About the song
Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Southern Cross” is more than just a song; it’s a celestial voyage of healing and hope. Released in 1982, this track marked a significant moment in the band’s career, charting new territories both musically and personally.
Written by Stephen Stills, Rick Curtis, and Michael Curtis, the song is a melodic masterpiece that draws its inspiration from the Southern Cross constellation. The lyrics, sung with heartfelt emotion by Stills, paint a vivid picture of a long boat trip undertaken after a divorce. It’s a tale of self-discovery and finding solace in the vastness of the universe.
The song’s success was undeniable. It climbed to No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s final top 40 hit. The accompanying music video, featuring Stills sailing a boat named “Southern Cross,” added a visual dimension to the song’s evocative lyrics.
“Southern Cross” is a testament to the enduring power of music. Its timeless message of healing and hope continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a classic in the annals of rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
Got out of town on a boat, going to Southern islands
Sailing a reach before a following sea
She was making for the trades on the outside
And the downhill run to Papeete
Off the wind on this heading lie, the Marquesas
We got eighty feet of the waterline
Nicely making way
In a noisy bar in Avalon, I tried to call you
But on a midnight watch I realized
Why twice you ran away(I think about)
Think about how many times I have fallen
Spirits are using me, larger voices calling
What heaven brought you and me
Cannot be forgotten (I’ve been around the world)I have been around the world (Looking)
Looking for that woman-girl
(And I know she knows)
Who knows love can endure
And you know it will
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Kendrick LamarWhen you see the Southern Cross for the first time
You understand now why you came this way
‘Cause the truth you might be running from is so small
But it’s as big as the promise
The promise of a coming day
So I’m sailing for tomorrow, my dreams are a-dying
And my love is an anchor tied to you
Tied with a silver chain
I have my ship
And all her flags are a-flying
She is all that I have left
And music is her name(I think about)
Think about how many times I have fallen
Spirits are using me, larger voices calling
What heaven brought you and me
Cannot be forgotten (I’ve been around the world)I have been around the world (Looking)
Looking for that woman-girl
Who knows love can endure
And you know it will
And you know it will
(Yes)So we cheated and we lied and we tested
And we never failed to fail
It was the easiest thing to do
You will survive being bested
Somebody fine
Will come along, make me forget about loving you
In the Southern Cross