Commodores, “Sail On” | Throwback Vibez

In the 65^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Sail On” by Commodores.  

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ️! Throwback Vibez ️ is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez ️ are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 65^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Sail On”, performed by Commodores. 

Theme & Lyrics

“I know it’s a shame / But I’m giving you back your name / Yeah, yeah.” Uh-oh! It’s the D-word – divorce! That’s right, Commodores’ 1979 classic, “Sail On” ( Midnight Magic) is about the end of a marriage.  Written by the iconic lead singer of the band at its height, Lionel Richie, he wasn’t going through divorce at that time.  Still, the narrative of this crossover R&B/soul cut is absolutely brilliant.  It’s no surprise this soft-rock (yacht rock), country, and pop-infused joint reached no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Yes, I’ll be on my way

I won’t be back to stay

I guess I’ll move along

I’m looking for a good time.”

So, the man who is going through this breakup is moving on – “sail[ing] on down the line.” In the second verse, he asserts, “A small town boy like me / Just wasn’t your cup of tea / I was wishful thinking.” Apparently, Lionel, apparently.  Fed up with trying to preserve it, on the grand bridge – essentially the centerpiece in this particular song – the protagonist lets go: “Sail on, honey / Good times never felt so good.” Beyond the personal narrative that’s not personal, the music is utterly sublime.  Harmonized vocals, piano and guitar accompaniment, strings, horns – it possesses the total package. The grandest moment, of course, is the ‘bridge’ (again, essentially the chorus for this record).

Final Thoughts

Lionel Richie is one of the greatest songwriters of the all-time, period.  When he left Commodores it was a huge loss – he was that irreplaceable. That said, at least the collective and the world experienced Richie’s talents for a spell including the surefire gem that is “Sail On”.

Commodores • Midnight Magic • Motown • 1979

Commodores, “Sail On”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 65 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  Motown, The Musical Hype]