Official music video of “Sailing” by Christopher Cross
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Sailing was recorded in 1979, utilizing the 3M Digital Recording System, making it one of the first digitally recorded songs to chart. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on August 30, 1980. The song won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year, and helped Cross win the Best New Artist award. Produced by Michael Omartian, it features Tommy Taylor on drums, Andy Salmon on bass, Rob Meurer on electric piano, and Victor Feldman on percussion. In 1980, Sailing was released as a single in Latin America under the translated (en español) title "Navegando".
On the Howard Stern radio show, Cross explained that sailing with his friend got him away from the trials and tribulations of being a teenager. Cross said that if the guy had taken him bowling and he enjoyed it, the song could have become "Bowling."
This live video was recorded at Warner Amigo Studios in 1980 and featured a live audio cut (different from the one featured in this upload) for use where the band would be lip-syncing on television, to be more realistic than the missing orchestra. This footage has been digitally enhanced to HD quality and features audio from the 2019 remaster of Cross' 1979 debut self-titled album:
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LYRICS
Well, it's not far down to paradise
At least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me
It's not far to never never land
No reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy
Of innocence again
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me
Sailing
Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
Soon I will be free
Fantasy
It gets the best of me
When I'm sailing
All caught up in the reverie
Every word is a symphony
Won't you believe me?
Sailing
Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
[Instrumental Bridge]
Well, it's not far back to sanity
At least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find serenity
Oh, the canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Really, believe me
Sailing
Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER CROSS
Christopher Cross burst onto the music scene with his 1979 self-titled debut album produced by Michael Omartian. The lead single “Ride Like The Wind” spent 4 weeks at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was quickly followed up by Cross’ most popular single to date (and first #1 hit) “Sailing”, which later became known as the archetype for the Yacht Rock genre. In 1981, Cross became the first artist in Grammy history to win the “Big Four” most prestigious awards in a single night; Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist. Later that year Cross released “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” which he co-wrote with Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer, Peter Allen, and was the title-theme for the 1981 film “Arthur” starring Dudley Moorre and Liza Minnelli. The song earned Cross his second #1 and the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 1981 Academy Awards. Cross’ sophomore album “Another Page” was released in 1983 and featured the singles “Think of Laura” and “All Right”. Cross has sold over 10M albums worldwide and his songs have been covered and sampled by NSYNC, Puff Daddy, Avant, Shirley Bassey, Dione Warwick, and many more.
♪ Well it's not far down to paradise, at least's not for me And if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see, believe me It's not far to never, never land, no reason to pretend And if the wind is right you can find the joy of innocence again Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see, believe me ♪ Sailing takes me away To where I've always heard it could be ♪ Just a dream and the wind to carry me Soon I will be free
Fantasy, it gets the best of me when I'm sailing ♪ All caught up in the reverie Every word is a symphony, won't you believe me? Sailing takes me away To where I've always heard it could be ♪ Just a dream and the wind to carry me Soon I will be free ♪ Well, it's not far back to sanity at least it's not for me And when the wind is right you can sail away and find serenity Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see, really, believe me ♪ Sailing takes me away To where I've always heard it
could be ♪ Just a dream and the wind to carry me Soon I will be free
Comments
The beauty of Sailing is that it resonates with so many people, it can be interpreted as simply being in a boat on the water or as complex as the transition we experience through art. I have been very touched by the way people relate to the song. - Christopher Cross
1979: This song is amazing!!! 2024: This song is amazing, unforgettable, classic and timeless!!!
Who still here listening in “2024” 🖐️ Me that’s who this is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard since I was a child,I Love it still this man voice warms your heart whew 🙌🏽$Lafara2
The 80's when life was so much better. No cell phones. We just lived life.
Who else was listening to this in 1979 and is still listening in 2024!
"This content is culturally significant. Posting it on YouTube will ensure that future generations will have access to it and appreciate it. Thank you for sharing it."
43 years later and this song brings tears to my eyes. I would give anything to return to that time.
Working away from family is so very difficult but these old songs provide me peace and serenity. Yes, even in 2024. 😢
This boy owned the 1979 Grammy Awards. Christopher Cross is the only artist in Grammy history to win Album, Record, Song of The Year and Best New Artist categories in one night.
Simply beautiful. Back when the music was more important than the image.
The year was 1980 and I was only a 13 y/o girl losing my dad for cancer. This song was my way to escape reality. I miss you, daddy - one day, we will be reunited. ❤
I think Christopher Cross should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame his songs are Amazing and Awesome
The 80s was simply the best era in music
This is a once in a lifetime masterpiece. There will never be another song that sounds this unique or touches one’s soul like this one.
I was 15 years old and spending the summer with my daddy. I spent 2 years taking care of him while he was dying of dementia. I would often think of these old songs. He passed on Halloween night of 2019. I've never gotten over it. I come here and listen to these old songs and think of my daddy. I miss you so much Daddy 😢. Can't wait to see you again!
When my mother was dying of breast cancer, this was my go to song and it brought me peace, calm and the strength I needed to keep my promise to her to walk hand in hand with her from beginning to end. ❤ Thank you Mr. Cross for this timeless and beautiful song and on the eve of my 4th year without her, I'm still confident and able to move forward because I know that she is FREE!😊 MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS SIR 🙏🏾💕
One of the most beautiful songs ever written
My mother became very sick when I was 4 years old. We would be placed in foster homes, my brother and I. I would listen to this song and remember all of the good times we had. She has since passed away. This song will forever remind me of her.
I named my daughter Serenity after the lyrics in this song. Thank you Christopher ❤❤
You have to appreciate just how tight this arrangement is. These guys were flawless! Such a beautiful song, and they more than did it justice.