Flat as a Pancake would remain their most popular album spawning two charting singles, the well-known anthem "Never Been Any Reason" and "Love Me tonight", both written by guitarist Mike Somerville.
This lineup of John Schlitt (vocals), Mike Somerville (guitars), Roger Boyd (keyboards), Dan Birney (bass) and Steve Huston (drums) would last through four more studio albums and a double-LP live album when in 1980 Schlitt, Birney and Somerville left the band although Somerville would return for 1994 through 2003. By the mid-80’s, John Schlitt, had joined Petra, a christian rock band when lead singer Greg X. Volz left the band.
Roger Boyd took over leadership of the band for one mildly successful album, U.S. 1, and two more studio albums before the band became an oldies act
sailor
Head East Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For when that man starts singing you'd be surprised
How many people sing along, sing along, yeah, sing along
Don't worry sailor, this ship is yours and you're learning more each day
Don't worry sailor, your heart and mind and eyes will find a way
People been telling you for so long that you're running across thin ice, yeah
But now and then you feel too strong to take up their advice
Going into town with those high hopes and a couple of dreams long inside
And all those dreams have been foolish schemes besides
No money, no dreams - it don't seem much
Looks like all I could ever hope to see
Don't worry sailor, this ship is yours and you're learning more each day
Don't worry sailor, your heart and mind and eyes will find a way
People been telling you for so long that you're running across thin ice, yeah
But now and then you feel too strong to take up their advice, yeah
Take up their advice, yeah, whoa
The lyrics of the song Sailor by Head East are about a sailor who is worried about his future prospects. The opening line “They say it takes a worried man to sing a worried song” suggests that the sailor is expressing his worries through music. This is a common theme in many folk and blues songs where the singer sings about his troubles. The next line “For when that man starts singing you'd be surprised, How many people sing along, sing along, yeah, sing along” suggests that the sailor’s worries are universal and that many people can relate to them. The chorus “Don't worry sailor, this ship is yours and you're learning more each day, Don't worry sailor, your heart and mind and eyes will find a way” is reassuring, advising the sailor that he will eventually find his way.
The second verse talks about the sailor’s failed dreams of going into town with high hopes and a couple of dreams, only to leave with no money and shattered dreams. The line “All those dreams have been foolish schemes besides, No money, no dreams - it don't seem much, Looks like all I could ever hope to see” suggests that the sailor has lost faith in his dreams and his ability to succeed in life. However, the chorus of the song “Don't worry sailor, this ship is yours and you're learning more each day, Don't worry sailor, your heart and mind and eyes will find a way” is a reassuring message that no matter how bad things get, he will eventually find his way.
Overall, the lyrics of the song Sailor by Head East convey a message of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. It tells the story of a sailor who is down on his luck but is reassured that he will eventually find his way. The message of the song is relevant even today, and it is a reminder that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always hope.
Line by Line Meaning
They say it takes a worried man to sing a worried song
According to popular belief, the only people who can truly understand and express the troubles of the world are those who have worries themselves.
For when that man starts singing you'd be surprised
However, once such a person starts singing, the number of people who can identify with their struggles is unexpectedly high.
How many people sing along, sing along, yeah, sing along
In fact, many people identify so strongly that they sing along with the song and share in the message.
Don't worry sailor, this ship is yours and you're learning more each day
To the sailor feeling lost and overwhelmed, take heart in the fact that the ship you're sailing on belongs to you, and each day brings the chance to learn and grow.
Don't worry sailor, your heart and mind and eyes will find a way
Though it may seem impossible in the moment, the sailor's heart, mind, and eyes will lead him towards a solution or path forward.
People been telling you for so long that you're running across thin ice, yeah
The sailor has likely been warned countless times about the dangers he faces or the risks he's taking on this journey.
But now and then you feel too strong to take up their advice
But there are moments when the sailor feels so confident or determined that he ignores or disobeys the advice of others.
Going into town with those high hopes and a couple of dreams long inside
The sailor may have begun this journey with lofty ambitions or aspirations, filled with hope and dreams for his future.
Leave town with no money, no
Unfortunately, the journey may not have gone as planned, and the sailor may now have nothing to show for his efforts, including no money.
And all those dreams have been foolish schemes besides
Not only has the sailor failed to find success or fortune, but his dreams themselves may now seem foolish or unrealistic.
No money, no dreams - it don't seem much
With both money and dreams lost, the sailor's situation may seem bleak or hopeless.
Looks like all I could ever hope to see
The sailor may feel resigned to accepting his current reality and giving up on achieving anything more.
Take up their advice, yeah, whoa
However, in the end, the sailor may realize that he should have listened to the advice of others rather than forging ahead alone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ronald David Wood, Roderick David Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
2bluelady
I always thought that this album was spectacular, a hidden gem for sure. Recently seeing Head East perform only renewed that belief. John Schlitt was there and his incredible vocals once again took me back to the days when I thought that these were some of the best sounds ever. Lots of love to Head East!
Benjamin Blake Mitchner
Brilliant! John Schlitt is amazing one of the best vocalists I've ever heard exactly what I love!
wmkyle1
57 years old and I still get goosebumps hearing this.There's a Chemistry about this group that I enjoyed. When John Left, The group changed also.
Roboshow-Q Rocksucker
one of the best soundtracks to a pretty good year 1977 on the ocean with a boatload of crazy people
Rick Snyder
Probably my all time favorite song by Head East.
Tim Williams
The sound quality of this very underrated song is excellent!!!
Rick Snyder
My favorite Head East song. When I first got out of college, in 1980, it was one of the songs that if I had a bad day at work help let it go.
Pat Zamudio
This is a hidden gem. I absolutely love it
cgdmusicman
Thanks for making this album available on this platform. Somehow the major music services left this album out of Head East's catalog.
andrew hayes
You're welcome!