[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
David Gray — Sail Away
Album: White Ladder
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2776









Released: 1998
Length: 5:05
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Sail away with me honey
I put my heart in your hand
Sail away with me honey now, now, now

Sail away with me
What will be will be
I wanna hold you now, now, now

Crazy skies are wild above me now
Winter howling at my face
And everything I held so dear
Disappeared without a trace
Oh all the times I've tasted love
Never knew quite what I had
Little darlin' if you hear me now
Never needed you so bad
Spinning 'round inside my head

Sail away with me honey
I put my heart in your hand
Sail away with me honey now, now, now

Sail away with me
What will be will be
I wanna hold you now, now, now

I've been talking drunken gibberish
Falling in and out the bars
Trying to get some explanation here
For the way some people are
How did it ever come so far

Sail away with me honey
I put my heart in your hand
Sail away with me honey now, now, now

Sail away with me
What will be will be
I wanna hold you now, now, now

Sail away with me honey
I put my heart in your hand
Sail away with me honey now, now, now

Sail away with me
What will be will be
I wanna hold you now, now, now

Sail away with me honey
I put my heart in your hand
You break me up if you hold me down, woaaah.

Sail away with me
What will be will be
I wanna hold you now, now , now

(Whistling out to end)
Comments (197)add comment
I used to think that David Gray was overly sentimental - saccharine, maudlin even.  But as I've got older (now 66) I am more in touch with those feelings, and he really gets through to me.  A solid 8 in danger of being higher ... 
Great tune!
Check out a concert he did called "Live at the Artist Den"
very nice!!!
 CoYoT51 wrote:

This final whistling killed the whole song IMHO.


Made it for me. Solid 8 here.
25 years old now......holy crap!
Never really got David Gray until I saw him live last month, a show which included the entire 'White Ladder' album.  Great performer, who clearly loses himself in his songs as he performs them.  Will be spending more time catching up on his catalogue.
This final whistling killed the whole song IMHO.
First heard this disk when I was visiting friends in Hertfordshire way back in 2001. A solid listen. 
Baby hold on to me
Whatever will be, will be
 
Memories of listening to KNOW-AM in Austin way, way back in the day when that stuff was new.
Sail away with me' heinie!
Good tune! I never heard of him before. Deep low end is very interesting for this genre. Thanx RP!
It makes me feel melancholy to realize that this album is over 20 years old. Fond memories of listening to it on my Discman in my office as the traffic hissed by on the rainy streets of Vancouver.
 mario_1954 wrote:

questa canzone ha attirato la mia attenzione e sono venuto a vedere meglio chi sia q artista - bella armonia - Grazie Radio Paradise ...un paradiso di musica sanza interruzioni con imbecillità e cavolate dei mille conduttori


Mario, I applaud your always positive song comments. Bravo!!
Long Live RP!!
 SpinyNorma wrote:
When David Gray became exceedingly popular upon the release of 'White Ladder', he was a tad over-played and my ears disregarded him as background noise.  However, a friend made a copy of the album for me a few years ago, and I realised what a beautiful piece of work it was.  And still is.

Mind you, I didn't used to like a dry white wine 20 years ago, and I'm now keeping the South African Sauvignon Blanc producers in a manner that I can only dream of. 


Getting older has its' charms but don't overdo!
 nutrod42 wrote:

Great song. Love that sub-bass thing.



I have a 2.1 system for my desktop and it makes my sub shudder deliciously... 
 
Emotionally packed and it evokes such good memories for someone so dear called Francesca❤️from Malaga, Spain
Wonderful!  Solid 8, IMHO. 
♥️
gorgeous :)
love the whisteling
 nutrod42 wrote:
Great song. Love that sub-bass thing. 
 First time hearing this song  on my monster JBL speakers, its quite scary.

questa canzone ha attirato la mia attenzione e sono venuto a vedere meglio chi sia q artista - bella armonia - Grazie Radio Paradise ...un paradiso di musica sanza interruzioni con imbecillità e cavolate dei mille conduttori
SUGARMAN!
 Proclivities wrote:

Yeah, "sail away" is a weak enough cliche, but "what will be will be" is really bad and reminiscent of the Eddie Money song mentioned below.  Nice tune otherwise.
 
Eddie Money's song is more optimistic, hopeful. You find yourself rooting for them to make it. The subject of David Gray's song sounds to me like a pitiful loser, a drunk falling off his bar stool taking his best and last shot at getting lucky before closing time.  

Mr. Gray is no loser. I love his artistry and musical craftsmanship. Wish he could find a more apt subject for his talents. 
 Edweirdo wrote:

What, live without a fuck?  What would be the point of living without fucking?
 

people would stop being! well, I know people who think people should stop being, but they never think it is They who should stop being, just all the other people.
 Pjesnik wrote:

Well now. The last word is something you should live without. 
 
What, live without a fuck?  What would be the point of living without fucking?
 nutrod42 wrote:
Great song. Love that sub-bass thing.
 
I agree. Not sure why/how, but I'd missed that until this listen; had it turned up a little louder in my cheap earbuds at work (how / where I usually listen to RP) - maybe the increased volume is why I caught it this time.
Damn, its really been 20 years, and this song still brings tears to my eyes.
 Jelani wrote:
Man, Bill is really playing a lot of songs that are taking strong stabs at my heart today.
Fuck.
 
Well now. The last word is something you should live without. 
 nutrod42 wrote:
Great song. Love that sub-bass thing.
 
Me too. I think it adds a couple of points to the rating.
When David Gray became exceedingly popular upon the release of 'White Ladder', he was a tad over-played and my ears disregarded him as background noise.  However, a friend made a copy of the album for me a few years ago, and I realised what a beautiful piece of work it was.  And still is.

Mind you, I didn't used to like a dry white wine 20 years ago, and I'm now keeping the South African Sauvignon Blanc producers in a manner that I can only dream of. 
Great song. Love that sub-bass thing.
 RobN wrote:

On reflection don't you think your contribution is a little woolly?
 
You're right. I feel sheepish now!
Wow....20 years?!? 
 kingart wrote:
Has anyone made note...?


Eddie Money - Baby Hold On - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTE12zOHuFI
 
Baby hold on to me 
Whatever will be, will be 
The future is ours to see 
So baby hold on to me… More

 

 azjames wrote:

This apparently strikes an emotional chord with you. Me too, but l love it. lt's one reason for listening to music. Some people write a song about someone that had an effect on their lives, others are affected by the lyrics written by someone else. Hell, l can't write lyrics!
 

Neither can David Gray, based on this :-P
I still like it though, it's just a bit trite in the wording department, and the whistling at the end could easily have been left out. 
A good enough song to hit the all-important '7' rating though.
 AnchorMan wrote:
Baaaaah!
 
On reflection don't you think your contribution is a little woolly?
Baaaaah!
Oh God no.
Not his best track, but still pretty good. More Mr. Gray, please...
 ziakut wrote:
I like the atmosphere of this song...but alas...the lyrics hover in banalville. Oh well.
 
Yeah, "sail away" is a weak enough cliche, but "what will be will be" was well overused even before the Eddie Money song mentioned below.  Nice tune otherwise.
Has anyone made note...?


Eddie Money - Baby Hold On - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTE12zOHuFI
 
Baby hold on to me 
Whatever will be, will be 
The future is ours to see 
So baby hold on to me… More

 ziakut wrote:
I like the atmosphere of this song...but alas...the lyrics hover in banalville. Oh well.

 
How true. But the atmosphere is somehow making up for this, at least for me.


I like the atmosphere of this song...but alas...the lyrics hover in banalville. Oh well.
 adpucci wrote:
please please pretty please never ever play this again.
 



Seconded...
 adpucci wrote:
please please pretty please never ever play this again.
 
This apparently strikes an emotional chord with you. Me too, but l love it. lt's one reason for listening to music. Some people write a song about someone that had an effect on their lives, others are affected by the lyrics written by someone else. Hell, l can't write lyrics!
I think this song has grown on me over the years.  

Bitter sweet, cathartic.  Much to like for us chronically depressed Vikings!   
Gravid Day.
Man, Bill is really playing a lot of songs that are taking strong stabs at my heart today.
Fuck.
 Stratocaster wrote:
Never get tired of hearing this amazing song from a killer album.

The story behind the release of the album makes me respect him even more. 

Short version; he had released a few albums that were critically acclaimed but sold poorly.  This was to be his last attempt before giving up on being a professional musician.  He recorded it on a home studio in his living room, mortgaging his house to finance the release of the album.  Fortunately, this was the music that introduced him to the world and got him started on a fine career, playing to sold-out venues worldwide.  I was at two of them.  

Recently, his output has diminished somewhat but he now has quite a good back catalog. 

Anyone who is even a casual fan should watch the DVD "David Gray Live At The Point".  The documentary that comes with the DVD is awesome. 

 
Nice post, my friend.  100% accurate, too.  Top album.
Very nice song!
please please pretty please never ever play this again.
 me too!!  He's one of those performers who is better live (which is hard to believe since he's so incredible recorded as well)

gregr79 wrote:
Seems I usually rate an artist higher if I've seen them"LIVE" 

 


decent enough song, but what happened to this guy? he had this record, and then moved off to Tibet?
 ajlept wrote:

I just added a sub-woofer to my computer and yup, I hear the thumping bass......adds to the feel of the emotion in the song. Very nice!

 
Right you are, increased bass renders this song much more listenable, although it doesn't do much for the whistling which I do normally like.
Does anyone know why this version of this song seems different than the one I remember from my copy of the album. Slightly slower tempo, very slight instrumental differences....have I gone mad, or are there two versions of this song?
Seems I usually rate an artist higher if I've seen them"LIVE" 
I know it goes against the grain but honestly never again would be too soon on this one.
 ycb661 wrote:

Didn't notice the sub-bass until I listened with good headphones - I can listen through this album any day of the week.

 
I just added a sub-woofer to my computer and yup, I hear the thumping bass......adds to the feel of the emotion in the song. Very nice!
Thanks for the info. worth a look.
Never get tired of hearing this amazing song from a killer album.

The story behind the release of the album makes me respect him even more. 

Short version; he had released a few albums that were critically acclaimed but sold poorly.  This was to be his last attempt before giving up on being a professional musician.  He recorded it on a home studio in his living room, mortgaging his house to finance the release of the album.  Fortunately, this was the music that introduced him to the world and got him started on a fine career, playing to sold-out venues worldwide.  I was at two of them.  

Recently, his output has diminished somewhat but he now has quite a good back catalog. 

Anyone who is even a casual fan should watch the DVD "David Gray Live At The Point".  The documentary that comes with the DVD is awesome. 
Play it again, Bill
nice...don't recall this particular tune...never cared that much for David Gray, but today his voice touches my heart....
 NeuroGeek wrote:
Years ago, I liked David Gray's voice.  Now, I just....don't. 

 

I never did.  Reminds me of Jose Feliciano singing in the VIP Lounge.
Years ago, I liked David Gray's voice.  Now, I just....don't. 
Sounds so much like Elton John!
#AlbumCoverFail

Sublime,  and moving,  yes more Mr. Gray  please{#Umbrella}


{#Bounce}
Once in a while David Gray comes along at RP...
This is a great song and album... Like to hear him more on RP!
 
nigelr wrote:

Respect, is why!
 
Indeed so! Ray Lamontagne is good, but he's a pup next to DG. The promoters know ho is buying the tickets and filling the seats. Personally, I would pay to see either one of them solo. I don't think either need an 'opener'! {#Whistle}(IMHO) 
 

Definitely not enough David Gray on RP! {#Crashcomp} 
What has stuck in my head since I first heard David back in... '96-'97?, is that he reminded me of early Tom Waite or John Prine, and a few years later, around the time of White Ladder, Dave Matthews said that David was his 'favorite musician', which is quite a testimonial, considering the source. We just need to hear more DG on RP! {#Clap}
 HazzeSwede wrote:
Wow,,some thumping bass here.
 
Didn't notice the sub-bass until I listened with good headphones - I can listen through this album any day of the week.
 nigelr wrote:

great song, superb album.
 
Agreed.  Even better the first time I heard it just down the road from you in Nimbin.
 jimbaca wrote:
Saw him in concert a few weeks ago at the Santa Fe Opera House.  Pretty good.  I still can't understand why Ray Lamontagne opened for him.  It should have been the other way around, but David did well.
 
Respect, is why!



great song, superb album.
I remember walking down O'Connell Street in the centre of Dublin when this album and Damien Rice's first were the biggest things in the Emerald Isle. It took me a while but I slowly began to understand what the fuss was all about.
I hate to say it, but this song doesn't do anything for me.  The elements of a decent song are there, but in an uninspiring form to my ears.

Oh well.  I can't like 'em all...
 coccyx wrote:
Some songs have that ability to transport you back in time...  the right combination of significant events in life, backdropped by overplaying on the radio at the time :)

But, 10 years later, it feels GREAT     {#Pray}
 
Funny, but the day this song came out it seemed to transport me back in time.
I think it has that "timeless" quality to it. 
Wow, I haven't heard this in quite a while. Still as good as the last time.
Really great song. 
 Lazaerus wrote:

I'm curious, what does a "couple of years" mean in England?  Here in America a couple means 2.  This album was released in 1999 and I'm still hearing it, and I still like it, obviously others still like it... please explain yourself.

Ha!  Touche!

12 years on, this album still sounds great, and in my very humble opinion, will indeed "stand the test of time" in years to come.  I think the singer-songwriter genre is enjoying a resurgence, thanks to hip-hop.  There's something organic about a person sitting down with an acoustic instrument and playing a good song.

"I've been talking drunk jibberish" - winner of the Most Honest Lyric EVAH {#Clap}

David has such a penchant for chord progressions and just the right instrumentation and vocal nuances.....that reach into your heart, doesn't he?


Very bittersweet for me. Love the song but it was the soundtrack to a very difficult time for me.  This album helped me face my pain and work through it.

"What will be will be. I wanna hold you now."

Hits me more than I can express.
Wow,,some thumping bass here.
A class act!  Still sounds great, you have impeccable taste Bill!
 xkolibuul wrote:

 I need a pail when I hear David Gray, that's for sure.
 
{#Roflol}

 bluedot wrote:
pail? ouch!
 
peter_james_bond wrote:
I saw him do this song on Letterman, years ago....he was very impressive. This is his best album, IMHO his other albums pail in comparison to this one.
  

{#Foot-in-mouth} Touche!

I turned pale when I read your reply. Then my stomach felt queasy so I had to get a pail. {#Sick}

Fail


Saw him in concert a few weeks ago at the Santa Fe Opera House.  Pretty good.  I still can't understand why Ray Lamontagne opened for him.  It should have been the other way around, but David did well.
Some songs have that ability to transport you back in time...  the right combination of significant events in life, backdropped by overplaying on the radio at the time :)

But, 10 years later, it feels GREAT     {#Pray}
 bluedot wrote:
pail? ouch!
 
peter_james_bond wrote:
I saw him do this song on Letterman, years ago....he was very impressive. This is his best album, IMHO his other albums pail in comparison to this one.
 
 
agreed - this was the pinnacle - great CD.

DISLIKE HIM! A LOT!!
more David please {#Yes}
Nice!
 peter_james_bond wrote:
I saw him do this song on Letterman, years ago....he was very impressive. This is his best album, IMHO his other albums pail in comparison to this one.
 
 I need a pail when I hear David Gray, that's for sure.
pail? ouch!
 
peter_james_bond wrote:
I saw him do this song on Letterman, years ago....he was very impressive. This is his best album, IMHO his other albums pail in comparison to this one.
 


I usually do not care for popular, oft played radio hits, so I was really hesitant to buy this CD. I was blown away.This album is a stunner.

 Randomax wrote:
Wow - I never dreamed when I opened these comments that I'd hear much negative to say about Gray or this wonderful album....jeeze, you guys are BRUTAL....
 
This is a tough room, no question about that. David Gray isn't my favorite by any means but he doesn't deserve the vitriol shown here.
 helgigermany wrote:
Sounds a bit like Paolo Nutini!
 
DEFINITELY the other way around, my friend.

David's new album came out today. Wonder if this is a tribute to it. Haven't heard any of it yet, but my friend loves it. I can imagine why.
Sounds a bit like Paolo Nutini!
 lophrequa wrote:
horstman wrote:

As an avid whistler, I gotta say this guy's whistling really sucks. Nice song otherwise.


huh? i think it fits perfectly .. pls upload some of your whistling so we'll all enjoy higher standards

 
{#Lol}

I saw him do this song on Letterman, years ago....he was very impressive. This is his best album, IMHO his other albums pail in comparison to this one.
 cherinoel wrote:
Wow - I never dreamed when I opened these comments that I'd hear much negative to say about Gray or this wonderful album....jeeze, you guys are BRUTAL.... 


Yup.... that's because this is pure crapola.
keeper in any collection
10+ !!!

     



Wow - I never dreamed when I opened these comments that I'd hear much negative to say about Gray or this wonderful album....jeeze, you guys are BRUTAL....

This album was amazing (maybe his only amazing one, but still...)  One of those rare albums where almost every single song is memorable. And while dark, amazingly poignant.


...or Chris Cross

 
Jelani wrote:
Can we hear  Come Sail Away by Styx next?
 


 coyote620 wrote:
Absolutely don't get the album cover!
 
Neither do I. Who cares?

8.

Sounds like a poor-man's Elton John. Fail.
my dog just died, my woman died in a snowstorm, lost my luggage in nepal...booo hooo hooo...crap!
Absolutely don't get the album cover!
 MatClarke wrote:
this song and album have failed tostand the test of time. They will sound utter drivel in a couple of years.
 

What utter rubbish!
Excellent song, superb album, 10 years on..................
 MatClarke wrote:
this song and album have failed tostand the test of time. They will sound utter drivel in a couple of years.

 


I'm curious, what does a "couple of years" mean in England?  Here in America a couple means 2.  This album was released in 1999 and I'm still hearing it, and I still like it, obviously others still like it... please explain yourself.


horstman wrote:

As an avid whistler, I gotta say this guy's whistling really sucks. Nice song otherwise.


huh? i think it fits perfectly .. pls upload some of your whistling so we'll all enjoy higher standards

Can we hear  Come Sail Away by Styx next?
how arbitrary of you - i love this guy

ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:

I fail to hear anything redeeming coming from this guy. Please stop.




I fail to hear anything redeeming coming from this guy. Please stop.
MatClarke wrote:
this song and album have failed tostand the test of time. They will sound utter drivel in a couple of years.
Couldn't disagree more. It just sounds better and better. Timeless.