Sailing is a 1979 soft rock song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross. Released as the second single from his self-titled debut album, it reached number one in the United States. Cross wrote the song about his memories of sailing every summer with a friend in Texas. It became the paragon of Yacht Rock, a form of easy listening.
Cross wrote Sailing while sailing on Lake Travis. The song was released on 15th June 1980 as a single from Cross’s debut album, Christopher Cross, which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1981. Sailing became Cross’s first chart-topper in the United States and Canada, hitting 1 in the summer of 1980.
The song’s origins can be traced back to its beatific sound. Cross signed with the label in 1978 and recorded songs for his debut album, Christopher Cross, collaborating with Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer.
Sailing earned three Grammys in 1980, while Arthur’s Theme won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1980. Cross signed with the label in 1978 and recorded songs for his debut album, Christopher Cross, collaborating with other artists.
The inspiration for the song Sailing came from his childhood memories of boating in Texas. The song explores themes of freedom, Jesus from Heaven, and the soul’s journey to the kingdom of God. The follow-up single, Sailing, rose even faster and higher, reaching number one in 1980.
In summary, Sailing is a popular soft rock song that became a symbol of Yacht Rock and the power of nostalgia.
📹 Christopher Cross – Sailing (Official Music Video) (Remastered HD)
Sailing was recorded in 1979, utilizing the3MDigital Recording System, making it one of the first digitally recorded songs to chart.
📹 Christopher Cross – Sailing (Official Audio)
You’re listening to the official audio for Christopher Cross – “Sailing” from his debut album ‘Christopher Cross’. “Sailing” reached …
I am 54 years old and had a heart attack 5 days ago. I had an emergency stent placed and I will survive. In my search to find calm and serenity for the years I have left, I was looking for music. I rediscovered this song today after 1st hearing it when I was 9years old. It brings back so much joy and calmness to my heart. It really makes the stress go away. Thank you CC for this gift.
As a black kid in the 70’s, we traveled all over the U.S. every summer the day after the last day of school. Through all of the states and seeing many different people, this song will always stick with me forever. Still i see cows, the many corn rows, flat land everywhere. I Smell the air still. I’m a city boy from Cincinnati, but i love the country. Rock on bro!
Sick of people saying “who’s listening (month and year)” better to ask why are you still listening? I bought this single 40 odd years ago and I adore it as much today as I did on that day and that’s why I keep coming back regardless of the time of year. I know that’s what most of us do who love beautiful songs. Xx
My mom, Evelyn Thomas who recently passed away, played this song over and over again during my birth. I in turn sang and played it over and over again to her when she transitioned from this world. I cry every day for her, she is free and there will never be another #evelynthomas. Thank you Christopher Cross for the song that is now engraved in my memory as our song. This is so hard. She is #HighEnergy. RIP Mommy.
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 🙏🏾💕
Every time I hear this song it takes me back to a job I had back then. I met this fantastic girl that I pretty much fell in love with immediately, but she didn’t notice really. We went out a couple times as friends, I quit that job, didn’t see her for months (I was 80 miles away) came back almost a year later on a fluke to that same company, and well, that girl has been my wife for 41 years now, two kids and three grandkids…ANYTHING can happen when you’re not looking!! LOL
“It’s not far back to sanity…” My mom suffered from depression most of her life. I used to listen to this song and pray that she would find peace of mind and heart. She then, has since passed on. So, when I hear it now, I know she is finally at peace. Songs can mean so many things to so many folks. Thank you Christopher.
Here I am sitting. Its march 15th 2024. Just sharing the beauty of this song with my cousin who passed so extremely quickly of pancreatic cancer! Tomorrow her funeral!💔 Oh I know she’s here, listening n perusal as I move to this song! A song that means..to me.. about being free! Free to explore anything your heart desires! Like a blank canvas anything is possible! Dreams! Take you away from the world if only until we wake! So beautiful! Hugs Adela! It’s not goodbye! Its till we meet again…💜💫
I can’t get enough of this song! My favorite since it first came out and how many decades has that been? My dad took me sailing as a kid. Every vacation was spent on lakes and oceans from Miami to the Great Lakes and Atlantic to Pacific. Now I play this song when I’m feeling tense and anxious. l can feel the waves rocking the sailboat and can almost smell the ocean. Kudos, Mr. Cross! He has such a talent for making the rhythm of the song feel like the subject. Ditto “Ride with the Wind” where I can feel the horse’s motion as it gallops toward the border. Wish we had more songwriters/musicians like this today.
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!
This song has never left me…as a kid on our holiday trips to NY singing it with mom & sis……as a sophmore in high school, when my first love Tracy “RIP” would play it on her keyboard singing it to me…..as a 20 year old on the US Nimitz seeing Hong kong in the distance as sailing played on my walkman…and now as a 50 year old man..who’s last kid has moved out…..i want only 2 words on my Tomb …”Gone sailing”
I had a Grandfather who from Newfoundland crafted sailboats/boats in bottles – I think he would have been a fisherman had he stayed there-along with my family who had a cottage on Georgian Bay where you would always see the sails and spinnakers Beautiful on the water – to the Splendid song “Sailing”by Mr. Christopher Cross! I was so inspired by all of this around me that I purchased a print by Christopher Blossom an American Nautical painter called “silhouette” which is a sailboat sailing off the coast of Maine which reminds me of Georgian Bay-All such Beautiful connections to probably one of the most powerful and historical moments which is the capture/harnessing of wind by man and is the Miracle of the Sail!
This song reminds me of summer vacations…..looking out of third floor windows of a San Diego beach condo….the sparkling, bright blue water of late afternoon, after spending hours in the sun and surf…watching sailboats…it fell just like this song sounds. Magical, mystical, peaceful, indescribable….heaven. i miss those views. I miss those times.
This song is special to me, it reminds me of my father and the good times we spent together singing it. He died of a brain tumor. When I miss him I listen to this song, I look at the Sky and I smile and I imagine singing it with him like the old days. A person never dies completely if he continues to live in our hearts ❤
1980, driving across the bridge from Somers Point NJ into Ocean City, this song playing on the old Buick 225, the sun hitting the ripples of the waves around the bridge and those “light chimes” that you hear throughout the song playing.. 20 years old, alone and not a worry in the world. Would drive back to my apartment, boyfriend waiting there to greet me after a long day at his job. Married soon after and did the same with our kids,, Life was good and still is, 44 years later. We hit the beach often in our golden years, children grown, memories made and still being made. Play this song when driving to the shore still.
This song has NEVER aged for me, and there were so many musical nuances in the music, coupled with lyrics that are like a gentle lullaby. My husband and I were both teens in the 80s, and he has always been a devoted metal music fan. I played this timeless song on the way home from Florida, and as we passed the ocean on the way out, he and I both felt every word and every note. He has been a Christopher Cross fan ever since❤
As sailing on a perfect day the coming together of the skipper,the wind and the boat reach that Serenity that Christopher Cross catches so Epically, Serenely, and Calmly is so Beautiful on so many levels it’s Healing to the Human Soul! It’s this capture that Christopher Cross has created as if painted by Celestial Angels in Heaven whose light has been transfered from God himself for us Earthbound Souls!
My dad retired from the United States Navy and this song was edited into a deployment article for the aircraft carrier he last served our country on! This song has always made me think of my dad, 6 weeks has gone by since he made it to his heavenly home. It’s a daily struggle and this is a song I wanted played at his memorial and today it serves as comfort. Dad loves the USA and his Navy
What Christopher did here was produce a piece of art for the ages. It cuts through all strife, all hurt, all pain. Its one of the most redemptive pieces of music ever produced and it affects what it describes: surrender of the self through being immersed in utter beauty. I think that this is Christopher’s lived experience. Few can regift such moments for everyone else, but that is what he did through the miracle of his canvass. Thank you Christopher.
my daughter, as an infant, would always cry non-stop in the car. one day i pulled up this song to drown out the noise and she instantly stopped…Sailing and Sheena Easton – For Your Eyes Only were the only songs that would keep her quiet. She turned 18 this year and when i play these songs for her she says, “i remember something soothing about them”. Thank you CC!!!
Chris …You are still killin it…Just love love love this tune. Did an Atlantic crossing on a 30M sailboat a few years back and pounded my buddies with your tunes. Thank You for making such majestic music. Your first album was amongst my first and I still can’t get enough….ok I will stop…..But Thanks
This song played constantly in the summer of 1980. I had just completed my freshman year of high school. “Sailing” seemed to kind of be a welcome to summer song! It also reminded me of outings with our church youth group, such as going to Great America and rafting the Wolf River. A very relaxing song! I kept thinking “I actually made it thru that hell-hole of a high school!” The words “soon I will be free” really seemed appropriate! All that winter of my freshman year ‘79-‘80 the song “Ride like the wind” was huge; I liked it but it reminded me too much of school! Sailing was like “okay it’s over, you can relax now!” The next school year I went to the high school on the other side of town which was much better! I love most of Christopher’s songs, they are clean with great melody, and make a lot of sense!
Thank you Chris. As a child of ’71 this song has been a part of my heart the year you released it. Something guided me to look up the lyrics today, I woke up singing this…I needed the reminder. I got through so much in my early yrs and now I’m trying so hard to set sail once more. The lyrics seems like a letter from God today. Thank you 💚💫👆⛵
To the person that reads this, I ask the Lord to bless them and their family, to cure them of every sickness and pain, to fill their emptiness with love joy and peace, to rebuke the enemy from their lives. ” ASK JESUS TO COME INTO YOUR HEART AND SAVE YOU, AND TO FORGIVE YOU OF YOUR SINS, FOR WE GIVE THANKS AND GLORY TO THE LORD. IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST AMEN!
my 92 year old grandfather JUST passed and fair winds and following seas…….he LOVED sailing…..and this song will ALWAYS now remind me of him and the DREAMS he wants to me to achieve. god….cherish life and loved ones folks because it can all be over like THAT, sometimes you NEVER see it coming. Then, Carole King might have something to sing for you, lol. But seriously, live every minute of life, because the only thing certain we have is what we have, and it only lasts for so long.
This song shook me up several years ago…it reminded me of being a kid and the joys that life can take from us when we get to caught up in things that are not good for us. I lost 30 people close to me and still pray that this is just a bad dream I am experiencing. Got lead in the wrong direction…I miss my people so much and can feel their pain as much as mine… The reality that not many here are real or carry much love they just look to use ya up and mock you when you are hurting.
in my youth, my dad my younger brother and i would play board games on sundays in the living room bc that’s where the big console was. neil diamond played in the background most of the times, “live at the greek” and “moods”. brother passed 40 yrs ago, dad 23 yrs. i can’t hear neil without thinking of those treasured times 💜
Another one of those great songs produced in the 80’s. The golden period in the United States where there was a large number of singers and song writers producing unforgettable music. Have not see anything like it since. Sailing, a beautiful song by Christopher Cross was a huge hit, and to this day in my book, one of the most beautiful songs that came from the 80’s. Everyone can relate to this song in their own way. Beautiful.
I get lost in this song. I’ve played it regularly for 40 years, and it makes me forget the present every single time I spin it (hell yea I have it on vinyl). My millennial children, acclaimed music aficionados in their own right, easily recognize the beauty and brilliance of it and request it often. Thank you @christphercrosshq for blessing the world with this classic.
I was honored to appear on the German TV program ‘Muzik Laden’ with Mr. Christopher Cross live from Berlin in 1984… Of course, the band I played rhythm guitar in was ‘playback’ only on stage, backing up Dave Dudlet & German CW artist Nancy Wood. At one point during rehearsal, Christopher Cross’s manager came up to me and asked if Mr. Cross could borrow one of my guitar pics. Of course I said yes… I don’t think I ever got it back, but it was an honor anyway.😊😊😊😊
I never thought Christopher Cross got the credit he deserved for his music. His music was so peaceful and serene. God knows our world needs it now more than ever. When I hear his music, it’s like time travel. It makes me reflect upon my life and how I’ve lived it. How I can improve and honestly what I wish I could do over. However as we all know, there are no do overs in this life. I like to think/hope that I can leave this place, a little better than when I was born into it. As human beings we don’t seem to be doing to good a job at it right now. It scares me.
The best parts of my childhood are wrapped up in this song… trips to grandmas… playing with my cousins… this was a song that came out when I was a little girl. Now, as a professional music teacher, pianist, and vocal coach, I can hear the mastery of Christopher Cross… vocally and in his musicianship. This is one of the most beautiful songs of all time. Pure genius. An American classic.
My Mother bought his first album shortly after it was released (1979 / 1980.?). I can remember the very first time I heard this song. And before I even knew what “obsessed” meant, I was obsessed with Sailing and really the entire album. I played it nonstop for about a month strait, until my family was so annoyed they made me stop. Of course I continued to listen, albeit at an unacceptably low volume. 🙁 I still have that album with its cute flamingo on the front, ocean and horizon scene on the back …ahhhh There really are no words to describe how amazing his music is to me (hint: that’s how you know it’s profoundly good). I became a musician because of this man. Thanks for everything, Christopher! <3
Songs like that, just won’t sop making me think that we were better as people and society back then. And, before someone start saying things like: “this was just a song, it doesn’t represent an entire generation.” I’m not only talking about the usage of music to speak about feelings, decent feelings to be precise. It’s also about the whole world been amazed by this beautiful inspiration. That’s why I’m saying: people were better back then.
This song reminds me of my grandpa. He passed away last week. I cried almost every night knowing my first best friend is gone. He took over my dads place as a father figure. It was always me and my grandpa. The thought of never hearing his voice again. It hurts so bad. He would’ve been 69 this December. 😪😪😪 But he loved to go fishing. Now I picture him sailing away into the sunset with his fishing pole. Until we meet again grandpa 😪😪😪
All his songs are great! But this one right here, is the favorite song of his for me. It got me through some really tough times as a kid. It still takes me to that peaceful place in my mind when listening to it. I always listen to it when I’m volunteering in National disasters. Inspirational, hopeful, zen, peaceful and makes me smile every time. I hope he knows how his music touches so many lives. I met him back in the day in my hometown NYC. Was always the coolest guy. Always made time for his fans. Was an honor to meet him. Thank YOU for still touching my soul. ✌🏼🦋🌸🌼🌺
This song feels like it marked the end of the ’70s. Life was so much simpler then and it felt as carefree as this song. My father had this album when it came out and I heard all the amazing session players who had their own solo careers and who I subsequently followed and Chris’s amazing guitar solo thanks Rick Beato for your interview with Chris and recently Michael Omartian who produced this album. Great background on this album so check it out.
This song takes me back to Rio de Janeiro more than 15 years ago. I was a solo tourist who had followed the Che Guevara Motorcycle Diaries trail across South America, after being inspired by the film of the same name. Brazil wasn’t on the trail, but I decided to make it a last stop. I was leaving Ipanema beach at sundown when I jumped into a taxi. On the way from Ipanema to Barra beach, where I was staying, the sun was setting, and it cast a stunning purple-amber haze across the horizon. The ocean had a slight breeze that felt like a warm kiss against my skin, and the coconut trees danced in the wind against the backdrop of that amber-purple sky. At that moment, ‘Sailing’ came on the radio, and the taxi driver turned it up. I realize now that the song and that ride represented my trip that summer from the Andes of Chile, to Iguazú Falls in Argentina, to the vastness of Lake Titicaca in Boliva, to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. For those few moments as the song played and I looked out at the most magnificent sunset setting I had ever seen, it was, and still remains, the most perfect moment of my life.
Tive o privilégio de fazer parte de uma geração de OURO da música MUNDIAL dos anos setenta e oitenta . Estes poemas musicais soavam em nossas mentes como um NÉCTAR da FELICIDADE, PRAZER, ALEGRIA e uma RECORDAÇÃO INDESCRITÍVEL dos momentos MARAVILHOSOS de um passado que nunca se passa e permanece até hoje em nossas mentes e em nossos ❤❤❤ pois foi nesta época que DEUS me concedeu o encontro do MAIOR AMOR da minha vida que dura até hoje . O PASSADO para mim não passa nunca !!!
I’m a Sailor .. sailing on tankers as a Captain, heard this song a few years back accidentally on YT, never thought there exists a masterpiece like this, glad Chris you made such a soulful song dedicated to us and now could watch you singing live here, i listened to this song on loop for so many hours and still couldn’t get over it, it’s so mesmerizing, I’m so thankful to you !!
1980. I was doing my army officers training (College army ROTC) in Fort Knox, Kentucky. While the training was hot, sweaty, and exhausting, I had met this lovely country girl in my platoon and we started spending our off time together. This song would come on from someone’s radio or cassette player and it made those warm summer nights with her magical. This song takes me back to simpler times. Hope she is doing well.
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 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
This song soothes the soul…..lost my wife of 43 years 10 months ago and we listened to this song a million times sleeping on the beach in north Florida when we met……..this song is now back in my life as I try to sail alone but also knowing my bride is always there. She was the best and we will meet again. Boston, Mass has been home since leaving Florida in 1982. God Bless All.
I thought I was the only one who heard this song as a kid and took away many emotions. So many people here seemed to be affected the same way. This brings me back to when I was 8 years old or so, looking at sailing boats off the coast of southern NJ, near Cape May while I looked for “Cape May diamonds” with my family. And for some reason, the Canadian 10-cent coin. Just peace when I hear this song. One of my absolute favorites.
Sailing by Christopher Cross is one of the most beautiful and perfect recordings of all time. He captures the sound of the sun reflecting on the water. If you could hear the sun reflecting on the water, that is! Impossible! Except if you close your eyes and listen to “Sailing” you’re right there on the water with him. PERFECT
😂😂😂 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ The first time I heard this song was on my best friend sail boat we were sophomores at North Central High School Indianapolis, Indiana. Thanks for bestowing your musical blessing warming hearts of all men kind alike from this crazy world we so call life as we know it today… THE END.
My Husband at the time Was going through some things I Could Not Understand, He left me heartbroken, I saw him At a bar one night,.,,,and I climbed up the bleachers,and we hugged each other and I let him Go that night💔We both Cried, and I left,….we did unite after he had a brief affair,…I finally let go and almost died that night from a overdose after drinking a lot of pills, Thank God❤️✝️He called my parents,They And God Saved Me❤️✝️In the 1974
This was the first promise of peace to the unquiet mind of a 12 year old. At the time I didn’t value it, but it remained in my orbit because it’s such an amazingly crafted song. I’m 56 now, and the mind is still not quiet, but there’s a yearning for the promise of peace in this song. I’m fortunate to have had some of the best music in history in my backstory… Like this masterpiece.
It is 7:59 in the morning. Good morning to you. Christopher Cross’s song helps me start my day out right, in a calm and peaceful way.. Thank you Chrustopher Cross for your beautiful song, Sailing. This song and Christopher Cross will always be serene, sincere and dear to my heart. Since the first time I heard it, it touched me like an angel. Still does. Whenever you listen to this song I hope that it helps you also.
Ok, if you are listening to this article you like this tune. Two things standout to me: the mix of a half time groove, punctuated with halting fills and accents that creates delicious tension. The second is the guitar lead… insainly intense and precise, and so oddly great. Brings to mind something John McLaughlin would have offered up.
Sailing 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 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.
It is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. At 1980 Grammy’s, “Sailing” won the Song of the Year and the Record of the Year awards. Christopher Cross won as the New Artist as his self-titled album was also the winner of Album of the Year. “Christopher Cross” was the first L.P. album I bought in my life.