The Meaning Behind The Song: Sailboat for Sale by Toby Keith
| Title | Sailboat for Sale |
|---|---|
| Artist | Toby Keith |
| Writer/Composer | Toby Keith & Bobby Pinson |
| Album | 35 MPH Town (2015) |
| Release Date | October 9, 2015 |
Not the one I used to fish in
But the boat I sit in wishin’
I was still floating on my fishing boat
And I’m out here on this river
Really it’s just a creek
But it’s a river when I drink
So I’m drinking on my river boat
I could sail to the ocean
If the wind would come and get me
But I ain’t goin’ nowhere quickly
I’m just a drunkin’ sailor
Waiting on a gale
With a drink in my hand and a sailboat for sale
Aye
Aye
In “Sailboat for Sale,” Toby Keith captures the sense of longing for the past and the feeling of being stuck in a current situation. The lyrics reminisce about days spent fishing on a boat and drinking on the river, but now the narrator finds himself floating in a different boat, wishing he could go back to his old fishing days. The use of alcohol as a coping mechanism is also evident throughout the song.
The emotional turmoil of the narrator is further highlighted in lines such as “I could sail to the ocean if the wind would come and get me, but I ain’t goin’ nowhere quickly,” portraying his desire for change and escape from his current state of stagnation. The phrase “drunkin’ sailor waiting on a gale” reflects a sense of hopelessness, as he waits for a change that may or may not come.
As a listener, I resonate with the underlying theme of longing for the past and the yearning for a different life. There are times when we all find ourselves in situations that we wish to escape from, wishing for simpler and happier days. The song reminds me of my own moments of nostalgia, where I find solace in listening to music that speaks to these emotions.
An old pirate sold me on a
We traded straight across
The boat I thought I wanted
For the boat I hate I lost
She’ll sing when that wind whistles
When it doesn’t, well she don’t
Just ask that old pirate
That’s floatin’ on my river boat
Never make a handshake deal while sharing someone bottle
Never buy a boat son that doesn’t have a throttle
Aye
Aye
The narrator’s regret is evident in the lines, “The boat I thought I wanted, for the boat I hate I lost,” highlighting the disappointment from a decision made in haste. The reference to an old pirate adds an element of storytelling and adds depth to the song. The cautionary advice in the song, “Never make a handshake deal while sharing someone’s bottle, never buy a boat son that doesn’t have a throttle,” serves as a life lesson and reflection on the narrator’s past mistakes.
Personally, this song resonates with me on multiple levels. Like the narrator, I have often found myself longing for a different life or regretting past decisions. The lyrics serve as a reminder of the importance of being thoughtful and deliberate in our choices and the consequences that can arise from impulsive decisions.
I could sail to the ocean
If the wind would come and get me
But I ain’t goin’ nowhere quickly
I’m just a drunkin’ sailor
Waiting on a gale
With a drink in my hand and a sailboat for sale
I got a sailboat for sale
Aye
Aye
“Sailboat for Sale” by Toby Keith encapsulates the feeling of being stuck and the longing for change. Through its relatable lyrics and emotional melody, the song serves as a reminder that we all experience moments of discontent, and that reminiscing about the past or escaping through temporary means might not be the solution to finding happiness. Sometimes, it is important to take a step back, reflect on our choices, and make deliberate decisions that will lead us towards a more fulfilling life.
So the next time you find yourself yearning for something different, take a moment to listen to “Sailboat for Sale” by Toby Keith and let the lyrics wash over you, reminding you that you are not alone in your desires and struggles.
