Rod Stewart holds a special place in the hearts of many music lovers, and for me and my wife, Sweety, that affection is tied to seeing him perform live in Winnipeg, Canada, not just once, but three memorable times. Each concert was a unique experience, etching different moments into our memories.
One concert was made even more special by the presence of my mum. On two other occasions, we shared the joy with dear friends, including a show where we were incredibly close to the stage – tenth row at what is now known as Bell MTS Place. This particular couple is dear to us, and as I’ve mentioned in a previous post about Cyndi Lauper’s “I’m Gonna Be Strong,” Stewart, Lauper, and Sarah Brightman were artists that formed a significant part of our shared musical landscape. We often reminisced and sang along to the One Night Only! Rod Stewart Live at the Royal Albert Hall DVD from 2004. A highlight was always the duet of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” with Amy Belle, a talented busker Stewart had discovered. Our late friend, his wife, Sweety, and I would sing with genuine enthusiasm every time.
A heartwarming memory involving my mum and Rod Stewart videos occurred after she moved back to Winnipeg following my dad’s passing. During a large family Christmas dinner at our home, after most guests had departed, Mum, Sweety, and I spent the rest of the evening watching Rod Stewart videos and even dancing to some of his iconic songs. She ended up staying the night in our guest room, which we affectionately call the “blue room.” That evening remains a cherished memory, a testament to the power of music to bring joy and connection.
Years later, during a visit to my cousins and their families in Liverpool, Birkenhead, and Wales, Rod Stewart’s name surfaced in conversation once again. We discovered a shared love for his song “Sailing” and the poignant memories it evoked for each of us. For me, it was that special Christmas evening with my mother. For my cousins, the song resonated deeply due to its nautical theme, as their late father had dedicated his entire working life to the Merchant Navy. The song’s imagery of voyages and journeys held a particular significance for them.
Interestingly, Gavin Sutherland, of the Sutherland Brothers, who penned “Sailing” in 1972, offered a different interpretation of its meaning. He stated, “Most people take the song to be about a young guy telling his girl that he’s crossing the Atlantic to be with her. In fact, the song’s got nothing to do with romance or ships; it’s an account of mankind’s spiritual odyssey through life on his way to freedom and fulfillment with the Supreme Being.” This broader, more spiritual interpretation adds another layer to the song’s appeal and enduring quality.
Personally, I had always interpreted “Sailing” as a song about longing for those who have passed away, a yearning to be reunited with them. This personal interpretation has undoubtedly amplified the song’s poignancy and emotional resonance for me, intertwining with my memories and experiences.
The lyrics themselves, simple yet evocative, perfectly capture this feeling of yearning and transcendence:
“I am flying
I am flying
Like a bird
‘Cross the sky
I am flying
Passing high clouds
To be with you
To be freeCan you hear me, can you hear me
Through the dark night, far away
I am dying, forever crying
To be with you, who can say”(from “Sailing,” by Gavin Sutherland)
The idea of sharing this song has been on my mind for some time, particularly after a meaningful conversation and several insightful comments from my eldest cousin on my blog. Today, as Sweety and I received the news of the passing of a dear friend’s mother – a loss that was anticipated but still deeply felt – it felt like the right moment to share this song. “Sailing” seemed to encapsulate the emotions of loss, longing, and a sense of journey beyond the earthly realm.
And so, that is the story behind why “Sailing” is my song of the day today. Thank you for joining me in this reflection.
Rod Stewart’s recording of “Sailing” in 1975 propelled the song to international fame, becoming one of his signature hits. The live performance video below, featuring Stewart with his band, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and a solo choir, is taken from the One Night Only! show. It beautifully showcases the grandeur and emotional depth of the song. You can watch this powerful rendition on his official YouTube channel:
