About the song
“Southern Cross” is a standout track from Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Daylight Again album, released in 1982. The song, penned by Stephen Stills, Rick Curtis, and Michael Curtis, showcases Stills’ signature storytelling and melodic prowess. The composition is a reworking of the Curtis Brothers’ “Seven League Boots,” with Stills adding his own lyrics and chorus, drawing from his personal experience of a post-divorce boat trip.
The song’s title and lyrics reference the Crux constellation, known as the Southern Cross, adding a celestial and mystical touch to the narrative. The midtempo, minor-keyed melody is reminiscent of Stills’ earlier work with CSN and as a solo artist, as noted by Billboard. The song’s themes of healing and introspection are timeless and resonate deeply with listeners.
The music video, which received heavy rotation on MTV and VH1, features Stills sailing a large boat called Southern Cross, interspersed with images of the band performing the song. Interestingly, David Crosby appears in the video, despite not contributing vocals to the album version. This visual element adds another layer of depth to the song’s narrative, further enhancing its enduring appeal.
Overall, “Southern Cross” is a testament to Stills’ skill as a songwriter and the band’s ability to craft memorable, harmony-rich rock songs. It remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 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.