A Sailboat in the Moonlight
Duke Ellington Lyrics


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A sailboat in the moonlight and you
Wouldn't that be heaven, a heaven just for two?

A soft breeze on a June night and you
What a perfect setting for letting dreams come true

A chance to sail away
To Sweetheart Bay beneath the stars that shine
A chance to drift, for you to lift
Your tender lips to mine

Some things, dear, that I long are few
Just give me a sailboat in the moonlight and you

A chance to sail away
To Sweetheart Bay beneath the stars that shine
A chance to drift, for you to lift
Your tender lips to mine





Some things, dear, that I long for are few
Just give me a sailboat in the moonlight and you

Overall Meaning

The song Sailboat in the Moonlight by Duke Ellington is a romantic and whimsical piece that captures the essence of a perfect evening with a loved one. The opening line paints a serene picture of a sailboat gliding through the water under the shimmering moonlight. This vision of beauty is further enhanced by the idea of sharing it with a special someone. The singer envisions this scene as a little piece of heaven specifically designed for the two of them.


The second verse adds to the enchanting tone of the song as it describes a soft breeze blowing on a June night. This creates the perfect backdrop for dreaming and the singer seems to suggest that anything is possible in this magical moment. The chorus then repeats the idea of sailing away to a place called Sweetheart Bay where they can bask in the brilliance of the stars and surrender to each other's tender embrace.


The final verse expresses the simplicity of the singer's desires. All he needs is a sailboat, the moonlight, and the person he loves to be completely happy. This song is a timeless classic that celebrates the feeling of falling in love and cherishing every moment spent with that special someone.


Line by Line Meaning

A sailboat in the moonlight and you
Wouldn't it be great to be on a sailboat under the moonlight with the one you love?


Wouldn't that be heaven, a heaven just for two?
It would be a perfect and heavenly moment, just the two of us.


A soft breeze on a June night and you
Imagine a gentle breeze on a warm June night, with the one you love beside you.


What a perfect setting for letting dreams come true
This is the perfect setting for us to fulfill our dreams and desires.


A chance to sail away
An opportunity to escape and be free.


To Sweetheart Bay beneath the stars that shine
Sailing to a special place, with shining stars above and love in our hearts.


A chance to drift, for you to lift
A chance to relax and let go, and for me to feel your tender kiss.


Your tender lips to mine
I want to feel your soft and gentle lips against mine.


Some things, dear, that I long are few
I don't ask for much, but this moment is all I need.


Just give me a sailboat in the moonlight and you
All I need is you and a romantic sailboat for this moment to be perfect.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CARMEN LOMBARDO, JOHN JACOB LOEB

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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