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Southern Cross Lyrics
Artist: Crosby Stills & Nash
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.
Chorus
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 have been around the world,
Lookin' for that woman/girl,
Who knows love can endure.
And you know it will.
And you know it will.
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.
Chorus
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 have been around the world,
Lookin' for that woma/girl,
Who knows love can endure.
And you know it will.
And you know it will.
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.
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Comments/Interpretations
I love this song...lol,not very elabortive me,I know...
I will use some the words in dedication to my sister at her viewing on Tuesday, May 20th: Spirits are using me, larger voices calling...
Chrissy, you said it just fine...I love this song too. It's got a great melody and vocals (just read that Art Garfunkel was actually one of the background singers), paints a beautiful picture, and makes an amazing statement about the human condition: "So we cheated and we lied and we tested, and we never failed to fail, it was the easiest thing to do." I think that's true of all of us deep down in our core, and is the reason why we all need a savior. And so Jesus Christ, God Himself, came to earth as a baby, grew to a man and taught and showed us how to live. And then, in the greatest demonstration of pure love the world has ever seen or imagined, He willingly laid his life down to pay the penalty for sin that each of us deserved to pay. And now He offers the gift of abundant life in Him for all eternity to anyone who will put their trust in Him, and Him alone. Amazing love! :)
what the hell are they trying to say?
You don't need the Mythical Sky Daddy to appreciate music.
ditto
Great song. Great memories. One thing I'd like to do sometime in this life is go to Austalia or New Zealand and see the Southern Cross constellation. I've seen pictures. They're nice, but not the real thing.
Thought it was a true story about Crosby calling from Avalon on Catalina Island to his girl who had left him. And the name of his schooner was "Music".
Hey Lightbringer, Jesus created music. Knowing him makes it much easier to appreciate it. You go, Lee!!
"A noisy bar in Avalon"? He realised why twice she ran away. Why did she run away though? Anyone Know?
No need to travel far. I just enjoyed long evenings enjoying the Southern Cross from the US Virgin Islands. You can see it clearly in the Southern sky. Enjoy.
still don't know what the hell they mean. Where is that "Sky Daddy Dude"? Hellooo?
It's a very "deep" song...has a lot of meaning--love it!
She ran away because his first and truest love ia and always will be the sea..can I have an AMEN?
I always liked this song but could never figure out the words "... and the downhill run to Papeete" ... until we went Tahiti last fall and spent some time in Papeete and now I know how the name of that town is actually pronounced. Papeete, Bora Bora, Moorea ... words can not describe the beauty of those islands and the sunsets ... wow, the sunsets ... "and the Southern Cross" ...
AMEN Kev! U 2 huh?
Crosby's yacht was named "Mayan" - You can see the Southern Cross from Key West in the summertime . . . or from anywhere in the Caribbean year round.
This is one of the best CSN songs ever. I've used this song to teach geography to 6th graders. When you show them that Avalon, Papeete, and the Marquesas are real places their eyes get wide in amazement.
Jesus created music? Does it say that in the bible or anywhere in scripture? What did they do for the thousands of years before Christ was supposedly born?
Do you just automatically attribute all things to Christ because your ignorant or do you actually believe that crap/
I thought Bobby Bouche's mother invented music.
this is a great song
I've always loved this song too...And, being a (fairly new) sailor myself, LOVE all the sailing references.
Sailing on a reach. Ah, makes me want to be out there now. This song makes me feel like I'm on a boat in a really nice wind, heeled over so far you have to sit up on the windward side and hold yourself up with your feet on the cockpit on the leeward side. And there's nothing better than a downhill run. No fighting the wind. It's all working with you, fast and fun, pushing you in the direction you want to go. Bliss!!
Never had a chance to sail as far as Tahiti (Papeete) or the Marquesas, but hope to during my lifetime. Also have never been on an overnight sail where you have to keep watch (we always anchor or grab a mooring ball) so the thought of midnight watch is kind of terrifying to me!! I know most are mellow, but so many things that can go scary if a big squall comes up!!
I this song always makes me want a boat of my own!!
It was written by Rick and Michael Curtis, Stills helped Crosby had nothing to do with the lyrics. They needed a song for their album and this song had been written some years earlier by the Curtis brothers so they changed a few lines and there you have it. "Southern Cross".
The ship named Music is a metaphor.
I've seen so many people relate this song to wonderful memories of sailing, vacations and romantic love.
This is a sad song about failed love and not only did that love fail but, cheating and lying were involved. Yes, I see the romance in it...
You do not have to know anything about sailing, you could understand trade winds or simply understand that he's leaving and perhaps glad that he's moving away quickly.
The southern cross is not a religious symbol and Abdul, yes they believe it, what do you expect from people who worship a god who forbid them from "eating from the tree of knowledge" Indeed ignorance is bliss...
Uhhh... some of you people need to watch the "Live Performance" by CSN on YouTube. The harmonies are just as good, if not better than the original studio version. The bass, congas and keyboard really add to the background. Not to mention the great (but not elaborate) guitar chords. But since when do you equate an elaborately constructed song with greatness? This ain't jazz, nor is it orchestral music.
I really love to see all the different comments on this page!! You all have interesting points of view. Some of you should try to be a little more open minded. I don't care who created music, I just know it's here for us to enjoy!!
says somewhere "and all the stars sang together" in the big black book
I like what Lee had to say. To some, when any reference to Jesus is made, they think the brain has been turned off. I believe the opposite to be true. Music is an expression of our desire to know truth. When we hear it expressed in a way that rings true to us, it calls us to look deeper. I believe this is what is referenced by the lyrics, "the spirits are using me, larger voices calling". We are all seeking the truth. Music, art, literature and all other human expressions of communication seekth as their ultimate goal. The truth surprisingly, is not something but is somebody, Jesus Christ. The depth of human thought and knowledge if honest culminates in our understanding of Jesus Christ who reveals himself to us.
I want to thank Gabriel (comment on 6/21/2008) for the suggestion to watch the live performance on Youtube. I just did, and I got chills. What a treat to watch them perform together.
Just came home from a trip to Samoa. After loving this song for more than 25 years, I have finally seen the Southern Cross. Both are incredible!
Hey Kev! Here's a big "AMEN" You are right my friend! The sea is a sailors true love. Good call brother!
"The Curtis Brothers brought me a wonderful song called "Seven League Boots," but it drifted around too much. I re-wrote a new set of words and added a different chorus, a story about a long boat trip I took after my divorce. It's about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds. Once again I was given somebody's gem and cut and polished it"
Stephen Stills
CSN diskette insert
We went to peru in May and saw the Southern Cross- Immediately thought of the CSN song and none of could remember many of the words. After reading them tonight they seem very criptic and meaningful- make what you want of it, that is what life is about!
For years I thought this song had some relationship to the Confederate Flag (Southern Cross). Neil Young has been noted for his stand on the Confederate Flag, hence the song, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The lyrics say, "And I hope Neil Young will remeber, a southern man don't need him around anyhow.....". There is a hidden reference in this song I bet and we are all missing it.
The lyric in sweet home al was rweferenced to Young's song southern man. I've always taken Southern Cross as the life journey of Stephen Stills. Through women, drugs, money etc.. the only constanst was :she's all that i have left, and music is her name." Just my take
There are songs. Then there are songs that have meat. Here we've found the beef.
First let me say that this is not the place for theological debate; it is a message board about music and we should at least try to keep it on topic. But since it's been brought up, the Bible states multiple times that Jesus, being God, has always been in existance and created the world and everything in it, which would include music. The date of Jesus' physical birth would be irrelevant. And it's not the Tree of Knowledge, it's the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil-- think nuclear bomb.
SO, to ME who says ignorance is bliss and to Dan who says Christian beliefs are crap, shut up. Do a little research before you diss someone's faith. You are more ignorant, and close-minded, than anyone you've accused. Kudos to Dave and Lee for actually knowing where their beliefs come from.
oh, yeah, and the song takes you through a beautiful, soulful journey from the joy of traveling, the pain of loss, the understang of why it happened, and hope for the future. It's wonderful and everyone should listen to it at least once.
stop it.
I have always loved CSNY...There is nothing like the songs of the past...I think what they're trying to say is that life has treated him well, he has lost his lady love and now he is continuing his journey with his ship by his side...
just saw these guys last night in concert for the third time in my life. They were awesome and this song was pure icing on the cake on a wonderful evening with CSN
I have always thought that Stills' "Southern Cross" had a double meaning. The hidden reference was to the Confederate medal of Honor given to soldiers of The Civil War.
I would be shocked if in fact this was not his intent.
Was born and raised in Australia and saw the southern cross every night of my life. I moved to states and married a wonderful man who loved this song (in fact, it is his favourite) which i had not become real familiar with yet. One of the most amazing moments of our lives was taking him to Australia to where I was born for him "to see the southern cross for the first time". Now everytime we hear it, I think of that wonderful moment. Music can envoke any number of emotions. just enjoy it.
the story of god forbidding adam and eve from eating from the tree of knowledge is a parable of growing up. a baby can't sin in the christian religion- only one aware of right and wrong can. so yeah, it is a form of ignorance being bliss. don't flame me, i'm an agnostic- who had the decency to read into what he doesn't understand
banshee,lee,LISA, good comments. and thank you to allmost every one that left a comment. i looked this site up to learn what the southern cross was.thought it was old fashion southern religon when i was a kid. (grew up in the south) then years later i heard southern island ? hey isnt thier a big cross on some island down thier? so finaly i looked on this page, and now iknow i need to google southern cross find out how to get thier and go see it for the first time ! but the meaning of this song has not changed! like michelle i realize that each song has its own meaning to each person.if we smoked a joint with the band and set around and dicussed it with the them i think we would find it has its own meaning to each of them. i dont hold any degrees. you can tell that by my spelling. but i know whats important! like the good mood,the high i get when i here this song!
I think some of you need to go back to Sunday school or join a church before you start ranting on a lyrics site about a song that has nothing to do with religion. BTW, Jesus was not God but rather his son which relates back to Ra (in the Egyptian religion), which is what??? The Sun (god). Study religion and get more viewpoints rather than one....I bet you'll vote straight ticket for the elections too.
this is my all-time favorite song :)
Southern Cross and Since I Met You. David Crosby deals with the "I". Too many songwriters can only write only about Love. Being in Love with MUSIC and Wooden Ships is Alright with Me.
If only they could harmonize live the way they do in the studio. Saw them just a few weeks ago and was bored to tears..Nash's voice is weak..Stills' voice is pretty much gone which may explain why he was not even on stage as much as Crosby and Nash...having said that...I do like this song very much..have always been a Stills fan.....I don't see any references to God but I see the references to music and when they say "music is her name"... I believe they are being literal. I understand it was not written by Crosby but that line is so Crosby it is ridiculous.
Lee - I couldn't have put it any better! You are right on it! Thanks for your input!
I saw the Southern Cross for the first time...gives this favorite song of mine new meaning !
there is no level of sound that can resound what this song sings to me.
this song is before my time iam only 21. but it is my all time favorite
I'm only 17. And I think this song Great!
A song can mean anything to those it speaks too, don't "down" somebody for interpreting a song to mean whatever it does to them be it religious or not...This song does have a spiritual overtone to it so I can see why someone would understand it in that way. Anyway, love the song to pieces!
please stop acting like you're all nine years old and fighting on the playground. who cares if some people want to think this song is about God or Jesus or whatever? I personally think it has nothing to do with christianity, it does have a spiritual feeling though so I understand. But just chill with all the negativity. It's depressing.
Anyway. This song is amazing. There's something in it that makes me almost shiver every time i hear it, i feeling i usually only get from listening to orchestral or singing mozart or something. (im an opera singer). CSN/CSNY is by far my favorite band, and this is my favorite song that they do.
This is the best song ever written. For me, the song can either feel like the sweetness of new romance or heart-wrenching soul crushing sting of lost love. The harmony is magic and the distant lyrics and unknown nautical references allow the song to fit the mood I am in at the time.
I dare not listen to it too many times in a row, nor learn too much about the lyrics, lest it become simply a great song.
I sincerely hope others can feel the magic I have with this song.
"She is all I have left and music is her name"
I can't believe that just because a song is great, has meaning to some, that it has "great reverence or religious meaning". You know I have been writing music and lyrics for decades, and it has never been about religion, it has everything to do with what I was/am feeling and what works with the song, next time your around a great musician ask him/her what the lyrics mean, an don't be surprised if they tell you they don't listen to the words, only the sound of the "human instrument"ie the vocal cords.
this is a great song that will mean different things to different people. Nothing wrong with that. If you've been writing music and lyrics for decades, have we HEARD of any of your songs? I've spoken at great length to many song writers and some of them were the writers of huge hits. They tend to write what they feel and think at the time. A song they wrote in the 70's would be completely different from one (same subject matter) written in the 90's. The ysee things differently. This is one of the best songs ever written. Check out "Old Dogs, Chldren, and watermelon Wine" sometime. Another great.
Up until 12yrs ago this was my life. Then I found some one fine and forgot. She is still the love of my life after 2 kids and 12yrs of marriage
Hey Cory Scott, I write music too. Just because you think one thing about music or lyrics or songwriting doesn't mean that everybody else has to. And if you asked me what lyrics mean in my songs, I would ask you what they mean to you, and thats what they mean. Thats what makes the Human Mind so great... Perception!
Jesus wrote the lyrics. No argument.
Get a grip. Its a drunk muso roadies damascus moment- whilst playing at the southern cross- that no women in her right mind can love him and his career in the long run.
The ship and the journey are a metaphor for being trapped between a rock and a hard place...the booze and the music win out in the end. They are singing about there own relationships....which were f...d
Music was created by Jesus. lol
Lee is a poor, misguided soul. Last thing CSN needs is a "Jesus-freak" like Lee.
Southern Cross is a beautiful song that has NOTHING to do with religion (thankfully).
LONG LIVE THE ATHIESTS!!!!
No, no, no. The Southern Cross is an atronomical constellation!! The song has absolutely NOTHING to do with religion. For once, please DO look at the lyrics. The very last few lines tell the story. A relationship ended bitterly and the MAN is moving on ("Somebody fine will come along/Make me forget about loving you"). Hello? McFly?
Not rocket science.
My wife nursed Stephen Stills back to health on a boat in the Virgin Islands back in 1981 when she was running a charter boat. He had lost his voice and had a concert in LA the following week. He was so appreciative that he told her he changed the lyrics of Southern Cross for her. She didn't believe it either, but if you ever run into Stephen just ask him about Carol from the Virgin Islands.
Red Dread - you rock!
Been there done that met God BUT re Southern Cross....What Heav
an Brought You and Me refers to conception .Larger voices calling.......mmmmm. Tis shall we say only a song BUT shall we go so far as to say if God wrote? a bible by putting phrase in to a man's head then lyrics/songs ? there can be NO last page to a bible if a God is eternal so song lyrics as inspired as scriptural?-Ah tell that to the Jerrrrrhooovers witneses-after all can LOVE endure?????God's love CAN.
this tune is great, i listened to it as i grew up---I always thought of a "golden Girl" not a woman/gril as the lyrics are. My dreams as a kid were a beautiful woman in the south pacific---and to travel the world. Well I worked and lived on Easter Island, have 2 beautiful childern and wife, that has graduated collage and runs a medium finical institution. I used to look at the Southern Cross and think of this song.... I did not know about or even think of it as a downer, break-up or what ever song as I have read in some of these reviews. The melody is great the lyrics as listing to them as you cruse down the freeway with the windows down are awsome. Now can you understnd this tune as a "I Love Being Around You Tune"???
Bottom line with the SC is that it is absolutely the most amazing song I have ever listened to. It truely is therapy to my soul.
since the day i first heard this song, i fell in love with it but never knew, nor could locate the words.i still enjoy this song as much as the day i first heard it. thank you for filling in the missing words to my favorite song that have eluded me for so many years.my small sailboat is named 'cool change' after the song by the little river band,because being the first in my family to own a sailboat, and the experiences ive had, truely were a cool change for me. southern cross was what i wanted to name it, but after all is said and done, the vessel more or less names itself.these two songs really mean alot to me.thanks again for putting up the lyrics to southern cross. i love this song even more now that i actually know what im singing. catch you another day, another way.
It's been my favorite song ever since I first saw the video on MTV in the early 80s. I never get sick of hearing it.
Astronomy is a hobby of mine, and one of my life's dreams is to see the Southern Cross in a clear night sky. If you are in the water and it's dark (and the right time of year), you can see it from the Keys...I believe. Sometimes things happen in life where the only thing you have left is music. Music is one thing you can count on in life. It will always be there for you. Elton John, "Thank God my music's still alive." Jim Morrison, "music is your special friend."
juliann
I hope you realize your astrononical southern hemisphere dreams! The southern cross is impressive, but not compared to the awesome Magellenic Clouds. I had the great priviledge of viewing them in southern Madegascar - 200 miles from the nearest source of electricity.
cheers,
Bryan
Wow, Bryan...doubt I will get to southern Madagascar, but that's really great. It's very hard to find a truly dark sky anymore. I think the reason I want to see the Southern Cross so badly is because I can't. We always want what we don't have. Perhaps there are people in the world somewhere that wish they could see Orion. Still...I aim to go south.
What about the southern cross, what's so special about seeing it? It is special to sailors because it shows them true south and helps them to navigate. Maybe that's a metaphor in the song too, just a thought. Oh, athiests are morons, sorry, someone had to say it.
Mick, it's special to astronomy enthusiasts as well as sailors. And as I said earlier, it's special because I can't see it!
The Southern Cross is a constellation. It is the closest thing, as the North Start is to the Northern Hemisphere a pointer to the pole axis that the Southern Hemisphere has. And if you join, the east-west stars and the north and south stars of the smallest of constellations, you have a cross. Crosses existed before Christianity as did the stars that form this constellation. So relax people, it is a great song. Period.
This a great song, I worked on boats for many years and dated a drama queen when I was home from the boats.When you are on a boat on a midnight watch you are bored to tears generally and have plenty of time to relive your live from home.You wonder and run theings through your mind over and over why?why?. It will drive you nuts sitting around wondering about some dizzy woman that is breaking your heart and trying to run you totally. "You will survive being bested, and some body fine will come along and make me forget about loving you" sums it up.Sometimes you just got to go on. It is easier to do so if you have a sense of larger purpose,"larger voices calling".It is a great song and oit makes me wish I could go back to the boats and hide from my miserable life.
This song always reminds me of the trip I took from Florida to the Virgin Islands. There were only 2 of us on the boat (a 28' Tayana) and there were many nights to contemplate where we had been and where we were going. It was truly the experience of a lifetime and I wish I could go back!! Every time I hear this song I feel a pang...........
Sup guys, Jesus was a noob.
Sorry Cosmo your wrong, Jesus said I and my father are ONE.
Oh wow, atheists are morons, you proved your point. Well reasoned Mick. Great conclusory statement. Who is the moron now? Fool. How about we all chill out and realize that there are many ways to interpret a song. As long as the music you moves you, that is what is important. Sure there are probably spiritual undertones. When stills (re)wrote the lyrics he probably didn't intend for a strict christian interpretation (don't believe? learn a little about the guy). Nonetheless, who cares spirituality varies from person to person, if you want to read christianity into it, fine, just don't be a DB about it. If you want to interpret it in a more abstract manner, fine. Why fight about it. You all make me sick, sick that you are so narrow minded.
quit trying to analyze the song. It is a qreat song, period!!!!!
Such powerful marine poetics. Because of the sailor terminology that I'm not familiar with. Almost makes one want to become a sailor.
There are no atheists in foxholes.
The greatest minds generally believe there is a supreme being (Albert Einstein for instance). Southern Cross rules.
no doubt ... smoke a fatty and stare at the moon with a beer in the other hand....
OMG random theological debate. just enjoy the song.
Hey "Voice of Reason", why are people as "open minded" as you so narrow minded towards people who you deem as narrow minded? And I'm sure your qualifications to judge people are outstanding. Why else would you be so open minded(of course not to feel falsely wonderful about yourself). It's easy to be open minded when you only associate with people who think like you. When people don't, just label them as narrow minded. After all, that is "the easiest thing to do". It's a great song. If you can't deal with other people's opinions about it, why stress yourself by reading them?
Nor matter your angle, this song is a *great*.
Stillin lovin u alex
I saw the Southern Cross for the first time out the window of a 747 on my way from LA to Sydney, shining down on the vast Pacific... it gave me chill bumps, just like this song still does. Sigh, it's so beautiful (the song AND the constellation)
I don't know about the religious implications or deeper meanings of the lyrics. I knew the song referenced sailing; I found the melody soothing and peaceful...so I have always enjoyed it. I requested the number from a solo performer at a bar in Taos N.M. ( who had asked for requests) when I went there to visit my father's grave. He made a snarky, wise-ass comment about how we were in the mountains, not the beach. I'd like to kick the shit out of him.
Lee, this is another Lee. Art Garfunkel did not sing backup on this. Not sure where you heard this. Interestingly, though, neither David Crosby, nor Graham Nash sang or played instruments on this recording. It's all Stephen Stills and other artists.
I love the song and have picked it apart. I have a curiousity question of what was meant at the end when "some fine will come along and make me forget about loving you." I guess I would want the alternate enmding - wonder why-if there was so much love with the woman/girl that one would even think of another fine one to make one forget about such a deep love/ I would think that you would go back to the one who twice left you?????
awesome harmonies a great song no matter how you interprite it
I've dragged a few bands through this classic. Now that il Troubadore is starting to develop reliable harmonies, I think we'll cover this one. I love lead singing it, but I think I'll get Paul (our drummer) to sing lead.
I'll have to score out the guitar ride for Jon and Wendy to do on cello and clarinet.
Great song - big crowd pleaser. Fun to sing - but not worth bothering unless you can cover all three parts.
www.RobertBruceScott.com
I have always loved this song, but I had no idea until about 15 minutes ago what the Southern Cross is. I actually thought the song referred to the "Stars & Bars". The Confederate battle flag. Now that I know what it is the song is even cooler to me. To the goofball who said that Jesus invented music...I don't know. What I do know is that he placed the Southern Cross and all of the other constellations in the sky...that's pretty cool huh?! I am sad for people who will not even consider that there is a Creator. Design without a designer? I think not...
Praise Him above through whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son & Holy Ghost... AMEN
You haven't lived unless you've been on a reach in a following wind off Austrailia with the Southern Cross over the sunset, and the Borealis overhead!
I was there and I'll never forget it!
Hey Darkhorse26, I was on a ship with about 800ft at the waterline off the coast of Perth. You don't have to be on a sailing vessel to never forget the Southern Cross. To all those who have never been to sea....put it on your bucket list near the top. It truly is an experience you will never forget
Everyone buy the daylight again live concert DVD. It's wonderful
This song is emotive and relatable...and for two old friends from California, the Southern Cross will be our guiding light as we make our way to Patagonia South America this summer to ring in my 40th year...nothing better than raising a toast with great friends, this song in the background, under the twinkle of the real constellation...I can't WAIT!!! This is one of my favorite all time songs - period. Rock on CSN!!!!
If I were to pick top 5 classic songs of all time, this1 surely wud be in that list. Such a luvly luvly song...no matter how many times I listen to this melodic creation, it never gets old...truely heart touching lyrics.
I agree with Gierbo . . . crosses have been around since forever. Enjoy the song, it is beautiful.
i love this song. when i was 11 i traveled to Namibia (Southwest Africa)with my family. we had spent time in the city, but on the night of my birthday, my dad took me outside and showed me the southern cross. every time i hear the lyrics "when you see the southern cross for the first time, you'll understand now why you came this way" i remember that magical moment. :)
What a great somg. If you really listen to the words what great feelings are talked about.
'Midlife Sailing Debacle' ? "You will survive being bested." Better? Is that right grammar?
Somebody, burn the rum!
God hung the constellations, matey.
Read Neil's comments, he sounds like someone who knows. Could it be the Neil as in Young, call me crazy.
Excellent music. Somehow it just hits the spot.
jesus says you're an idiot
you don't get it. "you will survive being bested." That means let it go. Does that make sense? There will come a time when you realize what being in a true relationship means.
it gives me a lump in my throat
You people are nuts. These are just song lyrics - captivating lyrics, set to a great melody with unique timing. If there is a God, and I doubt it, he/she would puke up his/her last heavenly hot dog to think some bonehead on Earth found spiritual meaning in this song.
great song to sing along with. im learning to play it on guitar to enjoy anytime.
There's Always Someone who just Has to bring Religion into EVERYTHING to SOME Degree...
Pa-Lease...Can you Not Simply just "ACCEPT" a Wonderfully Written Song for What it is.?...
No matter What you Believe, this is a SONG, and if you Religiosos Have to express your Insecurities, do it Elsewhere...
I agree with KLM, Niels comments and translations are the more plausable ones. I think it is Niel as in Niel Young.....
Wow! this post has been going for a while now. I just found it and wanted to add my 2 cents. I spent a good amount of time at sea in my youth and whatever the song is really about, it brings back some incredible memories and will always be one of my favorite songs.
BTW I saw the video for this song before I became a sailor but I think I was already a little bos'n at heart.
The Southern Cross Constellation is the one the Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division)uses. A Shield Patch of four white stars (Southern Cross Constellation) on a field of Blue. It was my outfit in Vietnam where we could see it quite clearly. It was always special to me. This song was incredible when I first heard it, and remains one of my favorites. I try not to associate any great in-depth, soul searching or religious meaning to it. It's a great and timeless piece. Take Care
jesus is truth?!! jesus is the biggest lie ever perpetrated. he never existed, just stories about an insufferable dead Jew. go worhip the myth, a-hole. The Temple he supposedly railed against played music all the time.
jesus is the biggest lie ever perpetrated. he never existed---a complete myth. and one about a dead Jew, one who's been dead, even in the myth, for over 2000 years. how utterly stupid to worship it. and music was played daily in the Temple that he supposedly railed against.
In the part that says "you will survive being bested," I thought he said "you will survive being molested" LOL!
it is about absolute loneliness when you realize the reason you are alone is your own doing. You have to get on the boat to sail it! Having spent 25 years at sea, it is truly a lonely place, especially the mid-watch on a moonless night with just a faint wind from behind. Makes the sole ache and the mind expand.
it is about absolute loneliness when you realize the reason you are alone is your own doing. You have to get on the boat to sail it! Having spent 25 years at sea, it is truly a lonely place, especially the mid-watch on a moonless night with just a faint wind from behind. Makes the soul ache and the mind expand.
An excellent song. Stills voice is perfect makes the song what it is; especially the last verse.
Just had an outside dinner in the Outback last Saturday nite. Was treated to a walk through the Southern Hemisphere skies by a talented narrator after our dinner and we had extinguished all our lights. Found myself humming this song all night. The Southern Cross was out in very bright fashion that night. Left me wondering about my journey to date and going forward.
Dustin, your comment about the misheard lyrics had tears running down my face with laughter!! Your a dumb ass but thats okay!! Thank you!!!
this is a beautiful song and I love it. It means all things to all people. I personally dont believe it has anything to do with Jesus, Santa or Merlin or anyother mythical or cartoon character anyone thinks of. The only Jesus that ever existed is the guy who rakes my yard in the summer time.
I hadn't read the lyrics until a special friend told me about seeing the Southern Cross in Australia. I'm so glad he shared it; I had no idea the meaning this song had. I printed the words and carry them with me. Life is a fantastic journey.
What a great song. I haven't heard it years, but it just came on the radio yesterday. I just had to check the lyrics because like all classic rock songs, I have no idea what they're saying!
...it turns out it's not "What heaven brought you and me, cannot be the Godfather" but I was close!
I think he had a great love for the sea, that was greater then anything else on earth, but deep down inside he will never forget her
BWAA-Haa-Haa-ha-ha-hahahahaha! Jesus invented music! OMG! LMAO! No, but Christians invented gheyness... that's true for sure...
hey guys quit cussing read the lyrics if you dont know the words duh thats why they are there! i love this song great job!
I thought Stephen Stills had a long-term fixation/obsession with Judy Collins (Suite Judy Blue Eyes)and spent a long time lamenting the end of that relationship, which I believe he never got over. This song seems to echo that theme, and shows his realization of how he himself contributed to the failure of the relationship.
usually not my type of music, but I LOVE this song!I wasn't really sure what it all meant until I read the comments so thanks for shedded some light on it. It is art though, and everyone sees what they want out of it, it's nothing to be arguementative about.
The song may refer directly to the constellation known as the Crux or may refer to the sailing ship "The Southern Cross" that ran the America's Cup in 1974. The ship was named after the Crux.
in response to jimmy- this song is about stills not crosby and crosby's boat was named The Mayan
to dave, ss did have the relationship mentioned above with judy collins, however this song was rewritten after a sailing trip ss took after his divorce from his french wife veronique, the mother of his son chris. nice interpretation though.
See the beauty of the southern cross and you will understand the song.this is one that sticks with me and I had a great time teaching it to my friends in NZ who loved it.
And the Buffett version kicks ass!!!!!!!!
What I think the song means: First he is a sailor, away from home. His wife has left him, because of the child they lost,"what heaven brought you and me connot be forgotten" and second she lost him because he is an alcoholic, "Spirits are using me larger voices callin'". Spirits and booze are the same. He has lost everything, like most alcoholics do, and in his travels he is brought to Chirst by seeing the Southern Cross. He realizes that his troubles are small, but he can't break the habit, so his troubles are large as the comming day. After loosing everything all he has left is his "Ship and all her flags are a flyin" That ship is this song about his lost love and child "And music is her name" He is surching for his woman/girl, but at last he comes to reality, and knows the best he can hope for is drowning his love with someone else. "Somebody fine will come along make me forget about loving you" That someone is Christ. "In the Southern Cross"
any way, maybe, maybe not...
Ger, I like it.
And back up to to Lee, I'm glad your thoughts bring you so much comfort, but what bothers me about organized religion is that it causes wars, fighting, etc. People are so convinced what they know is "right," that anyone who doesn't think like them is wrong. Everyone is making great points and also seem to be in agreement that it's a great song but you're still fighting. (And not being very Christian with the name calling.) That's why in addition to this song, I love the song Imagine.
P.S. I just saw the Southern Cross for the first time last week. It was beautiful. Peaceful.
Dunno folks...All this religious stuff... As a pagan, I pride myself on dancing naked around trees in the forest with a wreath of holly 'round my head and a bottle of dark rum in my hand.
Comon folks. Paganism is a lot more fun with none of the guilt. Beats Christianity any day. Convert now! Call 1-800-TREEHUG
Best song ever
I like Ger's interpretation the best. Sweet song..
This song makes me cry everytime I hear it. I lived it. Met an australian girl, a woman/girl, sailed the south pacific and got to see the southern cross, for the first time with her. I lived with her for 19 years in Australia and have been to Avalon, where there are some noisy bars. It's is an amazing part of the world and every step on the journey is new and a world apart from here in the US.
Music was his world as much as any other passion a person may have. It can break the strongest relationship or love. It did us.
Simple as that. No need to look for deeper meanings than that.
why twice she ran away? cuz he's a friggin juicer... spirits, e.g., rum, using him & he's hearing voices... see ya later...
I just stumbled upon this track while listening to some of my brothers old records and just had to google the lyrics. My brother was a big Fleetwood Mac fan and he had one CSN record. I'm so glad I found it. Moving and timeless.
I've about had it with you jackasses!
Mohammed,close the gate would ya, there's a nice lad.
For you people that are claiming to know what these three guys were thinking when they wrote this song, you were all wrong, the guy that wrote this song is michael curtis, I know him he lives here in illinois, and he wrote this song before he ever met any of these guys!
i really love this song...listenin to it right now as im crocheting a blanket for a friend of mines baby...it also helps mellow me out...great song
"by Lisa on 7/12/2008 11:50am
"The Curtis Brothers brought me a wonderful song called "Seven League Boots," but it drifted around too much. I re-wrote a new set of words and added a different chorus, a story about a long boat trip I took after my divorce. It's about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds. Once again I was given somebody's gem and cut and polished it"
Stephen Stills
CSN diskette insert"
as Lisa mentions, this is the real story behind the song as I have understood it also.
Awesome song as a former sailor in the USN I have a huge appreciation for the song, both its meaning and just the greatness of how it sounds!
You are all right- all of you. The fact that this song is bringing up a religious debate as to it meaning etc is exactly why it is such a wonderful song. It contains within its lyrics multiple meanings for many different people on many different levels. Every single issue that was brought about is what the song is about. Thus is its greatness. In the End it all that we have is "Music is her name"
Peace And Love
Scott
This is not a Crosby, Stills & Nash song. It was written by Richard & Michael Curtis along with Stephen Stills (who is the only member of CS&N who played or sang on the recording). Also, David Crosby & Graham Nash did not play nor sing on this song.
Hollywood, I bow to your amazing knowledge of music. You are smarter than everyone on the Internet. Oh wait, nevermind. You're just a giant dick. You may be correct about the origins and performers of the song, but the last time I checked, this song first appeared on a CSN album.
just been to concert at albert hall brilliant performance .
Spare us the bible-bashers, trying to foist their pathetic dependence onto the rest of us at every opportunity. Anyway, it was so good to hear 'Southern Cross' sung so heartily by CS&N in the Albert Hall in London this week. So evocative if you have seen the Southern Cross from a deck in the Southern Ocean, or lying on your back in the still of the Australian Outback. Thanks, Curtis boys and Stephen Stills.
Well, It sure wasn't named The Southern Crescent!
Does anybody remember the Video? Yea back when MTV used to play Music Videos! It was a beautiful video about sailing and the loss of a love. The reason I'm on this site is to see the words, before I named my boat "Southern Cross" I wanted to make sure the word fit my beliefs. So the song can mean different things to different people. I love the song, and I also love what Lee and other said. So the song to me is both a beautiful song and if I choose will be a representation of Calvary with the 3 cross's (t Southern Cross t ). So whom ever reads it will wonder.. And that's what it's all about… either Bibical or just sailing the reach thinking about the loss of a love…….
I TOTALLY agree with Down Under Dingo, this song has NOTHING to do with God, Jesus, or anything religious. While we are all entitled to believe in whatever we choose to believe in, it truly irks me when the Christians and Catholics fell they have to take every opportunity to try and push their beliefs on EVERYBODY else. I have my beliefs and they are nobody's business, as yours should be.
This song is truly a classic. Every person that I know who hears this song remarks about how they love it. Very touching song about love and loss...IMHO...
I just booked a flight to Fiji for a few months of sailing and boating,, and this song just fit into my life, ,, whatever though,, I'll never post here again,,,'nn
TO DENNIS: Christians and Catholics, is there a difference? Now here's a thought for you. Please follow these directions closely so you don't mess it up..ok.
1) Close mouth.
2) Open ears
3) Think before you speak.
Ok..enough of a life lesson for today. By the way it's a great song regardless of peoples beliefs. Ya all have a nice day
No doubt Southern. Cross is one great song. It is a shame music has evolved into what it has. The artist of today generally don't have the talent to compare to those of the 70s.
As far as the true meaning of the song goes, only the writers of a song can tell you the true meaning. On the other hand, the audience's opinion of the meaning is more often than not relavent to the life they live. A "Old Head", of which I have been, will interperate a song diffrent than a Christian,Agnostic, and/or Athiest. We as a people shouldn't be so insecure in our own beliefs that we take offense at the mere mention of a differen't belief.
One of my friends told me his mother always told him, "It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are ignorant, than to open it and prove you are."
I don't understand all the rankor about god,music,peace,war,love,jesus, and why all the non believers get so bent when someone sees god in life? Southern cross affects me because of the vocal and musical impact! I do not read anything into it accept,one man reflecting upon his life,and realizing he has directly affected his own life and the life of others!Ian hunter said it best,god ain,t jive he,s still here,you are not alone.
I have been around the world,
Lookin' for that woma/girl,
Who knows love can endure.
And you know it will.
I believe the correct punctuation is "Lookin' for that woman, girl,"
obtained from another source. what's being said is to his last love "girl" about the "woman' he is looking for: a woman who Knows love can endure unlike his love that left him twice, the "girl"
so in fact he is speaking of two different women. What do you think?
Aside from being a diehard CSN fan and an independent yacht owner, this song says a lot. Everything is relative to your condition.....
On open water the night sky is tremendously brilliant, captive, and thought provoking. I interpret Stills was having another crisis with a woman and this particular sky and surroundings were part of the story - easy enough. It is those brief connections we make that our own connotations are made.
I cannot think of a better way to reflect on my life than on open water under a night sky. I suppose this was Stills and we got a peek.
I heard this song about 2 weeks ago for the first time. Wow. It's just become the most played song on my iPhone. I see the Southern Cross just about every night down here in Australia, this song encapsulates every feeling I have for it. Just beautiful. An awesome song.
Thanks to Jay for introducing me to it :-)
XOXO
I thought Al Gore invented music
I do now have "more than what I wanted" afer a youth "wasted on the way"...recently been contemplating how my life will end, this song describes it perfectly
What a beutiful emmotive song. Takes me back a bit to pleasant summers' evenings just watching a low sunset, with the stars commencing their twinkling voyage accross the heaven's. Nope they don't make them like this anymore. Maybe its because that spirit of the 60's & 70's has been replaced with synthetic music which appeases the appetite of a more selfish & materialistic society. Remember the infuences for folk rock are from well established good auld Irish tradition
This song takes me back to the first time I saw the Southern Cross - 1971 on the way to New Zealand and Antarctica. Today this song represents a significant portion of my life. (Most of my song favorites represent some aspect of my life.)
Love the melody and the romance of many of the lyrics. Played the song as background music at or wedding in the Ca. redwoods,1985.
It's one of the ten songs on which I NEVER change the radio station. Stills is surprisingly short & nearly deaf. This song has zero to do w/Jesus or religion or the Confederate States. Christ, read the lyrics! It's love & love lost & hope for another chance; it's Lit 101 ocean metaphor; it's literal; it's a beautiful song.
this is a awsome song!! i'm going to go learn the chords for it now see you guys later.
Chords are G, F, C, with some Am.
to Joedad: I appreciate your message of tolerance, and just trying to explain my take on why the rancor--
If someone just said "this song makes me think of how much I love Jesus, and how beautiful and mysterious God's creation is," I would not be offended. But when someone suggests that I don't know or have true love unless I have Jesus' love, that I could more fully appreciate music with Jesus, and that everyone needs a savior-- that tries my patience a bit, especially when I, like most people here, just came to this page to read the lyrics to a song that is meaningful to me. So I think maybe some people have this sore spot rubbed raw by evangelistic Christians pointing out "that big empty hole in your heart where Jesus should be" that they over react a bit when someone starts with the Christianity talk. Respect and understanding should go both ways, and unfortunately nobody is perfect.
This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I always loved it. It has some spiritual lift within it. I get goosebumps listening to the song. Oh, Cosmos, I agree with you on the religion part. I have finally come to a point in life in my 40's when I decided to venture to think on my own without someone else in a church telling me what the truth has to be. It is not what people think it is or rather I don't believe so. God is a power or a force of good. I am not so sure he is a ONE being or that we are correct calling him "him". God is a force of nature which is all knowing in some way. But our mere human minds will never grasps the truths until we pass to the other side. It is impossible to know everything from a book that was handed down for centuries and translated over and over by MEN. Ok...MEN.
There is my take. The spirit is even moved by this song not God.
The Southern Cross is a constellation. This song, as I interpret it, is about two star crossed lovers. One, apparently the woman, ran away from him. He stayed for the first leaving, she came back and she left again. They both committed wrongs against each other. He is letting go of her, hence my flags are a flying, someone will come along and make forget about loving you. The spirtual or religious undertone is Higher voices a calling, what heaven brought to you and me cannot be forgotten! Hence he appreciates there was a reason for them being together, but has also decided that it is time to move on. Failed love is the predominant theme, they had two chances but because of free will they chose to be apart instead of together.
This is the theme song for the yacht I sail on - it's great sailing and listening to the lyrics.
I haven't been to those places but I have done the midnight watches on trips and this song brings so many memories back thinking about it.
Watershed released their version of the song, but it will never be the same as the original.
Great stuff.
Terrific song. Speaks to me every time I listen to it. After college, I reported to my first Navy ship. I had the opportunity to experience nearly all of this song... sailing around the world, racing to the nearest payphone to call my girl (sometimes right outside of bars), overanalyzing everything on my "midnight watch", and yes, I could always count on seeing the southern cross in the sky as all of this transpired. my favorite, "when you see the southern cross for the first time, you understand just why you came this way". so true. "this way" to me meant joining the Navy, not doing things the conventional way, and choosing a mariner's life.
i love this song so much. tattoo goes on the back tomorrow. it's been a long time coming, but i'm ready to get my first... and last tattoo. the stars are going to be represented by five ornate compass roses. can't wait.
another Bill,
I think he's saying "woman/girl" . . . as in, a strong, mature woman with a youthful and playful spirit.
heard this song in the hotel room this morning. something about being away from home - the song brings tears to my eyes almost every time (if I have some privacy to indulge them).
very moving, very soul-stirring.
right on kerry...great song...Lee, get a freakin' life and get christ out of it...pathetic
I love this song, more because the voices!! They sound wonderful!!
They put everything together so nicely during the chorus. The voices and the drums and the guitars all coming together -- it's divine.
This song puts you on the sailboat and it gives you the picture of the captain really looking inward, thinking of a lost love, where he went wrong and his direction in life. Amazing lyrics, even better melody. For anyone who has had a broken heart, this song will mean something. But for anyone who has sailled on the open ocean and understands the peace that comes with it, will really appreciate the signifigance of this song. Well done CS&N!
This song is about how we, when we were hippies, were always trying to learn more about the meaning of life, how to live, discovering our personal and spiritual truths. The framework of the song is sailing and problematic love, but the underpinning of the song is about that quest we were always on back then.
Isn't Southern Cross a name of a club or resort in Australia?
I have always loved it and always will....memories, hope, loss, courage--all those human elements.
PS: I once thought the line "You will survive being bested" was "You will survive being busted!" Ha ha! back in the day...
the best song! that has ever been put together! i have tryed time and time again! but no one! but mr. g nash can sing this song.
People, you are confusing Jesus for God. Jesus was not the "Creator". He did not invent music nor having anything to do with the writing of "The Southern Cross". Have you ever read the Bible (for Lord's sake)?
Great song...one of my favoriets.
Truly one of the most moving songs I can think of, it stirs some real emotion in me every time I hear it. There is nothing like singing this at the top of you lungs at a Jimmy Buffett concert with everyone in the croud singing along. I look forward to doing it again this year...peace
this song is epic my sailboat is called the the southern cross
Always been a favorite song. To me it shouts a new beginning, recognizing failure and moving forward. And to Becky: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And ALL THINGS came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being." John 1:1-3 Jesus is the Creator. Have YOU ever read it?
Breathe.
When the Christians relate the experience to Jesus they are viewing Jesus as part of The Trinity (you know, Father, Son and Spirit) all of which are One _ and in that sense they see Jesus as creating music. OK. Fine. Don't see how that can offend anyone who chooses to view it from a strictly corporal perspective. Where's the threat either way? A good song writer's lyrics speak to us as individuals so we can each relate to it. If you luff your sails on calm waters in view of the Southern Cross its an experience. Religious or otherwise. Savor the moment.
It never fails to amaze me how people can turn ANYTHING into religion, if that's where their beliefs lie. I doubt that this song was written about Jesus, God, Allah or any other religious figure. But things can be twisted, misunderstood, or changed to suit, just like the Bible. Maybe this song is full of metaphors the words are not all meant to be taken literally, again, like the Bible. Or it means that God is a WOMAN... "I have been around the world, looking for that woman/girl" Hmmmmm?
BTW, Jimmy Buffett rocks this song live too, 40,000 people, lighters waving, singing at the top of their lungs! Goosebumps!
No religion has a lock on what is completely right, or spiritually accurate, least of all Christianity. Your best bet is to study them all, then let the heavens guide you. Hekate is the Goddess of the Crossroads, start your search there...
Last night at a sold out J. buffet concert I looked around as Jimmy started singing Southern Cross. There wasn't anyone there who didn't know every word to this song. Everyone standing and singing. The breeze blowing.
Strangers singing every word with their own stories. Just like the song.
Rick and Michael Curtis wrote this song. Sold it to CSNY. Dig deep in the archives. It is a beautiful song written based on a true experience by Rick
Anyone have a boat I can borrow?
Here is what you're all missing:
Back in the '60s and early '70s the civil rights era was still flagrant in our minds. What CSN do here is connect personal love with slavery and the South's loss. Think about it. It's incredible.
Does this absolutely stunning song make anyone want to run away?
I'm sure I will survive being bested, but just feel like running away...
God and His son, Jesus Christ, (who were one IN PURPOSE, not in identity)must be incredibly powerful to stir so many people up to try to squash anyone who dares speak of them. Why is it that people think it's okay to tell some people (Christians) that they have no right to speak? You have the right to speak, so do they.
Dtaggart, their tainted spirit doesn't want to hear the love of Christ. I'm no saint ; but I was a hopeless unbeliever turned christian so I know personally. This song is pagan, this band is pagan. The 60's hippie era was inspired by paganism. Young never needed them.
Thank God for Pagans!
Pagan, I don't think so, it's a song of love and of dreams. Nothing to do with religion etc. It just made me buy a twin masted 42 foot schooner, so I know what I'll be doin' this summer, sailin' for the southern cross. Read it and weep!
If they made Southern Cross a church hymnal, I would go.
Why is it that every single message board on the entire internet ends up referring to religion or race?! I'm going to start a posting about "Fraggle Rock" and i guarantee some idiot will say, "you know, Boober Fraggle symbolized Jesus!" Give me a break, people! This is a great song, leave it alone.
I am so glad to hear David Crosby did not participate in this song whatsoever. I dislike that man immensly. He may have been a gifted writer/singer/intrumentalist once, but he is a using, stupid, selfish oaf IMHO.
That being said, I have always loved this song, and the fact that DC had nothing to do with it makes me love it more!
Great song...great group...great times...but absolutely no ties to any religion. When i need religion, I play "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum.
This song takes my breath everytime i hear it such a powerful song ,and so true to life . Awesome song .
This is one of those songs that stops you in your tracks. You absolutely have to stop and listen!
So threatened, eh, Dan...by a little mention of JC. And Banshee or whatever, this is one of the most overtly religious songs in the pop song book. Give it a break. Think! The narrator is communing with the eternal in the form of a celestial cross while spirits are “using” him. Jesus indeed!
It makes me think of escape and freedom and wonder in innocence
Just stumbled on this. +1 for Dale. You got that right. They're still babbling about Jesus. Send me a link to that Fraggle Rock post. I'd love to watch it flourish with comments from the churchies.
Alex,
I don't understand why people get so hostile and bash others when they talk about Jesus and God. He has a message of joy, peace and love for our fellow man, and an explanation of where all that is beautiful and good in the world come from.
Music, the ocean, the stars in the sky, and love: do you really believe those were born from primordial slime? Why does that create such hostility? Next time you look at the Southern Cross, or the beauty and innocence of a child, just try and keep telling yourself there is no God. And prepare yourself for a very, very lonely and hollow feeling.
I think she ran away to get away from the jesus freaks.
Fantastic song, fun to play and sing. Deeper meaning, sure. But not in a religious sense. This flame fest reminds me of a quote:
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
Mohandas Gandhi
it's a great song i really likes it
Great song,in my opinion you can take different meanings depending on who you are.
I understand the song much better now because of the comments above. It's a collage of an empty feeling and striving to get something that's missing. It may be God(it's God he needs) or this woman/girl, but for now he fills the empty feeling with his passion for sailing and bars and women in beautiful places.
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. There have been alot of bad Christians, but they were not following Christ. Nobody even read the Bible before 1700's because they couldn't get one. Jesus created everything in this world.
Just makes me think of the beach in Papeete and the love of my life...
this is my all time fav song...it speaks to me like no other music in the world, i lsten to it every morning...i need a boat and some soft southern breezes to fulfill my life/dream
DR I still think of you in DC. Sorry
The Southern Cross is a boat, and its taking him away from her. They shared some great times, but in the end he couldn't stay. Had to keep moving.
The Southern Cross is a series of way points in the Caribbean. You can listen to song and trace the path on a map. As he sails he comtemplates his life choices and lost loves. Like any man on the high seas.
Was at an open air bar in Belize the house band was an englishman, a Jamacian, a native Belizian and an American. they were very good asked them to play southern Cross, they acted liked they never heard of it and then played it like CSNY on a night there was a million stars
I am just so right in the middle of my life and in the middle of this song right now. It is so profound. I love to sail and love the sea. I sailed to the islands last year but did not find the southern Cross. So I've yet to see it for the first time. Nothing like the night sky from the deck of a sailboat hundreds of miles from shore. Hopefully next year I'll be "Making for the trades on the outside" taking the southern route and across the pond for a new job and new beginning. I will have my ship and that is about all I have left. Wish me luck. God Bless you all. Hope you relate to this post.
Very cool conversation, that has been going on for over 2 years! I guess all the Jesus talk carries a lot of weight.....people just won't let it go. People have been trying to forget about him since he was born....interesting
Wow. I thought it was just me all this time. This song has been an escape for me since the first time i heard it.
Crosby Stills & Nash are one of the best bands ever. Top 10 of all time PERIOD.
Amazing song..Love it. Interpret it however you want, that's the great thing about free will. No one can take away your thoughts. The Southern Cross is beautiful to look at and to hear. I think we all are in agreement with that.
This song was played at my 32 year old sons funeral, and was so moving there was not a dry eye in the room. I always loved this song but now it is even more special. Thank you CSN&Y for this glorious melody and the fantastic lyric.
Being a musician from deep Africa, Zimbabwe, that is, i believe that this song can never grow old
Oh by the way to the guy that thinks this takes place in the Caribbean the places he mentions are in the Pacific
This song sums up my life. I just lost my marriage due to mutual reasons and it happens, This song brings tears to the eyes. As I hear it feeling the joy I have had at sea for many years. My job revolves around the ocean I live on a Boat, Love it, never live in a house again. Time will come when I turn left to set sail for the Pacific Islands. My girl could never compete, the sea is my mistress, The southern Cross? I live in New Zealand. It revolves around in our Southern Skies. Seems like right above our heads. It always leads all NZ mariners home. Ta
Only recently have I acquired (in the worst way) the blue-water sailing bug. After hours of being enamored by Youtube videos of South Pacific sailing to the likes of the Marquesas Islands, I came across a video set to this song. I was STUNNED at its lyrics (found here) and how well written they are as compared to today's tripe. The song is a bit before my generation and I used to dismiss it entirely... was I ever wrong! One of my favorite songs right now as I scan Craigslist for a 42' sailboat, properly outfitted for sailing to the Southern Cross. I have he lyrics memorized now. Perhaps a reflection of the current sad state of affairs, but I want to GTFO of the United States, its tyranny and moral sickness, and find peace, fairness and opportunity again...
I remember playing this song on the mid watch while sailing in the Mediterranean while gazing up at the constellations.....brings back fond memories. They just do not write the like this anymore.....ashame..
The best songs can be interpretted many ways, look at all the different meanings people got out of the Beatles songs (Glass Onion? anyone). To me this song is fairly clear, it's about love and lost love and life's journeys. All the nautical references just set the scene and make it memorable. It is simply beautiful. It is nice that both jesus freaks and aethists can groove on it. Live and let live, believe what you want, just make sure it is what is in your heart, not just something taught to you. If there is a god he will judge you by the content of your heart and how you treat other people. Always be kind, especially to those who don't really expect it...
saw csn in concert shortly after this album released still the best concerts of my life
Just back from Cradle Mountain, Tasmania where I "saw the Southern Cross for the first time" on a crystal clear fall night, just as in the song. Very beautiful and moving. Just kept humming ths song to myself the whole time. Regardless of the debates here, everyone should see it if they have the chance. Awesome!
Its a great song stops me I'm my tracks every time I hear it! Had to look up the words though. I could quite understand what they were talking about. Well thanks to this wall of comments I now know that nobody else understands it either! I will just keep singing " I have been around the world looking for that common goal. " lol great to hear all your opinons!
Its the story of my life.I was at sea from 1977 - 1990 and it was hard.
infact the mother of my beautiful 2 sons has left these shores once and is departing later this year and taking my boys ( aged 4 and 5 years old) with her. "Why twice you ran away"
i still love her and "My dreams are a dyin'.And my love is an anchor tied to you Tied with a silver chain."
its really sad but hey, i keep my flags a fluing.
I agree with Bob. If you've never seen the southern cross and like the song, you should make the trip south. It's AMAZING!!! Kind of like seeing the Northern Lights for the first time. And yes the creator is Jesus. This planet is His baby.
Does anybody know if this video is on a DVD that can be purchased?
I thank them for Day Light Again and beginning me to my Wife
CSNY broadens me....what's with Neil YOung and Lynyrd Skynyrd?
My brother and I were living with Rick Curtis when this song was "bought" from Rick by a rep that came to our house in Gainesville, Florida. Rick has never received the recognition he deserves for this song. Rest in Peace Rick, you wrote a beautiful song.
I have lived under the Southern Cross all my life. What a privilege. At this point the red star, Aldebaran, is right 'close' by Keep writing those incredible songs. There is no other music quite like CSNY...! Right on...
i ran away from my wife and family and went to australia. saw the sc for the first time. twice i ran away. i finally found reason and came home. there are words in this song that describe my blunders. i am now home with my wife and just need to read these lyrics to realize how good my life really is. dont need to see the sc for a third time...there is no hidden meaning here to me only true powerful lyrics. ty cs & n.
I would have to say through life, death, love, loss, and all emotions in between. Alpha to Omega, the music has won the day. Becoming all things to all who feel. The proof I offer is all of the above.
So many different interpretations from so many different people. That's what makes it such a great song. Like a great work of art, it means different things to different people........and that's exactly the way it should be.
I heard this song the other day and I immediately knew the lyrics and melody. I didn't know the title or band. In an instant it took me back to when I was little and would listen to music with my mom who has since passed. I put the song on my ipod and I have been listening to it non-stop. My mom must have loved csn&y because I found many more songs from them that remind me of my mom.
Incredible song that proves to dredge up numerous great midnight sailing memories. SC is on the bucket list, for sure!
I must say I've always loved his song since my childhood. The musical quality is excellent. I am a Christian and have been for as long as I've known this song. I always thought the song is about sailing. It's so vivid I wanna sail the same route. That doesn't mean though that it cannot have deeper meaning to some people. Some of us need to respect the faith of others in our comments, even when we do not understand. Christ and faith in Christ and what he did on "the cross" has changed many lives. THAT cannot be forgotten!
Jesus Effing Christ, does EVERYTHING have to be about religion?? I'm sick of people looking down on me because I don't believe the fairy tales they believe. It's just a damn song people!
Thank you C/S/N/,I found another song that let's my tears flow freely.Peter Gabriel's shaking the tree,was the first,now southern cross is the second.Music has such a power to heal,faith comes back,your life opens up to what is going to happen to you,good or bad you grow and that is what life is suppose to do.God bless you C/S/N/.
Nicely making way??? *Correction "Nicely making "Wake" - a seafaring term. Wake - (A wake is the region of recirculating flow immediately behind a moving or stationary solid body, caused by the flow of surrounding fluid around the body.)
Glad to see so many people are still enjoying this great song, I have personally enjoyed it since I first heard it back in high school. I believe it is about a failed relationship and finding new love. Also having faith in a higher power/larger voice to guide you and trusting that no matter how much it hurts to lose someone we love, that was not who we were meant to be with. How many times do/did we look back on relationships after being hurt, only to realize, that person was not who you thought they were? Sailing on the sea of life, sometimes you have to let the waves take you where they may. Another note, what's up with all the hostility in the comments? I'm pretty sure CSN wouldn't have wanted people arguing over this awesome song. Chill out people, just enjoy the music.
Jesus did NOT create anything.......he was merely a man who needed what you needed.....quit making man into a G-d!
God is not a man that he should lie nor the son of man that he should relent....too much Xian bullshit theology is crap
not Torah! Numbers 23:19
Yes, this is a great song about the human condition that we need G-d and torah, not Jesus!....for G-d told us we are breaking his law if we choose to steal, thieve or do devious things/
Just wanted to be the first to keep this going in the New Year.
They played this song on one of the shuttle missions. It's totally a NASA song, an astronaut song. Of course all the earthbound poignancy is still there too. "I have been around the world . . ."
This is one of those songs that I turn up and get really quiet for.
SC is one of my all time favorite songs. Never tire of it. But all this religious rhetoric tires me.
As a matter of fact...Jesus did invent music. (He is part of the trinity.. Father ,Son and Holy Ghost).
If you took the time to read the bible you would know that he has been alive for eternity. He, upon his fathers request, laid down His diety to come to earth to lay down his life for sinners like you and me. Incidentally, Satan, before his fall from grace was what you might call the director of worship for all of heaven. But when he decided he wanted to challange God, he was removed from heaven.
Although the southern cross is tangible i believe in tbis song it represents whatever you want it to, whatever you love or your happy place.
I think everyone agrees Southern Cross is one of the greatest songs ever written. I never dreamed it would turn into such a bitter disagreement over who we think Jesus and God are. I am a Christian, so I believe - God is our Heavenly Father. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this crazy, sinful world to live a perfect, sinless life then die on the cross, to shed his blood, for you and I - to wash away our sins. He chosed to do that for us! Can you imagine?
Girl Kryptonite's comment ("This is one of those songs that I turn up and get really quiet for") is poignant and searing.
When my father leaves me, I will go find the southern cross and quietly join him.
In my kayak a mile off shore on Big lake Superior close my eyes , drift, and turn it up
What a great song...you can feel his pain and visualize it at that same time.
I have been a fan of CSNY since the 70's. Such a beautiful song... I've listened to it many times trying to etch the lyrics into my mind and only today did I decide to look them up. I agree with Ger's (03/27/09)interpretation however music and lyrics mean whatever you want them to mean and don't understand why anyone would debate someone else's view. I've always said, you're entitled to your opinion but so is everyone else. CSNY taught me how to listen to music, harmonies and lyrics like no other artist could. And so proud of our two Canadian members, David Crosby and Neil Young.
I love the song. Too bad it inspires hateful comments in some reviewers.
Just to kept the pot stirred up . . . 4 years of debating the religious significance of a rack-n-roll song? Really?
Check out these lyrics - and google the singers.
I'm flying in Winchester cathedral.
All religion has to have its day
Expressions on the face of the Saviour
Made me say
I can't stay.
Open up the gates of the church and let me out of here!
Too many people have lied in the name of Christ
For anyone to heed the call.
So many people have died in the name of Christ
That I can't believe it all.
Exquisite song; epitomizes the passion of caustic love, the loss of that love and moving beyond the loss; a reluctant but necessary cleansing of a tortured soul. I hear deep personal spirituality; no deistical intimation or plea. The metaphorical joining of the nautical and the musical is penetrating symmetrical poetry. One cannot, not be moved.
I'll keep it going. I am a hugh CSN fan. I remember when this song came out. It is, IMHO, their most beautiful song, very moving. The melody (for me) creates a lonely sad feeling like no other song. It's about lost love and a guy running away...something most people can relate to. The nautical references are the icing on the cake. Don't see the religious perspective; the Southern Cross is in the sky and is a navigable celestial body...don't see Civil War or shot at Lynyrd Skynyrd either. I don't think there are any secrets here; a man finding solace from a broken heart alone on the ocean and his comfort coming from his vessel and music. I can listen to it over and over.
Great song - nice harmony - haunting lyrics. It is a story of hope for whomever has lost at love and had the courage to move on to "another day". David Crosby is a very talented artist who has fallen and risen many times. What carries him through the ups and downs of life appears to be his one constant in his life - his music. Reminds me of the song by ChumbaWumba - Tub Thumping - "I get knocked down but I get up again, there's nothin' gunna keep me down."
The survivors of sadness persist because "with all it's sham drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world" (Desiderata)- especially with the Southern Cross as backdrop. CSN had it right.
At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and confess that He is Lord (and God!) Even those who think they are wiser than God will bow; not to say they confess in time. Those before us that we cast as old foggies, had a reason to name the Southern Cross because like the Big Dipper, it is constant just as truth is. Oh, how wise some think they are.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless and protect all us sailors! Be in a real storm at sea; it will make a believer in God (Jesus) in anyone; if only until you get your feet on shore.
Read the first few comments and the last few it seems strange that a song about a man finding his way through life and enjoying the beauty of the sea and night time sky could stir up such heated contention. For those who want to bring religion into it, Jesus was far less judgemental then you would make him out to be, I would think he just enjoys a good song too
I was an A.B in the british merchant navy ,and have been in many storms.And i can assure you that your god does not listen to anybody grizzling when the wind blows.Storms start and stop themselves,its called weather.
Steven Stills re-wrote this song from a Curtis Brothers song named "Seven League Boots" after his divorce. David Crosby did not write this song.
Sweet Home Alabama references Neil Young because of his song Alabama!!!!!!!
I think Bob stil has a little sea water in there somewhere......
To anyone who has sat on patrol in the middle of the bush, in the pitch black of the Angolan night, not knowing whether or not you'll make it through the next day, the Southern Cross, not God, gets you through.....it actually points somewhere and that place is home.
The song as with music in general is many things to many people and surely that's the point......CSN & Y understood that....all without a degree in theology.....
My seven year old son and I love this song. That's all that matters to me. It's something we can enjoy together, and maybe he will play it for his son someday. Sharing the love of music with a loved one. Got to believe C.S.N. would be satisfied with that explanation:)
Bump.
'Cos it deserves it.
Saw csn do this l sat week in Santa Barbara. Great fun
sweet home alabama references neil young because he puts down the south in "southern man"
I love that this strand has gone on for 4+ years now! Interpret this song and these lyrics any way you wish...it's all amazing!
Jimmey Buffett sings an AMAZING version of this song. It fits so well in his set and given me a new appreciation for a beautiful song.
One of the ushers led the hired band in singing this song at a wedding reception last weekend...incredibly moving!
The song is about healing and moving on and caring for the children after divorce and the endless pursuit of finding love.thanks Stephen!
In the middle of the Caribbean from the bridge of a surfaced submarine on a late summer's night...
fuck jesus, fuck allah, fuck mohammed, fuck the devil, fuck buddah, did i leave anyone out? p.s. love this song!
How cool is this--comments list that has gone on this long?! I'll never forget the first time I saw the Southern Cross. Oddly enough, it actually was on the midwatch in the Indian Ocean. Twenty years later, this song is a kind of personal anthem. Thank you CSN!! BTW, "making way" is the correct term. It means " moving through the water," as opposed to "dead in the water." you could say something like " we're really making way" to mean that we're really moving now.
Man, I love this song! As I am a sailor, I can feel every word. When I am missing my boat in the off season, Southern Cross makes me cry!
Thanks Judith -- I had no idea what "making way" meant until your post. Makes sense and brings more meaning for me. Love it even more. Seeing CSN in May of this year. Can't wait!
Beautiful song, great voice, I love this song!!!
heard live for the first time @ MGA Grand Garden. CS&N brought the house down. Great song, great concert.
This song brings back so many good memories, ,,, getting high back in the 70's lol hanging out with my classmates in Port Chester.
I love this song, I could never figure out what all the lyrics were saying until I read them. As for the Southern Cross, I have never seen it living here in the southern states and I guess I never will.
So, this guy sailing in the southern hemisphere; and he just realizes why he girl left him? He must have a nice stash of drugs on his sail boat.
This song is whatever you want it to be about, why are there so many people bashing in here. It a song lyric page. You put what you think the lyrics mean, not criticize others for there beliefs. Thank you.
The song, which peaked at #18, is about a man who sails the world following a failed love affair. During the voyage, the singer takes comfort in sailing ("We got eighty feet of waterline. / Nicely making way."), in the beauty of the sea, and particularly in the Southern Cross, a constellation by which sailors in the Southern Hemisphere have traditionally navigated. But his final consolation is music ("I have my ship / And all her flags are a flyin' / She is all that I have left / And music is her name.").
Southern Cross is based on the song "Seven League Boots" by Rick and Michael Curtis. Stills explained, "The Curtis Brothers brought a wonderful song called 'Seven League Boots,' but it drifted around too much. I rewrote a new set of words and added a different chorus, a story about a long boat trip I took after my divorce. It's about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds. Once again, I was given somebody's gem and cut and polished it."
It's "Property Bay", not Papeete.
It's scary. I loved listening to this song over and over growing up. I am now 40 years old and aspired to sing Journey songs. But never could sing that high. I can sing Southern Cross very well. What's scary is that it sounds exactly like Stills through and through. So much that I have fooled people with recordings. It's not that I idolize him. Just "cursed" with his voice. LOL.
Enjoy, Thank you for sharing. That clears up a lot for me.
Tom, no it's Papeete... Simple geography... Take a look at a map, find the 'Southern Islands' (French Polynesia) and you'll understand... First time I saw the Southern Cross was in American Samoa. Got the chills.... Last time was on Tarawa (Betio Is) Kiribati. Standing on a causeway between two islands, the Big Dipper was to the north and Southern Cross to the south. Amazing experience for a guy who loves astronomy!
Southern Cross Great Lakes , Good Ship " Risk Reward " , Hunter 38 , Lake Michigan , 6 TO 9 ft rollers 9.4 nk . sang this song the whole way , 74.1 nm
one of my favorite CSN songs...great vocals, tight harmonies, great guitar work
work, the best. Thanks, guys for a memorable song.
one of my favorite CSN songs...great vocals, tight harmonies, great guitar work the best. Thanks, guys for a memorable song.
I have loved this song for a very long time. Beside all the lyrics, "we never failed to fail, it was the easiest thing to do" gives one a sense of freedom. Don't you think? Also, I was quite interested in this religious interpretation. Where did that come from? I really don't see one word in there that comes close to being "Christian" and this is not meant to be judgemental. I agree, that the very best is singing this song at a Jimmy Buffet concert! Second best is on the car radio. It is a song that endures.
seems like i have heard southern cross al my life,it will never grow old!!!!!!!!!
So why can't people appreciate the song for it's lyrics??? there's no need to push the religious aspect cause there isn't any religious connotation in the song, it refers to the constellation, not jesus.
no matter anyones opinion it's a brilliant song and yes I can see The REAL southern Cross constellation every single clear night shining brightly cause I live in Rural New Zealand.
Crosby Stills and Nash you rock!
Visited Australia recently and chills ran through me as I saw "the Southern Cross for the first time".
its a song motivated by "love".Journey through life using sailing as your mode of transportation.
Sidelined on the journey in a bar he's alone thinking he needs her,but later by himself viewing the vastness of the sky he realizes everyone has their own journey to travel. The cheating and lies proves it is not meant to be,"not his real destination" or hers!!!!
Reading through the past comments re-affirms for me a truth I have come to know. Religion is for people who are afraid that they may go to Hell without it. Spirituality (or Faith) is what people who have been there gain. So give the Lord Jesus a break! Whether you chose to believe in Him or not, He is always present everywhere. The Old Testament Psalms were written to be accompanied by musical instruments of the time. So, I'd have to believe God loves music too. CSN's "Southern Cross" is one of the most beautiful and metaphoric songs I have ever heard and never get tired of.
One of my favorites. Love belting out the words and feeling the music. proud to have lived in and survived the sixties. Came out better than when I went in and still growing. What a time we had!
Roy, I had thought that she ran away due to his substance abuse. Spirits are calling me, larger voices calling. Now I have read that Crosby did not write this so who knows. Sometimes writers just write.
Janis Joplin informed us that there was no Bobby McGee. She simply wrote a song.
Kris Kristofferson wrote me and Bobby McGee. FYI
Spiritual song - possibly, love song - probably, sailing song - definitely! Sailors navigated via the stars with a sextant (before technology) and "blue water" sailors still know celestial navigation as back up when tech fails. Southern Cross constellation is visible in the southern hemisphere and the beautiful islands of the South Pacific are a sailing destination. This song has always been one of my favorites -- melody, words and I've played it often on a reach and downhill run.....nothing like hearing just the wind in the sails and Southern Cross from the speakers!
Stumbled on this thread yesterday with amazement of how long it is, and how varied the interpretations. And then the confessions of how Stills polished someone else's gem and why, which changes most of the interpretations. I, too, came of age in the '60s, where artificially stimulated minds could discuss lyrics until I let the sun come up. Does it really matter? Bask in the tightness of the harmonies becoming one voice, supplemented with the simplicity of acoustic guitars. Just enjoy it.
Music .. Lyrics .. Mood Rings .. photographs .. Lava Lamps .. Patchouli Incense .. decent wine .. good company .. They all help us create the schooners in our own minds, manifest visions within, beg us to consider who we are, where we are, where we came from, where we plan to visit, what was, what me missed, what remains. When I hear a cut of music from the past often it takes me to a particular memory, like selecting a cut in a juke box, revisiting for a time that selection. This piece of music does that for me. It's enough for me it transports me to places in my own mind aside from technical merit which is formidable with these guys. In many aspects of my own existance .. "music is her name" Works for me.
New for 2015 and now for 7 years running. Great song.
S/V Savor Grace
Love this song. Saw the Southern Cross from the South Island of New Zealand last year and it was not as impressive as I hoped. Still, wonderful harmonies
Have known this crew since VNV m/c days-- this is the most fantastic song ever. and they are the nicest singers you'd ever wanna meet.
I love this song- probably my favorite! I also agree w/Lee! Loved his comments & we all need a savior and redeemer and I'm so thankful for God's son & our savior Jesus Christ & believe in Him w/all my heart!
I realized again that i was Born in The wrong Time ,,,,,
If there is anyone outside who want to bring these Spirit back. please do it
I realized again that i was Born in The wrong Time ,,,,,
If there is anyone outside who want to bring these Spirit back. please do it