Sailin'
Robin Williams Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, I've been sailing 'bout the seven seas
Looking for somebody who would sail with me
Sail with me sail with me

And I've been waiting for someone like you
A man who would love me and would promise to
Stay with me stay with me
Stay with me sailing, sailing
Sailing, sail

Nothing feels better than a rows on the sea
And I can't think of anyone but you
To stay with me stay with me
Stay with me

Sail with me stay with me
Sail with me





Oh, Popeye

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Robin Williams's song "Sailin'" revolve around the themes of longing for companionship and finding love. The song begins with the singer expressing their desire to find someone to sail the seven seas with them. Sailing is used metaphorically to represent the journey of life, and the singer is searching for a partner who will accompany them on this journey. The repeated line "sail with me" emphasizes their yearning for companionship and togetherness.


The second paragraph highlights the singer's anticipation for finding someone like the listener – someone who will love them and stay by their side. This line suggests that the singer is longing for a deep and committed connection. They want someone who will not only be there in moments of excitement and adventure but also during the mundane and challenging times. The repetition of "stay with me" further emphasizes this desire for stability and a lasting partnership.


The third paragraph introduces the idea that nothing feels better to the singer than rowing on the sea. This line could be interpreted literally as the singer enjoying the act of sailing, but it could also symbolize being in a relationship with the listener. The mention of "anyone but you" suggests that the singer's search for a partner has led them to this particular person. They believe that the listener is the perfect fit for them and they want them to stay with them, further reinforcing their longing for love and connection.


The final paragraph is a seemingly unrelated line that simply says, "Oh Popeye." This line is a playful reference to the popular cartoon character Popeye the Sailor. It could be seen as a whimsical interjection or a way for the singer to express their fondness for sailing and adventure.


Overall, the lyrics of "Sailin'" convey a message of longing for companionship and love. The singer yearns for someone to join them on the journey of life, someone who will stay with them through thick and thin. The use of sailing as a metaphor adds depth to the lyrics, and the mention of Popeye adds a touch of playfulness and nostalgia.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, I've been sailing 'bout the seven seas
I have traveled to different parts of the world, exploring vast oceans and searching for something.


Looking for somebody who would sail with me
My quest is to find a companion who shares my passion for adventure and is willing to join me on my journey.


Sail with me sail with me
Come and experience the excitement and freedom of sailing alongside me.


And I've been waiting for someone like you
I have patiently anticipated the arrival of someone special, someone who possesses unique qualities.


A man who would love me and would promise to
A person who would not only express their love for me but also make a sincere commitment.


Stay with me stay with me
Remain by my side and be a constant presence in my life.


Stay with me sailing, sailing
Continue to accompany me on my sailing adventures, sharing in the joy and excitement.


Sailing, sail
The act of sailing is the ultimate expression of freedom and exploration.


Nothing feels better than a rows on the sea
There is no greater pleasure than rowing a boat in the vastness of the sea.


And I can't think of anyone but you
You are the only person occupying my thoughts, the ideal companion for this experience.


To stay with me stay with me
I desire your continued presence and commitment in my life.


Sail with me stay with me
Join me on this adventure, and let us not only sail together but also remain together.


Sail with me
Embark on this voyage with me, exploring the world and discovering new horizons.


Oh, Popeye
A playful reference to the cartoon character Popeye, who is also associated with sailing and adventure.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARRY NILSSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Bobby Shaddoe

Originally Shelly Duvall was hesitant to accept the part cuz she had been teased by kids growing up by being called Olive Oyl. I think it was Altman and Williams that helped assuage her concerns, and she ultimately had fun with it, as you can tell everyone was having fun with this film.

What I love about this film is how it showcases the bond between Popeye and Olive grow naturally from awkward acquaintances, to friends, and as they take to their roles of surrogate parents to Sweet Pea, and of course them.legit falling for each other.

What's interesting about the humor for these characters is how it stems naturally from their quirks.

Prior to finding Sweet Pea, Olive was always complaining about practically everything, cuz she had to let out her frustrations over her impending nuptials without actually saying 'i don't want to get married'. Cuz in the one hand, she knows that being with Bluto means her family benefits a great deal by essentially living tax free. However, she isn't enamoured by Blutos temper or from the fact that he's a hulking brute. Even when she tries to runaway the night of her engagement party, she's indecisive about which way to go, cuz she she knows she can't marry Bluto but knows she can't just abandon her family. The moment she and Popeye find Sweet Pea changes everything, she's found a new purpose and direction in life, to be a mother and protector to Sweet Pea. She doesn't even mind going back to her home to face Blutos wrath or even the consequences of breaking off their engagement, which also included Popeye getting beaten up cuz Bluto assumed he and Olive were already together and Sweet Pea was the result. But this song shows the beginnings of their romance, cuz while we think they are singing to Sweet Pea, they are also singing to each other. Popeye is saying I'll take you away from all this and we will explore the seas together, and Olive is saying, we can have a great life if you'll just stay here.

I love this film so much.



All comments from YouTube:

Suck it, Trebek!

My daughter was just singing this to herself, so I felt I needed to turn it on and we could sing throughout the house. Love. :)

Jenny W

i love how Robin can sing really well and at the same time have this accent going :D

Zaracha Stellaris

May he rest in peace

Isaac Smith

He's sailing with me papa, sister and grandpapi

Jersey

. The romance between the two, literally had little to no kisses, no sex, no need to over sexualize Olive. They truly have an awkward, yet perfect union with each other. There isn't any need to even say so, by every action in the movie you could just tell they are two peas in a pod. Quite a unique pair.

Jason Garfield Bardy

They were perfect for the roles. I cannot imagine actors who were better-suited to play Popeye and Olive. Robert Altman and Jules Feiffer put together a perfect live-action cartoon.

Bobby Shaddoe

Originally Shelly Duvall was hesitant to accept the part cuz she had been teased by kids growing up by being called Olive Oyl. I think it was Altman and Williams that helped assuage her concerns, and she ultimately had fun with it, as you can tell everyone was having fun with this film.

What I love about this film is how it showcases the bond between Popeye and Olive grow naturally from awkward acquaintances, to friends, and as they take to their roles of surrogate parents to Sweet Pea, and of course them.legit falling for each other.

What's interesting about the humor for these characters is how it stems naturally from their quirks.

Prior to finding Sweet Pea, Olive was always complaining about practically everything, cuz she had to let out her frustrations over her impending nuptials without actually saying 'i don't want to get married'. Cuz in the one hand, she knows that being with Bluto means her family benefits a great deal by essentially living tax free. However, she isn't enamoured by Blutos temper or from the fact that he's a hulking brute. Even when she tries to runaway the night of her engagement party, she's indecisive about which way to go, cuz she she knows she can't marry Bluto but knows she can't just abandon her family. The moment she and Popeye find Sweet Pea changes everything, she's found a new purpose and direction in life, to be a mother and protector to Sweet Pea. She doesn't even mind going back to her home to face Blutos wrath or even the consequences of breaking off their engagement, which also included Popeye getting beaten up cuz Bluto assumed he and Olive were already together and Sweet Pea was the result. But this song shows the beginnings of their romance, cuz while we think they are singing to Sweet Pea, they are also singing to each other. Popeye is saying I'll take you away from all this and we will explore the seas together, and Olive is saying, we can have a great life if you'll just stay here.

I love this film so much.

The Dark Dane

@Bobby Shaddoe, I think this film is criminally underrated. Everything you said is so true. This film is a lovely little fairy tale with elements that all perfectly come together.

Butterfly Garden 🦋

These two were born for their parts. Their looks and voices. It’s so amazing. 😉

jambajuice89

Incredible soundtrack. Kudos to Harry Nilsson and crew. This is my favorite song on this classic album.

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