Sail On
Lionel Richie; The Commodores Lyrics
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And-a don't really wanna know-a where you're goin'
Maybe once or twice, you see, time after time
I tried-a to, to hold on to what we got, but-a now you're goin'
And I don't mind about the things you're gonna say, Lord
I gave all my money, and my time
I know it's a shame, but I'm givin' you back your name, yeah, yeah
Yes I'll be on my way, I won't be back to stay
Sail on down the line, ain't it funny how the time can go on-a
Friends say they told me so, but it doesn't matter
It was plain to see that a small town boy like me
Just-a wasn't your cup of tea
It was wishful thinkin'
I gave you my heart and I tried to make you happy
And you gave me nothin' in return
You know, it ain't so hard to say, "Would you please just go away," yeah, yeah
I've thrown away the blues, I'm tired of bein' used
I want everyone to know I'm lookin' for a good time, good time
Sail on honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on sugar
Good times never felt so good
In Lionel Richie and The Commodores' song "Sail On," the lyrics recount the end of a relationship where the singer has to let go of what they had with their partner. The song's first verse talks about how the partner is leaving and how the singer doesn't want to know where they're going. The second verse reveals that the singer knew all along that the relationship wasn't going to work out, but they still tried to make it work. In the end, the singer says they're moving on and looking for a good time.
The chorus repeats "Sail on honey/ sugar" and "good times never felt so good" - it's a reminder that even though the relationship is over and it's a sad time, the singer is looking towards the future and to better days. In the song, there's a sense of resignation and acceptance that the relationship is over and that's okay - it's time to move on.
In terms of instrumentation, "Sail On" features a prominent acoustic guitar that sets the tone for the song, along with backup vocals from the rest of The Commodores. The song was a hit when it was released in 1979, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Line by Line Meaning
Sail on down the line 'bout-a half-a mile or so, and-a don't really wanna know-a where you're goin'
Just go on your own way for a little while and I don't need to know where you're headed
Maybe once or twice, you see, time after time I tried-a to, to hold on to what we got, but-a now you're goin'
I've tried to make this work a few times, but now that you're leaving, there's no point in trying anymore
and I don't mind about the things you're gonna say, Lord, I gave all my money, and my time
Your words won't hurt me anymore, because I've given you everything I had
I know it's a shame, but I'm givin' you back your name, yeah, yeah
We had something, but it's over now, so you can have your identity back
Yes I'll be on my way, I won't be back to stay, I guess I'll move along, I'm lookin' for a good time
I'm leaving and won't come back, because I want to enjoy life without you
Sail on down the line, ain't it funny how the time can go on-a friends say they told me so, but it doesn't matter
Time flies and friends have said I should've known this would happen, but their warnings are irrelevant now
It was plain to see that a small town boy like me just-a wasn't your cup of tea, It was wishful thinkin'
I always knew deep down that I wasn't your type, but I hoped that things would work out between us anyway
I gave you my heart and I tried to make you happy, and you gave me nothin' in return
I gave you my all, but you didn't care about me or our relationship
You know, it ain't so hard to say, "Would you please just go away," yeah, yeah
It's not difficult to ask you to leave and never come back
Got nothin' else to lose, I'm tired of bein' used, I want everyone to know I'm lookin' for a good time, good time, whoa, oh, sail on honey, good times never felt so good
I'm done being taken advantage of and want to have fun now instead. Goodbye and good riddance
Sail on sugar, good times never felt so good
I'm excited for the future and all the good times that are yet to come
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lionel Richie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rjam1974
Sad thing listening to this. We were truly spoiled back then. You had Stevie Wonder, Marvin, Lionel, Al Green, Bobby Womack that wrote their own lyrics and they also had outstanding talent playing music. Those days and that period is forever gone.
@johndaidone8031
I’m 63 great days
@lindahill5360
I agree. Today's sounds don't agree with the soul. But songs like this one are making a major come back.
@Rick-if5zb
As long as we remember these songs and people they're never really gone. Just pull up some YouTube and reminisce.
@davidbaker8607
Sail back Lionel. We miss you
@gretchenboyd69
Quite a nasty song, but sounds so nice
@mackenzieleopeng4272
No autotune....just sheer talent.
@marvinm.messier1120
Agreed. And this stuff is 100% sublime.
@julie.1081
We were blessed with so many brilliant musicians who really understood music & all that that implies.
@paramjitsingh-iv1ef
Debatable. ❤🎉🎉❤