Sail on, Sailor
The Beach Boys
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I sailed an ocean, unsettled ocean Through restful waters and deep commotion Often frightened, unenlightened Sail on, sail on sailor I wrest the waters, fight Neptune's waters Sail through the sorrows of life's marauders Unrepenting, often empty Sail on, sail on sailor Caught like a sewer rat alone but I sail Bought like a crust of bread, but oh do I wail Seldom stumble, never crumble Try to tumble, life's a rumble Feel the stinging I've been given Never ending, unrelenting Heartbreak searing, always fearing Never caring, persevering Sail on, sail on, sailor I work the seaways, the gale-swept seaways Past shipwrecked daughters of wicked waters Uninspired, drenched and tired Wail on, wail on, sailor Always needing, even bleeding Never feeding all my feelings Damn the thunder, must I blunder There's no wonder all I'm under Stop the crying and the lying And the sighing and my dying Sail on, sail on sailor Sail on, sail on sailor Sail on, sail on sailor Sail on, sail on sailor Sail on, sail on sailor Sail on, sail on sailor Sail on, sail on sailor
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Written by: Brian Douglas Wilson, Jack Rieley, Raymond Louis Kennedy, Tandyn Almer, Van Dyke Parks
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Creation Process"Sail on, Sailor" was one of the last songs recorded for the album "Holland." It was completed after the record company, Reprise, returned the album to The Beach Boys asking for a stronger track to be included.
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SongwritersThe song was written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. However, it also includes contributions from the band's manager, Jack Rieley, and band members, Ray Kennedy and Tandyn Almer.
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Changing VocalistsInitially, the lead vocals were performed by Dennis Wilson. However, due to his difficulty in reaching the high notes consistently during live concerts, Blondie Chaplin later became the regular lead vocalist.
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Album InspirationThe "Holland" album, including "Sail on, Sailor," was named after The Beach Boys decided to record the album in the Netherlands hoping to find fresh inspiration.
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Chart PerformanceDespite the initial criticism from the record company, "Sail on, Sailor," became one of the most popular songs on the "Holland" album. It reached number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US upon its first release.
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Covers and HomageThe song has been covered by numerous artists, including Ray Charles and The Stereophonics. It was also the theme song of the popular 80's TV show "California Dreams."
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Song Lyrics"Sail on, Sailor" is considered one of The Beach Boys' most poignant songs, with its lyrics often interpreted as a reflection of Brian Wilson's personal struggles and mental health issues.
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Pop CultureThe song was used in the Martin Scorsese film "The Departed," introducing it to a new generation and boosting its popularity.
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Music AwardsIn 2020, the performance of "Sail on, Sailor," was nominated for a Grammy for the Best Historical Album category.
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Re-release SuccessIt was re-released as a single in 1975 and then it obtained much more success, climbing to number 49 on Billboard's pop singles chart.
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Citation
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