believe me
Just watch, and you'll see the sail's power - trust me.
It's not far to never never land
Never never land is not far away.
No reason to pretend
No need to fake it.
And if the wind is right you can find the joy
In the proper wind, you can experience happiness.
Of innocence again
The innocence you once had can be found once more.
Sailing
Traveling on the water via sailboat.
Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be
Takes me to the place that I've always thought existed.
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
It's just my imagination and the wind that directs me.
Soon I will be free
I will soon be liberated.
Fantasy
My imagination.
It gets the best of me
I'm consumed by it.
All caught up in the reverie
I'm completely immersed in my daydream.
Every word is a symphony
Each statement is like a beautiful piece of music.
Won't you believe me?
Can't you trust what I'm telling you?
Well, it's not far back to sanity
Sanity is not far away.
And if the wind is right you can sail away
If the wind is opportune, you can sail again.
And find serenity
Find peace of mind.
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
The sail can work wonders.
Just you wait and see, really, believe me
Just observe and you'll witness the sail's power, truly, have faith in me.
Sailing
Traveling on the water via sailboat.
Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be
Takes me to the place that I've always thought existed.
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
It's just my imagination and the wind that directs me.
And soon I will be free
And soon I will be liberated.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Christopher C. Cross
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind