Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding … Read Full Bio ↴Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding member, singer, guitarist, and songwriter in The Byrds. Since that band's demise he has had moderate success as a solo artist, working with many other artists, including Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Some of his solo material has appeared in films, such as 1969's Easy Rider.
Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Sail Away Lady
Roger McGuinn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sail away ladies
Ain't no use to sit and cry
You'll be an angel by and by

Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o
Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o

I got a home in Tennessee
(Sail away, ladies, sail away)
That's the place I wanna be
(Sail away, ladies, sail away)

If I ever get my way
(Sail away, ladies, sail away)
Tennessee is where I'll stay
(Sail away, ladies, sail away)

Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o
Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o

Ever I get my new house done
Give my old one to my son
Ever I finish this porch and stairs
Lie around in my rockin' chair

Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o
Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o

Ain't no use to sit and cry
You'll be an angel by and by
Won't be a long time 'round this place
So get a look at my funny face

Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o

Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Roger McGuinn's "Sail Away Lady" is a traditional American folk song that is about the transitory nature of life and the singer's desire to return to his home in Tennessee. The opening lines, "Sail away ladies, ain't no use to sit and cry, you'll be an angel by and by," suggest that the singer is trying to convince someone to be strong and not waste their time lamenting their current situation. He implies that death is inevitable and one will ultimately be reunited with loved ones who have passed on.

The repeated verse "Can't she rock 'em daddy-o" is a call-and-response that was probably sung while dancing. The verse is an expression of joy and praise for the rhythm and melody of the song. The line "I got a home in Tennessee" indicates that the singer is far away from his loved ones but has a place to call home where he feels he belongs. The verse "Ever I get my new house done, give my old one to my son" implies that the singer may be getting old and wants to pass on his assets to his family.

The chorus "Can't she rock 'em daddy-o" is repeated multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing the rhythm of the song and the various emotions that come with it. The lyrics describe the singer's desires and plans for the future and his unshakable connection to his home in Tennessee. Overall, the song is a celebration of life and the ups and downs that come with it.

Line by Line Meaning

Sail away ladies
Let's go, ladies

Ain't no use to sit and cry
No point in crying or being upset

You'll be an angel by and by
You'll be in a better place soon enough

Can't she rock 'em, can't she rock 'em
This person is really good at rocking things

Can't she rock 'em, daddy-e-o
A playful exclamation reinforcing the skill of the person rocking

I got a home in Tennessee
I have a home in Tennessee

(Sail away, ladies, sail away)
Let's go, ladies

That's the place I wanna be
That's where I want to live

If I ever get my way
If I ever get the chance/start to have some control over my life

(Sail away, ladies, sail away)
Let's go, ladies

Tennessee is where I'll stay
I'll stay in Tennessee