Songs About A Boat: 9 Examples and Their Stories
There’s something about a boat that captures the imagination of songwriters. Whether it’s the freedom of the open water, the sense of adventure, or the idea of escaping from the everyday grind, boats have inspired some of the greatest songs in music history. In this article, we’ll explore 9 songs about a boat and the stories behind them.
1. “Sailing” by Christopher Cross (1980)
One of the most iconic songs about a boat, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross is a smooth, easy-listening tune that perfectly captures the feeling of being out on the water. With its mellow melody and dreamy lyrics, the song became an instant classic and won Cross a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1981.
2. “Come Sail Away” by Styx (1977)
“Come Sail Away” by Styx is a rock anthem that tells the story of a mystical journey on a sailing ship. With its soaring chorus and epic guitar solos, the song is a perfect blend of progressive rock and yacht rock, making it a favorite among fans of both genres.
3. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot (1976)
Inspired by the true story of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior in 1975, Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is a powerful tribute to the 29 men who lost their lives in the tragedy. With its mournful melody and evocative lyrics, the song remains one of Lightfoot’s most enduring hits.
4. “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” by Enya (1988)
“Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” by Enya is a ethereal song that transports listeners to a magical world of adventure and discovery. With its lush instrumentation and Enya’s haunting vocals, the song has become a favorite for anyone looking to escape reality and set sail on a mystical journey.
5. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass (1972)
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass tells the story of a barmaid named Brandy who falls in love with a sailor who can’t stay in one place for long. With its catchy melody and upbeat chorus, the song became a chart-topping hit and remains a beloved classic to this day.
6. “Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett (1979)
No list of songs about a boat would be complete without mentioning Jimmy Buffett, the king of yacht rock. “Boat Drinks” is a laid-back tune that celebrates the joys of kicking back with a cold drink on a boat in the Caribbean. With its tropical vibe and witty lyrics, the song is a must-have for any beach playlist.
7. “Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan (2005)
“Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan is a country anthem that celebrates the simple pleasures of life on the water. With its catchy chorus and rollicking beat, the song paints a vivid picture of a group of friends having a blast on their makeshift “yacht” on a lazy summer day.
8. “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash (1982)
“Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash is a folk-rock classic that tells the story of a sailor who embarks on a journey to find himself after a failed relationship. With its soaring harmonies and introspective lyrics, the song has become a favorite among fans of the band and remains a staple of their live shows.
9. “Knee Deep” by Zac Brown Band feat. Jimmy Buffett (2010)
“Knee Deep” by Zac Brown Band feat. Jimmy Buffett is a laid-back duet that celebrates the carefree joys of life on the water. With its breezy melody and feel-good lyrics, the song is a perfect soundtrack for a day spent lounging on a boat with friends and family.
Common Questions About Songs About A Boat:
1. Why do songwriters often write about boats?
Songwriters often write about boats because they symbolize freedom, adventure, and escape from the everyday grind. Boats have a romantic allure that captures the imagination and inspires creativity.
2. What are some common themes in songs about boats?
Common themes in songs about boats include the open water, adventure, freedom, escapism, and the thrill of exploration. These themes can be found in a wide range of genres, from rock and folk to country and pop.
3. What makes a song about a boat memorable?
A memorable song about a boat is one that captures the essence of being out on the water, whether it’s through evocative lyrics, a catchy melody, or a sense of nostalgia. The best boat songs transport listeners to a different world and make them feel like they’re on their own adventure.
4. Are there any famous boat songs that have been covered by other artists?
Yes, many famous boat songs have been covered by other artists over the years. For example, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross has been covered by Rod Stewart, “Come Sail Away” by Styx has been covered by Eric Cartman from South Park, and “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass has been covered by Kenny Chesney.
5. What is the oldest boat song in existence?
One of the oldest boat songs in existence is “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” a children’s nursery rhyme that dates back to the 19th century. The song’s simple melody and playful lyrics have made it a timeless classic that is still sung by children around the world today.
6. Are there any boat songs that have been used in movies or TV shows?
Yes, many boat songs have been used in movies and TV shows over the years. For example, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross was featured in the movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, “Come Sail Away” by Styx was used in the TV show South Park, and “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass was featured in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
7. Do any boat songs have a hidden meaning or message?
Some boat songs have hidden meanings or messages that can be interpreted in different ways. For example, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot is a tribute to the sailors who lost their lives in a tragic shipwreck, while “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass explores themes of love, loss, and longing.
8. Are there any boat songs that have won awards?
Yes, several boat songs have won awards over the years. For example, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1981, “Come Sail Away” by Styx was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017, and “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” by Enya was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Age Album in 1989.
9. Are there any boat songs that have inspired books or films?
Yes, some boat songs have inspired books or films based on their lyrics or themes. For example, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot inspired a book by the same name that delves into the history of the shipwreck, while “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass inspired a short film about a sailor and his lost love.
10. What is the most popular boat song of all time?
It’s hard to say what the most popular boat song of all time is, as different people have different tastes in music. However, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross, “Come Sail Away” by Styx, and “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass are all considered classics that have stood the test of time.
11. Are there any boat songs that have a political message?
Some boat songs have a political message hidden in their lyrics. For example, “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash is said to be about the Vietnam War and the struggles of returning soldiers, while “Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan can be seen as a commentary on class and privilege.
12. Do any boat songs have a connection to a specific region or culture?
Yes, some boat songs have a connection to a specific region or culture. For example, “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” by Enya is inspired by the Orinoco River in South America, while “Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan is a celebration of Southern culture and the love of the water in the American South.
13. Are there any boat songs that have been banned or censored?
There are no known instances of boat songs being banned or censored, as they generally do not contain controversial or offensive content. Boat songs are typically light-hearted and fun, making them suitable for all audiences.
14. Are there any boat songs that have been used in advertising?
Yes, some boat songs have been used in advertising campaigns to promote products or brands. For example, “Come Sail Away” by Styx was used in a commercial for Volkswagen, and “Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett was used in a campaign for Corona beer.
15. Are there any boat songs that have been performed by famous artists in concert?
Many famous artists have performed boat songs in concert over the years. For example, Jimmy Buffett often includes “Boat Drinks” in his live shows, while Crosby, Stills & Nash have performed “Southern Cross” on tour. These songs are fan favorites that never fail to get the crowd singing along.
16. Do any boat songs have a connection to famous historical events?
Some boat songs have a connection to famous historical events, such as “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot, which is based on the sinking of a real-life ship in Lake Superior. These songs serve as tributes to the people who were affected by these events and help keep their memories alive.
17. Are there any boat songs that have been remixed or reimagined in a different style?
Yes, many boat songs have been remixed or reimagined in different styles over the years. For example, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross has been covered by artists in genres ranging from jazz to reggae, while “Come Sail Away” by Styx has been reinterpreted as a dance remix. These new versions breathe fresh life into classic boat songs and introduce them to a new generation of listeners.
Final Thoughts
Songs about a boat have a special place in music history, capturing the essence of adventure, freedom, and escape that comes with being out on the water. Whether it’s a rock anthem, a folk ballad, or a country tune, these songs transport listeners to a different world and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the simple pleasures of life on the water. From the haunting beauty of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” to the carefree vibes of “Knee Deep,” these songs remind us of the magic of setting sail and embarking on a journey of discovery. So next time you’re in need of a musical escape, just press play on one of these boat songs and let the music carry you away to a world of adventure and possibility.