The lyrics contain several subtle references to the extreme ideological dichotomy going on in America at the time of the slave trade. For example, the slaver sings "In America, every man is free," emphasizing the American ideal of liberty. However, after a caesura he quickly concludes that sentence with "to take care of his home and his family," implying that every man in fact isn't "free" in every sense of the word.
Sail Away
Randy Newman Lyrics
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Won't have to run through the jungle and scuff up your feet
You'll just sing about Jesus and drink wine all day
It's great to be an American
Ain't no lion or tiger, ain't no mamba snake
Just the sweet watermelon and the buckwheat cake
Everybody is as happy as a man can be
Sail away, sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
Sail away, sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
In America, every man is free
To take care of his home and his family
You'll be as happy as a monkey in a monkey tree
You're all gonna be an American
Sail away, sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
Sail away, sail away
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
The lyrics of Randy Newman's song Sail Away use irony and satire to illustrate the darker side of American exceptionalism. Initially, the song seems to offer a glowing portrayal of the American dream to attract African slaves to the New World. The first few lines, "In America, you get food to eat/ Won't have to run through the jungle and scuff up your feet/ You'll just sing about Jesus and drink wine all day/ It's great to be an American" are an invitation to escape the hardships of living in Africa and live idyllic lives in America. However, as the song goes on, it becomes clear that in reality, the American dream is a lie. The line, "Climb aboard, little wog, sail away with me," makes it clear that the dream only applies to white Americans, and African slaves were not considered to be Americans.
The second verse reinforces this idea, as it highlights the kinds of animals (lion, tiger, mamba snake) that African slaves would have encountered in Africa, painting a picture of a brutal and violent environment. The chorus, "Sail away, sail away/ We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay" tells us that the real destination for these slaves is plantation life in Charleston, South Carolina. The third verse, "In America, every man is free/ To take care of his home and his family/ You'll be as happy as a monkey in a monkey tree/ You're all gonna be an American" is the most critical of all. It is a clear indication that the American dream only applies to white Americans and that African slaves will not be considered Americans, no matter how hard they work. The comparison to a "monkey in a monkey tree" also highlights the dehumanization and racism prevalent in the culture at that time.
Line by Line Meaning
In America, you get food to eat
In America, you don't have to struggle to find basic necessities like food.
Won't have to run through the jungle and scuff up your feet
Living in America will spare you from the perils and risks associated with the wilderness.
You'll just sing about Jesus and drink wine all day
American life offers a simpler, more carefree existence that allows for pleasurable and pious activities, like singing religious songs and drinking wine.
It's great to be an American
Being an American offers unparalleled opportunities for a comfortable and happy life.
Ain't no lion or tiger, ain't no mamba snake
America is a safe country without the same kind of dangerous wildlife found in other regions.
Just the sweet watermelon and the buckwheat cake
American cuisine offers delicious and satisfying foods like juicy watermelons and tasty buckwheat cakes.
Everybody is as happy as a man can be
Americans are content and fulfilled in their lives, experiencing the highest degree of happiness possible.
Climb aboard, little wog, sail away with me
Join me, my friend, as we travel towards the American dream and experience all its benefits.
In America, every man is free
Freedom is a fundamental cornerstone of American life, extending to every citizen regardless of their background.
To take care of his home and his family
Men are free to provide for and protect their families, ensuring that they have all they need to thrive.
You'll be as happy as a monkey in a monkey tree
Americans enjoy a level of happiness and contentment that is akin to a monkey's enjoyment of life while in a monkey tree.
You're all gonna be an American
It's an exciting promise that in America, everyone can become a part of the American community and thrive there.
Sail away, sail away
Let us embark on this journey towards a better life.
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
We will overcome any obstacle and reach our destination of living in America.
Sail away, sail away
Let us continue to pursue this dream and not look back.
We will cross the mighty ocean into Charleston Bay
We will manage to overcome whatever challenges we might encounter along the way and reach our destination of a better life in America.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Actual Music, S.L.
Written by: Randy Newman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind