Crosby, Stills & Nash – Southern Cross

About the song

Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Southern Cross” is more than just a song; it’s a celestial journey, a melodic voyage through the vast expanse of the night sky. Released in 1982 as part of their album Daylight Again, this track became a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of their harmonies.

Written by Stephen Stills, Rick Curtis, and Michael Curtis, “Southern Cross” paints a vivid picture of a solitary sailor navigating the open seas, guided by the Southern Cross constellation. The song’s imagery is both evocative and timeless, capturing the essence of adventure, solitude, and the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.

Stills’ lead vocals are a captivating blend of strength and vulnerability, conveying the sailor’s sense of both awe and isolation. The harmonies provided by Nash add depth and richness to the song, creating a tapestry of sound that is both comforting and exhilarating. While Crosby’s vocals were not featured on the original album recording, his absence is hardly noticeable, as the song’s emotional impact is largely driven by Stills and Nash’s powerful performances.

“Southern Cross” is a testament to the enduring appeal of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s music. Its timeless message of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit continues to resonate with audiences today. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, “Southern Cross” is a song that will leave a lasting impression.

Video

Lyrics

Ooh

Got out of town on a boat goin’ to Southern islands
Sailing a reach before a followin’ sea
She was makin’ 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

Think about
Think about how many times I have fallen
Spirits are using me larger voices callin’
What Heaven brought you and me cannot be forgotten

(Been around the world) I have been around the world
(Lookin’) Lookin’ for that woman girl
(Who knows she knows) Who knows love can endure
And you know it will

Yes

When you see the Southern Cross for the first time
You understand now why you came this way
‘Cause the truth you might be runnin’ from is so small
But it’s as big as the promise, the promise of a comin’ day

So I’m sailing for tomorrow my dreams are a dyin’
And my love is an anchor tied to you tied with a silver chain
I have my ship and all her flags are a’ flyin’
She is all that I have left and music is her name

Think about
Think about how many times I have fallen
Spirits are using me larger voices callin’
What Heaven brought you and me cannot be forgotten

(I’ve been around the world) I have been around the world
(Lookin’) Lookin’ for that woman girl
Who knows love can endure
And you know it will, and you know it will
Yes

Ooh

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
At the Southern Cross