The Meaning Behind The Song: Come Sail Away by Styx
Styx is an American rock band that formed in the early 1970s and has been creating music ever since. One of their biggest hits is the song “Come Sail Away,” which was released in 1977 as part of their album The Grand Illusion. The song became an instant classic and is still played on the radio today.
The Background of the Song
The inspiration behind “Come Sail Away” came from lead singer Dennis DeYoung’s childhood in Chicago. When he was young, he would go to Lake Michigan and watch the sailboats. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, DeYoung explained, “I had a fascination with sailing when I was a child. And I used to go down to the lakefront in Chicago and watch the boats. It’s a very powerful memory for me.”
As the band started working on The Grand Illusion album, DeYoung had the idea of writing a song about a journey on a sailboat. The song started to take shape, and eventually became “Come Sail Away.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Come Sail Away” are a combination of nostalgia and imagination. The first verse talks about being a young boy watching the boats on the lake and dreaming of adventure. The second verse shifts to the present and talks about sailing away on a starship to a better life.
The chorus is the most recognizable part of the song, with DeYoung’s soaring vocals singing, “Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me.” The chorus is meant to be an invitation to join in on the adventure and to leave the past behind.
The third verse takes a darker turn, with the lyrics talking about a past life and a “shadowy figure” guiding the speaker. This verse has been interpreted in many different ways, with some saying it’s about a past life regression and others saying it’s about religion. DeYoung has never officially confirmed what the verse is about, leaving it up to interpretation.
The Music
The music of “Come Sail Away” is just as important as the lyrics. The song starts with a soft piano intro that sets the mood for the entire piece. As the song progresses, the drums and guitar come in, creating a powerful and uplifting sound. The music builds throughout the song, leading up to a climactic guitar solo.
The combination of the uplifting music and inspirational lyrics has made “Come Sail Away” a fan favorite for over 40 years.
The Legacy of the Song
“Come Sail Away” has become one of Styx’s most iconic songs. It has been covered by a variety of artists, including South Park and Glee. The song has also been used in movies and TV shows, such as Freaks and Geeks and The Simpsons.
In 2010, “Come Sail Away” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Singles category, cementing its place in music history.
Conclusion
“Come Sail Away” is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world. The combination of nostalgic lyrics and uplifting music has made the song a fan favorite for over 40 years. It’s a reminder that we all have dreams and that with a little imagination, we can sail away to a better life.
