The song pays homage to various rock groups. The Velvet Underground song "Sister Ray" is directly referenced (OMD had previously covered "I'm Waiting for the Man" as a B-side to 1980 single "Messages"), and the line "people try to drag us down" is similar in melody and lyrical content to the opening line of The Who's "My Generation"; singer Andy McCluskey also noted that the track includes "Glitter Band-style" drumming.
The music video: https://youtu.be/lMST3H69-Os
Sailing on the Seven Seas
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not unless you give it free.
You're sailing on the seven seas
Sister Rae is on TV.
The light above, it shines so bright
That the F.B.I. won't sleep tonight
'Cause I'm so in awe of you
That I don't know what to do
Sick and tired, I don't know why
Skin and bones, touch the sky
Sex and lies, can't bring me down
'Cause I sold my soul
All over town.
People try to drag us down
So we learn to swim before we drown.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's song "Sailing on the Seven Seas" is a track about the struggles of love and self-identity. The song opens with the idea that love can only be possessed if it is given freely. The singer speaks to someone who is struggling with the concept of love, explaining that it cannot be forced, but it must come from a place of free will. The lyrics suggest that the person the singer is speaking to is perhaps afraid to open themselves up to love, leading them to be on a journey, sailing on the seven seas, in search of something.
The second verse begins with a reference to Sister Rae on TV, which is likely a reference to a religious figure. The singer then speaks about being in awe of the person they are speaking to, leading them to be unable to act. They are so enamored that they are unable to think, and so they continue to sail on the seven seas. The lyrics "sick and tired" suggest that the person the singer is speaking to is exhausted, perhaps from the weight of their anxieties over love.
The chorus suggests that people will try to bring you down, but you must learn to swim before you drown. This line speaks to the idea that life is filled with struggles, but we must learn to navigate through them and keep hope alive. Overall, the song is an introspective look at the struggles of love and life, and the journey one must take to find inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
You say that love will capture me
You believe that I will fall in love with someone, but it won't happen unless I have the freedom to choose.
Not unless you give it free.
Love can only happen if it's allowed to grow naturally without any external constraints or control.
You're sailing on the seven seas
You're traveling and exploring the world, enjoying different experiences.
Sister Rae is on TV.
Someone named Sister Rae is currently a television personality or celebrity, and it may be significant to your life in some way.
The light above, it shines so bright
There is a bright light or source of inspiration shining down on you.
That the F.B.I. won't sleep tonight
The brightness of the light is so intense that even the F.B.I. won't be able to ignore it or look away.
'Cause I'm so in awe of you
I'm deeply impressed by you and your actions or qualities.
That I don't know what to do
I'm overwhelmed by my admiration for you and don't know how to express it or respond.
And I'm sailing on the seven seas so blue.
I'm also enjoying new experiences and exploring the world, perhaps even in partnership with you.
Sick and tired, I don't know why
I'm physically and emotionally drained, but I'm not sure why or what's causing it.
Skin and bones, touch the sky
Despite my exhaustion, I'm still reaching for the stars and pursuing my dreams.
Sex and lies, can't bring me down
Attempts to manipulate, shame, or deceive me won't stop me from being myself.
'Cause I sold my soul
I may have made compromises or sacrifices in the past to get where I am now.
All over town.
These sacrifices or compromises were likely widely known and discussed in my community or social circle.
People try to drag us down
Others may attempt to bring negativity or criticism into our relationship or our pursuit of our goals.
So we learn to swim before we drown.
We've become adept at navigating challenges and overcoming obstacles, rather than giving up or giving in.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ANDREW MC CLUSKEY, STUART KERSHAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lucio Rozendo
Navegando Nos Sete Mares
Manobras orquestrais no escuro
Você diz que o amor vai me capturar
Mas não, a menos que você dê de graça
Estamos navegando nos sete mares
Irmã Ray está na TV
A luz do amor brilha tanto
Que o FBI não vai dormir esta noite
Porque eu estou tão maravilhado com você
Que eu não sei o que fazer
E eu estou navegando
Os sete mares tão azuis
Doente e cansado e não sei porque
Pele e osso não tocarão o céu
Sexo e mentiras não podem me derrubar
Porque eu vendi minha alma por toda a cidade
Porque eu estou tão maravilhado com você
Que eu não sei o que fazer
E eu estou navegando
Os sete mares tão azuis
As pessoas tentam nos arrastar para baixo
Então aprendemos a nadar antes de nos afogar
Porque eu estou tão maravilhado com você
Que eu não sei o que fazer
E eu estou navegando
Os sete mares tão azuis
E eu estou tão admirado com você
Que eu não sei o que fazer
E eu estou navegando
Os sete mares tão azuis
Sailing On The Seven Seas
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
You say that love will capture me
But not unless you give it free
We're sailing on the seven seas
Sister Ray is on TV
The light of love it shines so bright
That the FBI won't sleep tonight
'Cause I'm so in awe of you
That I don't know what to do
And I'm sailing on
The seven seas so blue
Sick and tired and don't know why
Skin and bone won't touch the sky
Sex and lies can't bring me down
'Cause I've sold my soul all over town
'Cause I'm so in awe of you
That I don't know what to do
And I'm sailing on
The seven seas so blue
People try to drag us down
So we learn to swim before we drown
'Cause I'm so in awe of you
That I don't know what to do
And I'm sailing on
The seven seas so blue
And I'm so in awe of you
That I don't know what to do
And I'm sailing on
The seven seas so blue
Emma Keeshan
Oh my good I first heard this when I was 14 years old. Now I’m 48 and it still sounds so good ❤❤
Uno Honcho
I'm 50 in 9 days.. . This song takes me back being 17 and everything front of me to come 😂
Darren Hirst
Best played loud while dancing round the room and not caring if you can dance or not.👀
Brilliant tune!
rachel tolley
Tru xx
David Hubbert
Well said Darren
TheWellngood
doing just that right now,with joy
Linda Schnell
I totally agree !!! 😃
Darren Hirst
@TheWellngood It's brilliant init 😂
Izabela Bujak
I just heard it in the radio after more than 25 years and totally forgot how great this band and their music is. Addicting to listen to. Btw its 2021 people and I'm in my early 40's :) Crazy!
Louise Doyle
Same 😂