It was formed with the original name of Sentimental Four in Newport News, Virginia, U.S., in the late 1940s, and initially consisted of two sets of brothers - Rudy West (born 25 July 1932, Newport News, Virginia) and Bernie West (born 4 February 1930, Newport News), and Ripley Ingram (born 1930 - died 23 March 1995, Newport News) and Raphael Ingram. Ingram left in 1949 and Maryland Pierce (born 1933) and Dickie Smith became members in his place. At this juncture the name of the group was changed to The Five Keys.
They were signed to Aladdin Records in 1951, and in 1952 Rudy West left to join the United States Army, and he was replaced by Ulysses K. Hicks. In 1954 Dickie Smith left and was replaced with Ramon Loper.
At this point the Five Keys was signed to Capitol Records, and their popularity increased, although more instrumentation was used.
The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
Red Sails In The Sunset
The Five Keys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, carry my loved one home safely to me
{She sailed at the dawning, all day I've been blue
Red sails in the sunset, I'm trusting in you
Swift wings you must borrow
Make straight for the shore
We marry tomorrow
{Red sails in the sunset, way out on the sea
Oh, carry my loved one home safely to me
Swift wings you must borrow
Make straight for the shore
We marry tomorrow
And she goes sailing no more
{Red sails in the sunset
Way out on the sea (ooh-wee-ooh, wee-ooh)
Oh, carry my loved one
{Home safely to me
The Five Keys's song "Red Sails In The Sunset" is a classic and timeless song of yearning, love, and hope. The lyrics speak of a lover left behind as his beloved sails away into the distance. The "red sails" serve as a symbol of the hope and trust that the singer has placed in his lover's journey across the sea, giving him the faith that she will return home safely. The singer speaks of his feelings of despair and loneliness while he waits for her to come back to him, knowing that they are to be married tomorrow. He implores the "swift wings" of the birds to bring her back to him soon so that they can start their life together.
The song's theme of love and waiting has struck a chord with many listeners over the years, and its simple yet emotive melody and lyrics have made it a favorite of many artists. The song has been covered by many musicians, including Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, and The Platters, among others. "Red Sails In The Sunset" has become a staple of the Great American Songbook and continues to be enjoyed and performed by new generations of music lovers.
Line by Line Meaning
Red sails in the sunset, way out on the sea
The singer refers to red sails he sees on the horizon, out at sea.
Oh, carry my loved one home safely to me
He hopes the red sails will bring his loved one back safely to him.
She sailed at the dawning, all day I've been blue
The singer's loved one sailed away early in the morning and he has been feeling sad all day since then.
Red sails in the sunset, I'm trusting in you
He puts his trust in the red sails, hoping they will bring his loved one back to him.
Swift wings you must borrow
He urges the red sails to move quickly, as if borrowing swift wings, to bring his loved one back soon.
Make straight for the shore
He wants the red sails to go straight to the shore, without delay, to bring his loved one back as soon as possible.
We marry tomorrow
The singer and his loved one are planning to get married the next day.
And she goes sailing no more
After the wedding, the artist's loved one will no longer go sailing and will stay with him on land.
Red sails in the sunset, way out on the sea
The artist once again refers to the red sails he sees on the horizon, out at sea.
Oh, carry my loved one home safely to me
He repeats his desire for the red sails to bring his loved one back safely to him.
Way out on the sea (ooh-wee-ooh, wee-ooh)
The distance between the singer and his loved one sailing on the sea is emphasized with a musical interlude.
Oh, carry my loved one home safely to me
He repeats his hope that the red sails will bring his loved one back home to him.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Wilhelm Grosz, Jimmy Kennedy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Daniel Padilla
What can you say Mr. Dowop a premiere singing group beautiful vocals thank you so much for sharing
robbk1
I got this in 1953 in my first batch of records! I still love it!!! Needless to say they don't sing them like this anymore. One of my best shower songs!
Senora Green Rouzier
Beautiful, my Father would sing this SONG around the house to my Mother!!!!
LaMusicaBonita
One of my favorites.....thank you :)
jerseyrandy
Classic
William Ambrogio
What a Great Song, Thanks
Dave Hunt
Ah lovely track I would love to find the 45rpm single
catman916
I think that The Platters owe a debt to this group.