Immerse yourself in the poetic majesty of the ocean, which has been a muse to countless musicians and mariners for generations.
These sea-inspired melodies are rich with stories, lifting spirits, mending sorrows, and energizing sailors, and are often enjoyed with generous doses of rum.
Crafting a nautical tune is a balm to the soul. In 2024, I embarked on a quest to curate the most diverse array of sailing songs for your auditory adventure.
Behold! Here lies the definitive anthology of the top 20 sailing song lyrics, gathered for your vocal delight.
Dive into an auditory ocean of genres â from folk to rock, pop to rap, shanties to modern beats, and everything that sails in between.
Set sail on a musical voyage to find the quintessential sailing song that resonates with your current vibe!
20 Best Songs About Sailing
1. “Into the Mystic” by Van MorrisonÂ
“Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison is a timeless sailing song that belongs on every sailor’s playlist.
The soothing melody and poetic lyrics evoke sailing across the sea toward the Southern Cross.
It brings to mind artists like Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, with influences from the Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills, and Nash.
This nautical masterpiece captures the essence of setting sail on an adventure across the sea, appealing to all who love the open water.
Ystic is a pirate who looks at 2024, with echoes of the Beach Boys and Chris de Burgh
2. Sailing by Christopher Cross
Christopher Cross crafted an enduring ode to the sea with his 1980 hit ‘Sailing’. Charting a triumphant course, the track garnered three Grammy Awards including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year, and it reigned atop the Billboard Hot 100 for a week.
At its core, ‘Sailing’ is a serene testament to the liberty found on the open waves. It employs the art of sailing as a poignant metaphor for life’s voyagebya quest for solitude away from life’s relentless pace.
The soothing verses conjure serene visuals of gentle breezes over smooth waters, casting a spell of peace and wanderlust. As Cross’s melodies guide us towards introspection, listeners are beckoned to set sail on their personal quests for serenity, on the water or within the soul.
3. Sailing by Rod Stewart
“Sailing” is a song by Rod Stewart, which is a reflective and heartwarming ballad that captures the essence of longing and redemption.
The song speaks to the soul, expressing a deep yearning to return to a place of comfort and love, much like a sailor yearning to come home after a long journey at sea.
With its gentle melody and Stewart’s distinctively raspy voice, the song evokes powerful emotions and has become an enduring classic in the soft rock genre. Whether it’s heard on a quiet evening or as an anthem of hope and togetherness, “Sailing” remains a beloved piece in Rod Stewart’s musical repertoire.
4. âSailing Shipsâ By Whitesnake
Whitesnake’s “Sailing Ships” harnesses the imagery of seafaring to encapsulate themes of self-discovery, personal development, and seizing the reins of destiny.
The song’s verses portray the protagonist on the brink of an odyssey, poised to chase after his aspirations. Ahead lies an expanse vaster than imagined and a brooding skyline foretelling tempests.
Yet, the song’s core message is one of resilience and determination; it’s a rousing call to navigate through adversity. “Sailing Ships” serves as an anthem for persistence, urging listeners to pursue their aspirations relentlessly and grasp the fleeting chances that life presents.
5. Sail by Awolnation
“Sail” by Awolnation is an electronic rock song that stands out for its dark, atmospheric sound and driving beat. The song features introspective lyrics that delve into themes of existential angst, self-identity, and the human psyche.
With its powerful synthesizer riffs and haunting vocal delivery, “Sail” captures a sense of inner turmoil and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
Its memorable chorus, accentuated by the word “Sail,” echoes like a cry for escape or release. The track’s intensity and raw emotion have resonated with a wide audience, making it a staple on alternative rock stations and helping to cement Awolnation’s presence in the music scene.
6. âSouthern Crossâ By Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash’s eternal hit “Southern Cross” masterfully intertwines the metaphor of sailing with a journey of personal metamorphosis. The song is a ballad of starting anew, steering a course toward the guiding lights of the Southern Cross constellation.
In this richly woven narrative, the Southern Cross transcends its role as a maritime beacon, illuminating a path through the complexities of love for the narrator.
Interpreted through various lenses, the lyrics delve into the uncharted territories of heartache, recovery, and self-realization within the cosmic expanse. “Southern Cross” is an introspective voyage by a melodic tribute to navigating life’s emotional swells in search of one’s true north on the open sea.
7. Wellerman by Nathan Evans
“Wellerman” by Nathan Evans is a rousing sea shanty that gained viral fame on social media platforms. The song draws from 19th-century maritime folk music and tells the story of whalers anticipating the arrival of the “Wellerman,” a supply ship, to bring them sugar, tea, and rum.
Nathan Evans’ rendition is characterized by a catchy, repetitive chorus and rhythmic clapping, making it easy for listeners to sing along. His version has revitalized interest in traditional shanties, introducing the genre to a modern audience and earning a place in contemporary pop culture.
The sense of camaraderie and the unifying beat of “Wellerman” has resonated globally, leading to widespread popularity and various remixes and collaborations.
8. âBeyond The Seaâ By Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea” sets a romantic odyssey against the canvas of the open waves. The song is a tender portrayal of a lover’s resolve, as he yearns for the embrace of his distant beloved, who awaits him where the shore kisses the infinite horizon.
The lyrics are suffused with longing and unwavering hope, painting a dreamscape where oceans are not barriers but bridges to be crossed for love. The promise of their reunion is a steadfast beacon, guiding him over the waters, and his voyage is not just a journey over the sea but an emblem of devotion.
“Beyond the Sea” is ultimately a serenade that celebrates the power of love to transcend any divide. It reflects a lover’s steadfast commitment to face any trial to reach the one who holds his heart.
9. Come All You Sailors by Wailinâ Jennys
“Come All You Sailors” by The Wailin’ Jennys is a harmonious and inviting folk song. The track showcases the group’s signature vocal harmonies, which blend beautifully to create an ethereal and soothing atmosphere.
Lyrically, the song beckons sailors and listeners alike to join in a shared narrative of seafaring life, intertwining themes of adventure, camaraderie, and the timeless call of the ocean.
The Wailin’ Jennys’ rendition is both uplifting and reflective, inviting one to be carried away by the melodic ebb and flow reminiscent of gentle waves. This song represents a standout piece in the group’s repertoire, celebrated for its folk purity and acoustic charm.
10. Across the Sea by Wailinâ Jennys
“Across the Sea” by The Wailin’ Jennys is a poignant and reflective folk ballad that explores themes of distance, separation, and the emotional journey of longing for someone who is far away. The song is characterized by its delicate instrumentation, which sets the stage for the group’s harmonious and emotive vocal delivery.
The intertwining voices of The Wailin’ Jennys create a tapestry of sound that perfectly captures the bittersweet feelings associated with watching a loved one leave and the hope of their return.
The powerful imagery of the sea serves as a metaphor for the vast space between the parted, while the lyrics convey a deep sense of connection that endures despite the physical distance.
“Across the Sea” is a testament to The Wailin’ Jennys’ ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level.
11. Play Crack The Sky by Brand New
“Play Crack The Sky” concludes Brand New’s powerful album “Deja Entendu” with heart-wrenching grace. The song’s title refers to the last command given by a ship’s captain before a vessel goes down, which serves as a potent metaphor for the endurance and ultimate breakdown of a relationship.
In it, Jesse Lacey’s plaintive vocals drift over a simple acoustic guitar, painting a vivid picture of a tempest-tossed ship as an allegory for tumultuous emotions and the inevitability of loss.
The earnest songwriting captures a poignant and introspective narrative, underscored by the refrain “This is the end,” which resonates as both an acceptance of fate and a tender lament.
12. Into the Mystic by Van Morrison
“Into the Mystic” is one of Van Morrison’s most cherished songsbya seamless blend of folk, soul, and jazz elements that transcends earthly confines. From his seminal album “Moondance,” this track is enveloped in a warm, ethereal aura as Morrison’s smooth, impassioned vocals beckon listeners to join him on a voyage into the unknownbya spiritual quest wrapped in the comfort of love.
Lyrically, it merges the allure of the sea with a sense of homecoming, suggesting a journey back to a lover that’s also a journey of the soul. The songâs timeless quality arises from its evocative imagery, the hauntingly beautiful instrumentation, and Morrison’s expressive voice leading a mystical sonic odyssey.
13. Thousands Are Sailing by The Pogues
“Thousands Are Sailing” by The Pogues – This track from The Poguesâ 1988 album “If I Should Fall From Grace With God” is a poignant narrative of the Irish diaspora’s experiences.
With rich storytelling lyrics, it paints a vivid picture of the dreams and reality faced by immigrants leaving their homeland in pursuit of the American Dream.
Its blend of Irish folk and punk rock conveys a nostalgic yet rebellious tone, accentuating the emotional and physical odyssey of crossing the Atlantic.
14. The Downeaster âAlexaâ by Billy Joel
“The Downeaster âAlexaâ” by Billy Joel – Featured on his 1989 album “Storm Front,” this song is an ode to the hard life of fishermen aboard the vessel Alexa, struggling to make a living off the East Coast as overfishing and regulations make their work increasingly untenable. Billy Joel passionately delivers a narrative about endurance and the fading traditions of maritime life.
With a stirring chorus and evocative lyrics, Joel gives voice to the marginalized seafarers and their families whose way of life is being threatened by economic and environmental changes.
15. âRed Sails In The Sunsetâ By The Platter
“The Platters” evoke a picturesque and idyllic scene by the shore with their enduring serenade “Red Sails in the Sunset”. The song portrays a lover in fervent wait, his gaze fixed on the horizon, yearning for the swift return of his beloved aboard a vessel adorned with crimson sails.
The verses are imbued with an eager anticipation and the profound depth of their bond. For the moment, he is engulfed in the waves of longing as she makes her voyage through the early light. Shades of melancholy mingle with his hopeful prayers for her safe passage beneath the red sails that have become beacons of forthcoming joy.
“Red Sails in the Sunset” is a lyrical tableau that mirrors the warm glow of hope and optimism, capturing the essence of an imminent reunion. The red sails, set against the evening glow, become emblems of love’s journey and the sweet promise of togetherness that comes with the journey’s end.
16. Sail Away by David Gray
David Gray’s “Sail Away” is a stirring ballad that speaks to the heart’s deepest yearnings for freedom, redemption, and the mending of love’s fractures. The song weaves a narrative of a man enveloped in reflection and remorse, craving reconnection with a cherished one who has slipped from his life.
Through soul-searching lyrics, he confronts the sting of lost opportunities and the belated recognition of love’s true worth, captured hauntingly in the realization that he didn’t fully cherish the affection he had been given.
The motif of setting sail becomes a poignant metaphor for his quest to repair the rift and reclaim the bond they once shared. In the act of sailing away, he sees the hope for revival, for fresh horizons, and the chance to recapture the love that has become his beacon.
17. Drunken Boat by Kendra Smith
“Drunken Boat” by Kendra Smith is a track that offers a unique auditory experience, blending elements of psychedelic rock and ethereal wave into a compelling soundscape. Kendra Smith, former member of dream pop and alternative rock bands like Opal and The Dream Syndicate, brings an introspective and haunting quality to her music.
Her deep and resonant voice sails over the laid-back rhythm, creating an atmosphere of controlled chaos, much like a boat delicately managing its way through unsteady waters. The auditory elements of the song could mirror the movements of a tipsy boat, rocking back and forth, yet pressing on forward despite the odds.
This song encapsulates a sense of solitude and self-reflection, inviting listeners to embark on a personal voyage with Smith, through the ebbs and flows of human emotion, like a solitary vessel charting its course in the vast ocean.
18. A Sailboat in the Moonlight by Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s “A Sailboat in the Moonlight” is a melodic ode to the enchanting allure of combining the gentle lilt of the waves with the stirrings of romance. The song captures that exquisite feeling of drifting under the celestial glow, with love as the guiding star.
The lyrics become a canvas where Holiday paints an intimate tableau of tranquility and connectionbya sailboat carving through the silvered waters in the tender embrace of moonlight, setting the scene for a personal utopia, a paradise shared by two.
Her voice conveys not just a yearning for this idyllic escape but a deep-seated joy in the simplicity and serenity of this cherished moment. Love, under the soft illumination of the moon on a quiet sea, becomes a retreat, a haven from life’s cacophonybya dreamy cruise through the calm of the night.
19. Sailing Away by Chris de Burgh
Chris de Burgh’s “Sailing Away” is a poignant anthem to the wanderlust that lies in every heart, echoing the universal desire for liberation and the quest for the unknown. The undertone of the song is a vivid reflection of watching vessels glide into the distance and envisioning oneself amidst uncharted terrains and cultures.
The song encapsulates the essence of escape from everyday monotony, an invitation to embrace the call of the open seas and all the novel experiences they promise.
Moreover, it touches upon the romantic notion of shared expeditions, of setting sail side by side with a loved one, chasing horizons, and weaving a tapestry of collective aspirations. The allure of sailing in this composition is not just a metaphor for personal growth but also the bond it strengthens when two adventurers unite in their pursuit of life’s vast wonders.
20. “The Ship Song” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
“The Ship Song” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds is a popular song about sailing that explores themes of journey and longing.
The lyrics evoke a deep emotional connection, similar to other classic sailing songs like “Sail Away,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “A Sailboat in the Moonlight.”
Cave’s poetry dives into the metaphor of sailing to depict a lover’s commitment. The song captures the essence of navigating love through calm and stormy seas.
While it may not directly reference sailing imagery like other songs, it still embodies the spirit of sailing.
By intertwining the desire for connection with sailing imagery, Cave follows the tradition of sailing anthems like “Into the Mystic” and “Orinoco Flow” by Enya.
“The Ship Song” leads listeners on an emotional journey beyond sailing, tapping into the timeless allure of the sea and stars above.
Whether compared to other nautical tunes or sailing songs, this track explores human emotions and the metaphor of sailing as a journey of exploration.
Conclusion
In summary, songs about sailing capture the sea and the spirit of those who love it deeply.
Each song presents a unique perspective on the open waters.
The best songs, like “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash or “Sailing” by Rod Stewart, have become anthems for those who dream of the sailing lifestyle.
The sailorâs soul is touched by these narratives, such as the mystery in “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison or the haunting melody of The Wailinâ Jennys’ “Lost Sailor”.
Imagination sails away with “Sailing Ships” by Whitesnake or gets lost in the romantic “A Sailboat in the Moonlight”.
The range of sailing song lyrics, from “Cool Change” by Little River Band to Billy Joelâs “Downeaster ‘Alexaâ”, shows how sailing is a poetic and inspiring theme in music.
Songs like “Red Sails in the Sunset” and “Beyond the Sea” remind us of the timeless allure of the ocean.
You may find a song that resonates with your soul of a sailor in this collection, whether you’re looking to face the challenges of life or simply sail to the rhythm of a loverâs heart under the “Southern Cross.”
The popular songs about sailing offer a melody for every mood and a rhythm for every sail.