For My Sunday Song #208, we are going to discuss the Whitesnake epic classic called “Sailing Ships” off their 1989 album ‘Slip of the Tongue’. This is a deep deep cut, so deep in fact it is the last song on the album and a very popular song amongst fans even though never a single. At over 6 minutes it is epic in length and in sound. The song was written by David Coverdale and his writing partner at the time, Adrian Vandenberg.
The song seems to be about self discovery. About setting a dream, no matter the size, face down your demons and go after that dream. Don’t be afraid, throw away those fears and remember, you control your destiny. Nothing will happen to you unless you go out and make it happen. But no matter the storms you face, the trouble you find, push ahead and keep moving. It is rather inspiring.
This is not the typical Whitesnake ballad. It sounds a little like Led Zeppelin as the song seems mystical and a has a whole Page vibe to it. The song stays soft for most of the time then explodes towards the end to go out with a bang. The tone of the music and lyrics come across as one of the most serious songs I feel they have ever done and maybe the most experimental at the same time. The sounds Steve Vai can make with his guitar are nothing short of amazing. His solo is just as huge as the song. David’s vocals match the intensity of the lyrics and the music. He gives his all and it comes across as intended. This is a group that is hitting on all cylinders and at the top of their game.
It is one of my all time favorite Whitesnake songs and that is saying a lot. Give the song a listen and let me know what you think. Is it as good as I think it is…yeah it is!! Thanks for stopping by and have a Happy Sunday!!
“Sailing Ships”
Standing on the shore,
Head in the clouds,
Your pockets filled with dreams
Bound for glory
On the seven seas of life,
But, the ocean is deeper than it seemsThe wind was with you
When you left on the morning tide,
You set your sail for an island in the sun,
On the horizon, dark clouds up ahead,
For the storm has just begun
Take me with you,
Take me far away,
Lead me to the distant shore
Sail your ship across the water,
Spread your wings across the sky
Take the time to see
You’re the one who holds the key,
Or sailing ships will pass you by
You cry for mercy,
When you think you’ve lost your way,
You drift alone, if all your hope is gone
So find the strength and you will see
You control, your destiny,
After all is said and done
So take me with you,
Take me far away,
An’ lead me to the distant shore
Sail your ship across the water,
Spread your wings across the sky
Take the time to see
You’re the one who holds the key,
Or sailing ships will pass,
Sailing ships will pass you,
Sailing ships will pass you by…
Take me with you,
Take me far away,
We’ll ride the wind across the sky
Spread your wings and you will see
You control, your destiny,
So sailing ships don’t pass you by
So take me with you,
Take me far away,
We’ll ride the wind across the sky
Spread your wings and you will see
You control, your destiny,
So sailing ships don’t pass,
So sailing ships don’t pass you,
So sailing ships don’t pass you by…
Baby, baby, baby, baby,
You’ll find that you’re the only one
Can sail your ship across the sky
Written by David Coverdale and Adrian Vandenberg