About the song
What a fascinating song! “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash is a true masterpiece. The song’s composition is intriguing, with Stephen Stills building upon the foundation of “Seven League Boots” by Rick and Michael Curtis. Stills’ rewriting of the lyrics and addition of a new chorus transformed the song into a poignant reflection on healing and the power of the universe.
The song’s title and lyrics, which reference the Crux constellation, add a sense of celestial wonder to the narrative. The midtempo, minor-keyed melody creates a sense of introspection, reminiscent of Stills’ earlier work with CSN and as a solo artist.
The music video, which received heavy rotation on MTV and VH1, is equally captivating. The imagery of Stills sailing a large boat, intercut with shots of the band singing, creates a sense of freedom and adventure. It’s interesting to note that David Crosby, although not featured on the album version, appears in the video and later performed the song with the group live.
Overall, “Southern Cross” is a testament to the band’s ability to craft songs that are both catchy and meaningful. Its success on the charts, reaching No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a testament to the song’s enduring appeal. Even today, “Southern Cross” remains a beloved classic in the Crosby, Stills & Nash discography.
Video
Lyrics
Got out of town on a boat goin’ to Southern Islands.
Sailing a reach a’fore a following sea.
She was making for the trades on the outside,
And the downhill run to Papeete Bay
Off the wind on this heading lie the Marquesas.
We got eighty feet of the waterline nicely making wake.
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 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.
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-dying.
And my love is an anchor tied to you, tied with a silver chain.
I have my ship, and all her flags are a-flying.
She is all that I have left, and music is her name.
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.
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 vested.
But somebody fine will come along make me forget about loving you
In the Southern Cross.