About The Song
“Sail On” is a song by the American R&B and soul group The Commodores. The song was written by Lionel Richie and produced by both Commodores and James Anthony Carmichael. It was released as the first of three singles from their album “Midnight Magic” in 1979 and reached the top ten on both the US and UK music charts of the same year.
The song is a moving story about a man realizing his marriage is never going to work and he’s tired of trying. According to the lyrics, the woman in the song is contemplating leaving and doesn’t want to live a life without love, suggesting that the song is about a troubled relationship. “Sail On” is considered one of the most recognizable songs by The Commodores and continues to resonate with fans today.
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Lyrics
Sail on, down the line
About half a mile or so
And I don’t really wanna know ah
Where you’re going
Maybe once or twice you see
Time after time I tried
Hold on to what we got
But now you’re going
And I don’t mind
About the things you’re gonna say
Lord, I gave all my money and my time
I know it’s a shame
But I’m giving you back your name
Guess I’ll be on my way
I won’t be back to stay
I guess I’ll move along
I’m looking for a good time
Sail on down the line
Ain’t it funny how the time can go
All my friends say they told me so
But it doesn’t matter
It was plain to see
That a small town boy like me
Just I wasn’t your cup of tea
I was wishful thinking
I gave you my heart
And I tried to make you happy
And you gave me nothing in return
You know it ain’t so hard to say
Would you please just go away
I’ve thrown away the blues
I’m tired of being used
I want everyone to know
I’m looking for a good time
Good time
Sail on honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on sugar
Good times never felt so good
Sail on