Maranatha! Music - Sail Away Lyrics
Lyrics
Sail away sail away
'Cross the wide open sea
Cast off from the shore evermore
You can be flying
Sail away sail away
Learn to fly learn to soar
Let loose of the shore evermore
You can be flying
Lord I want You to be my Captain
You can lead and I will follow
Anywhere through troubled water
'Til we reach the final harbor
I've often tried but I just can't fight it
You're so wise and I'm so short sighted
Casting off those lines of doubting Lord
And on your spirit's wings I'm flying
Sail away sail away
Learn to fly learn to soar
Let loose of the shore evermore
You can be flying
Flying flying
Video
10. Sail Away (Bob & Joy Cull : Maranatha Six) [1977]
Meaning & Inspiration
Maranatha! Music's enduring song, "Sail Away," written by Bob and Joy Cull, was initially part of the "Maranatha Six" compilation in 1977 and later saw a digital release on September 3, 2020. This timeless piece beckons the heart to an adventurous journey of faith, articulating a profound desire for spiritual freedom and divine leadership. Far more than a simple tune, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian walk, inviting believers to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown with God as their guide.
The core message of "Sail Away" centers on the transformative power of surrender and trust in God's sovereignty. The imagery of sailing across a wide-open sea, casting off from the shore, immediately evokes a sense of departure from safety and self-reliance. This departure is not into uncertainty, but into a realm where one can "be flying," a spiritual elevation possible only when we release our grip on earthly anchors. It speaks to the radical call to forsake comfort zones and step into a life of purpose directed by faith, as seen in Jesus’s invitation to His disciples to leave their nets and follow Him (Matthew 4:19-20). The repeated invitation to "learn to fly, learn to soar" echoes the promise found in Isaiah 40:31, "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This isn't just a physical act but a spiritual reality of drawing strength and perspective from above.
The song then shifts into a deeply personal declaration, "Lord I want You to be my Captain, You can lead and I will follow." This is the heart of the Christian walk: relinquishing control and submitting to Christ's divine navigation. The psalmist often speaks of God as his shepherd and guide (Psalm 23:2-3), and here, the sea captain serves a similar role, steering the vessel of life through "troubled water." This acknowledgement of life's inevitable storms resonates with the experiences of all people, but it is met with an unwavering commitment to follow God "anywhere," knowing He promises to be with us always, even through the deepest valleys (Psalm 23:4). The ultimate destination, "the final harbor," points to our eternal home with Him, a hope that anchors the soul through every tempest, as described in Hebrews 6:19, where "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
The lyrics delve deeper into the human struggle for self-sufficiency, expressing a relatable confession: "I've often tried but I just can't fight it, You're so wise and I'm so short sighted." This honest admission reflects the biblical truth that human wisdom is limited, often leading us astray, while God's wisdom is infinite and flawless (Proverbs 3:5-6). It's a surrender of pride, acknowledging our inherent inability to perfectly chart our own course. The turning point arrives with the decision to release doubt: "Casting off those lines of doubting Lord, and on your spirit's wings I'm flying." This is a powerful image of actively disengaging from the ties of skepticism and fear, allowing the Holy Spirit to uplift and propel us forward. Just as Peter walked on water by faith until doubt crept in (Matthew 14:29-31), this song calls us to continually cast off those doubts, enabling us to experience the transformative power and freedom that comes from living in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). To be "flying" on the Spirit's wings is to live a life empowered by God, transcending the limitations of human effort and experiencing the joy and peace of divine partnership. The song concludes by reiterating the call to "Sail away, sail away, learn to fly, learn to soar," solidifying the continuous nature of this spiritual journey – a life lived in constant communion, surrender, and exhilarating freedom with Christ at the helm. "Sail Away" ultimately serves as a hymn of liberation, inspiring believers to courageously embrace a Spirit-led existence, trusting implicitly in the Captain of their souls through every wave and wind until they reach His eternal shore.