There's just something about being on or near the water on a sailboat, so, I've compiled the ULTIMATE list of sailing songs for 2024.
Whether you're out sailing on a yacht or can't wait to get back out there, there's something for everyone on this list... there's a real mix of modern songs, sea shanties, film soundtracks, and of course, the classics.
They all have something in common... they are songs that are about sailing, and water, or would make EPIC sailing tracks while you're out on the water racing or heading off into the sunset.
I've compiled them all into one epic playlist on Youtube for you (I listen to them all on a regular basis!), or, you can check out all the individual songs below.
This Ultimate Playlist of Sailing Songs for 2024 will make you feel like sailing is the best thing in the world (because it is!). Grab your headphones, press play, and relax.
The Ultimate Playlist: 88 Epic Sailing Songs for 2024
The Modern Ones
Max Oazo ft Cami - Wonderful Life
Kygo ft Justin Jesso - Stargazing
Florence & The Machine - Ship To Wreck
Avril Lavigne - Head Above Water
Lindsey Stirling - Master of Tides
Miracle Of Sound ft. Peyton Parrish - Valhalla Calling
Sea Shanties
Malinda ft Bobby Waters - Drunken Sailor
Film Sound Tracks
Pirates of the Caribbean - Main Theme
Pirates of the Caribbean - Hoist the Colours
Titanic - Take Her to Sea, Mr Murdoch
The Greatest Showman - Tightrope
Hans Zimmer - Interstellar Main Theme
Star Trek Enterprise - Faith of the Heart
Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas) - Just Around the Riverbend
Alessia Cara (Moana) - How Far I'll Go
The Classics
Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay
Bee Gees - Islands In The Stream
Looking Glass - Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)
Christopher Cross - Sailing/All Right/Think Of Laura/ Arthur's Theme
The Wailin' Jennys - Across The Sea
Van Morrison - Into the Mystic
The Pogues - Thousands Are Sailing
Billy Joel - The Downeaster 'Alexa'
Bob Dylan - When the Ship Comes In
Zac Brown Band - Where the Boat Leaves From
Jerry Jeff Walker - Sloop John B.
Kenny Chesney - Soul of a Sailor
Split Enz - Six Months In a Leaky Boat
Gentlemen Hall - Sail Into The Sun
Pete Seeger - Sailing Down My Golden River
Jimmy Buffett - Son Of A Son Of A Sailor
Zac Brown Band & Jimmy Buffett - A Pirate Looks at Forty
The Hues Corporation - Rock The Boat
Grateful Dead - Lost Sailor/Saint of Circumstance
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Sailor's Lament
The High Kings - Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore
Crosby, Stills and Nash - Wooden Ships
Loggins & Messina - Sailin' The Wind
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Sailing On The Seven Seas
Little River Band - Cool Change
Roger Whittaker - The Last Farewell
The Platters - Red Sails In The Sunset
Blues Image - Ride Captain Ride
Mark Knopfler - Sailing To Philadelphia
Fairport Convention - A Sailor's Life
The Individual Songs
The Modern Ones
This selection of modern songs might seem a bit out there but read the description that goes with each one to understand why I've included it!
Zyke - Sailor's Heart
An absolutely beautiful song that you probably haven't heard before - you'll be listening to this one on repeat.
I first came across it while watching a Hallberg-Rassy 50 be put through her paces on YouTube - the perfect soundtrack.
Avicii - The Nights
The lyrics in this song are just epic. I started listening to this song around the time we first set sail on our epic adventure sailing around Northern Europe and they completely resonated with me.... "made memories we knew would never fade...", "when you get older your wild heart will live for younger days, think of me if ever you're afraid..." "one day, you'll leave this world behind so live a life you will remember..." "go venture far beyond the shores, don't forsake this life of yours..."
So forever more, this song will always make me think of our sailing adventure. I was certainly afraid at times but the memories I have I relive almost every day and I wish I could do it all over again. NOTHING is living up to the adventures we got up to while sailing.
Max Oazo ft Cami - Wonderful Life
"Here I go, out to sea again, the sunshine fills my hair, and dreams hang in the air..." and tied with a relaxing 'beachy vibe' background track, it'll have you feeling like you're on the water in no time.
Katy Perry - Rise
This isn't a sailing song as such but this would make a fantastic soundtrack while you're out racing. "Victory is in my veins...". It's a powerful track and makes you feel like you can achieve anything.
SIA - Unstoppable
I chose this with a similar vibe to Katy Perry - Rise. A powerful song to have blasting in the cockpit while racing to the finish line... "I'm unstoppable today...!"
Awolnation - Sail
Another powerful song to have playing in the cockpit while racing. I've seen YouTube videos of yachts sailing in heavy weather with this song as the backing track and it fits so well.
Shaka Ponk - I'm Picky
This is another one for the racers out there. There's a brilliant YouTube video of a catamaran speeding along in some windy conditions to this song too.
Alan Walker - Faded
The songs I've chosen so far are more because of the feeling they give me when I listen to them, they make me think of the sea and being out on the water... "where are you now? Atlantis. Under the sea, under the sea...".
I love this song and listened to it a lot while living aboard, so it makes me think of being back on our boat on the water.
Kygo ft Justin Jesso - Stargazing
This one is about space and looking up at the stars 'stargazing', something I LOVE to do when on a night passage. The stars are even more magical at sea when you can see them on a clear night away from land and light pollution. I've been told you can clearly see the Milky Way when crossing oceans, something I need to confirm for myself still.
Florence & The Machine - Ship To Wreck
This one has a hidden meaning to it that you have to think carefully about when listening to it.
Avril Lavigne - Head Above Water
Another beautiful, powerful song to listen to.
Lindsey Stirling - Master of Tides
I absolutely LOVE this song. No lyrics, Lindsey is a very talented violin player and the video she created to go alongside this track is spellbinding. The track is very catchy to listen to without the video too. Can't help but think about the sea with this one. (The music starts at 0:40 if you want to skip ahead).
Calum Graham - The Nomad
Another track without lyrics. This one is titled "The Nomad", which is exactly what sailors are when they're travelling from place to place, country to country. It's also a stunning piece played by a very talented guitarist.
The Rasmus - Sail Away
The song to listen to when you are ready to sail away from wherever you are.
Take That - Wooden Boat
This one takes me back to my teenage years. It's a beautiful song where the lyrics take you on a journey spanning decades of time. Relaxing and uplifting at the same time.
Also, there is a hidden track at 4:07.
Dido - Sand in my Shoes
Who doesn't have sand in their shoes after getting home from the beach? This one is about getting back from holiday but wishing you were still back out there.
U2 - Every Breaking Wave
"Every sailor knows that the sea is a friend made enemy..." reminds me that being out on the water isn't always sunshine and rainbows.
Ben Rector - Sailboat
Another beautiful acoustic guitar-backed relaxing track that will have you imagining you're out on the water bobbing around while trying to sail home.
Jamie Cullum - All At Sea
"I'm all at sea, where no one can bother me, forgot my roots, if only for a day, just me and my thoughts, sailing far away". A stunning piano-accompanied song that reminds me how sailing can make you feel like all your problems disappear while you're out at sea.
Rumer - Sailing
A female cover of Christopher Cross's song 'Sailing'. If you like the original, see what you think of this version.
The Strumbellas - Sailing
A new find for me while I putting this playlist together... a modern, sailing tune with a good beat but relaxing at the same time.
Onetox - Ramukanji
Any other SV Delos fans out there? If you watch YouTube stars Brian and Karin from SV Delos then you will have DEFINITELY heard this one before - it's been their theme tunes for YEARS.
Shine Music - Summer Mix 2023
A gorgeous mix of summer songs that I regularly listened to while living aboard so it takes me back to the water every time I play it.
(As a side note, it's also great to play wearing headphones while trying to deal with a baby that will not stop crying. It helps you keep your cool instead of hearing crying...)
Miracle Of Sound ft. Peyton Parrish - Valhalla Calling
A very powerful song that sounds EPIC played loud through headphones. Listening to this makes me think of the Vikings voyaging across Northern stormy seas.
Mike Oldfield - Sailing
This is a very upbeat sailing song that has an American Pie vibe to it (or is that just me?) I love it.
Sea Shanties
Home Free - Sea Shanty Medley
A very clever blend of five different sea shanties that are sung 'acapella' by the five men pictured above. I love the YouTube video that accompanies the song as well as the medley itself.
Nathan Evans - Wellerman
A great version of the sea shanty 'Wellerman'.
Malinda ft Bobby Waters - Drunken Sailor
A modern twist on the sea shanty 'Drunken Sailor'. I remember my Dad singing this to me when I was younger. I love listening to the variety of voices that sing this and the instruments accompanying them.
Film Sound Tracks
Pirates of the Caribbean - Main Theme
An absolute classic. A film from my childhood and the soundtrack is regularly listened to even now I'm an adult.
When you hear this, you can't help but think of the sea and pirates.
Pirates of the Caribbean - Hoist the Colours
When we were sailing down the coast of Portugal and Spain, we came across a lot of fog out at sea. It was very eerie and as I was stood on watch in the cockpit, I was singing this song to myself. I can just imagine pirates appearing out of the fog to attack other ships in the years gone by.
Titanic - Hymn to the Sea
An iconic film with an iconic soundtrack. This brings me shivers every time I hear it.
Titanic - Take Her to Sea, Mr Murdoch
If you've watched the film (who hasn't?!) then you'll be watching the scene in your mind as you listen to this. Imagine the colossal machinery picking up speed as they prepare to leave port and begin their journey.
The Greatest Showman - Tightrope
This is a bit of a wildcard, but it's the lyrics at the beginning that make me think of sailing and living life to the fullest...
"Some people long for a life that is simple and planned, tied with a ribbon. Some people won't sail the sea 'cause they're safer on land..."
Hans Zimmer - Interstellar Main Theme
Yes. This song/film is all about going into space. Tell me that heading out to sea to cross oceans and be far away from land, people, and help isn't a little bit like heading out to space.
Being far out in the middle of the ocean, gazing up at the stars on a clear night will make you feel like you're there, especially if you're listening to this song at the same time.
Star Trek Enterprise - Faith of the Heart (Where My Heart Will Take Me)
Any Star Trek: Enterpise fans out there? You'll recognise this as the soundtrack to the series. To me, space travel will always have similarities to sailing oceans for me.
Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas) - Just Around the Riverbend
Another song from my childhood that has stuck with me through to adulthood. It's all about knowing there's more to life than just what's in front of you.
Alessia Cara (Moana) - How Far I'll Go
The only modern Disney film that really speaks to me. Moana is me as a film character and I HIGHLY recommend the film, even as an adult.
"See the line where sky meets the sea? It calls me..."
The Classics
Enya - Orinoco Flow
All about sailing away to foreign lands. Gentle, but powerful.
Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay
This relaxes me as soon as I press play. I can just imagine sitting looking out to sea on a sunny day, watching the ships, the waves and the tide as it ebbs and flows.
Joan Baez - Diamonds and Rust
This is another one that's more nostalgic for me than anything else. It was one of my Dad's favourite songs (I remember he played it in the car on cassette(!) while we were growing up) and I listened to it regularly while living aboard. It's a relaxing song to have playing onboard during a gentle sail.
Bee Gees - Islands In The Stream
The Bee Gees - another brilliant song from my childhood. "Islands in the stream, that is what we are.... sail away with me, to another world..."
Rod Stewart - Sailing
When you think of classic sailing songs, this is probably the first one you'll think of. It's a classic for good reason. A beautiful sailing song that needs no more introduction.
Styx - Come Sail Away
Another beautiful classic sailing song. I like the change part-way through the song that makes it feel more upbeat.
David Gray - Sail Away
A relaxing 'take it easy' song about sailing with slow beat.
Looking Glass - Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)
A song all about a girl who is working (serving other sailors) while waiting for her sailor to come home for a visit from his travels across the oceans.
Jimmy Buffett - Boat Drinks
This has a tropical feel. I can imagine myself having a cocktail or two on the beach in the evening while looking out at all the boats anchored in the bay.
Bobby Darin - Beyond The Sea
This has a funky 'jazz/big band' feel to it. It's easy listening and upbeat. You've probably heard it before, it's catchy.
Christopher Cross - Sailing/All Right/Think Of Laura/ Arthur's Theme
A medley of songs from Christopher Cross performed live.
Steeleye Span - Saucy Sailor
Another live performance, this time from Steeleye Span. It's got a lovely slow build-up before the lyrics begin. This one has really grown on me and I love listening to it.
The Wailin' Jennys - Across The Sea
Another live performance. Gentle, female voices that are relaxing to listen to.
Van Morrison - Into the Mystic
The music starts at around 01:30 if you want to skip ahead. A beautiful song by Van Morrison.
The Pogues - Thousands Are Sailing
This is only the second song by 'The Pogues' I've heard, the other being their famous Christmas song played every year.
I love the Irish feel to the song and imagine this song would sound great sung live in a pub.
Billy Joel - The Downeaster 'Alexa'
This is about a hardworking sailor who works hard on the ocean to make a living.
Chris de Burgh - Sailing Away
I do like live music, it's magic.
"Waiting at the water's edge, watching all the ships, as they are heading for the harbour wall. I was just a boy, I was just a boy, dreaming of the wide world, dreaming of the wide world...".
Bob Dylan - When the Ship Comes In
A simple song where Bob Dylan is accompanied by guitar and harmonica.
Zac Brown Band - Where the Boat Leaves From
Another song with a tropical feel to it. "Take one part sand, and one part sea, and one part shade of banana tree. And the drinks they're cold, and the reggae is hot, and I know this is the place for me..."
Jerry Jeff Walker - Sloop John B.
This one is about a sailor who just wants to go home. Life on the water isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes.
Japooz - Single Handed Sailor
Sometimes going sailing by yourself is the best thing to do.
Kenny Chesney - Soul of a Sailor
This song has a country twang to it.
"I was born a son of the sea, I can't be still, I can't be tied, the only time I feel alive is, when the wind fills my sail..."
Split Enz - Six Months In a Leaky Boat
A song of two parts. A long 2-minute introduction then the lyrics kick in and the tempo picks up.
"When I was a young boy, I wanted to sail around the world, that's the life for me, living on the sea, spirit of a sailor, circumnavigates the globe, the lust of a pioneer, will acknowledge no frontier..."
Vetiver - Rolling Sea
A relaxing, slow-paced song.
"Wouldn't you love to be out on the rolling sea, with only the sky above you for a roof..."
Gentlemen Hall - Sail Into The Sun
An upbeat song.
"I'll pull you closer, When you're floating far away, And I, Don't need no reason we'll just get away, When we sail, Into the sun..."
The Movement - Set Sail
This one definitely has a tropical feel to it. It's more of a 'spoken' song than a sung one.
The Beach Boys - Full Sail
A gentle song that makes me think about going out sailing in light airs.
Pete Seeger - Sailing Down My Golden River
An important message is shared by Pete before he begins singing. Another gentle one.
Lyle Lovett - If I Had A Boat
An upbeat song that shares the draw of the ocean and wanting to be out on it.
The Doors - Land Ho!
"He said, 'Son I'm going crazy from livin' on the land, got to find my shipmates and walk on foreign sands...'"
Jimmy Buffett - Son Of A Son Of A Sailor
I'm starting to understand the song lyrics below more and more these days. Once the sea is in your blood, there's not much you can do about it. You'll always be drawn back to the sea.
"As the son of a son of sailor, I went out on the sea for adventure..."
Zac Brown Band & Jimmy Buffett - A Pirate Looks at Forty
A great song sung live by some legendary singers.
The Hues Corporation - Rock The Boat
A very upbeat song that always gets everyone up dancing.
Grateful Dead - Ship of Fools
You should never think you know it all while at sea. The ocean always rules, anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.
Grateful Dead - Lost Sailor/Saint of Circumstance
Two of Grateful Dead's songs sung back to back in a live performance.
Neil Young - Captain Kennedy
"My father was a sailor named Captain Kennedy, He lost his wooden schooner to the Germans on the sea, Exploded on the water for everyone to see..."
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Sailor's Lament
A fairly unknown song by the band Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The High Kings - Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore
A great tune from Irish folk band 'The High Kings'.
Crosby, Stills and Nash - Wooden Ships
"And it's a fair wind blowin' warm, out of the south over my shoulder, I guess I'll set a course and go..."
Loggins & Messina - Sailin' The Wind
A very chill song. "Summer in our sky ships, forever, sailing the wind..."
Anders Osborne - Cape Cod
Another very chill song to relax while you're listening to it.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Sailing On The Seven Seas
A funky beat means this one is a lively song from 'Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark'.
Little River Band - Cool Change
"If there's one thing in my life that's missing, it's the time that I spend alone, sailing on the cool and bright clear water..."
Whitesnake - Sailing Ships
"Do you remember standing on the shore, head in the clouds, your pockets filled with dreams, bound for glory on the seven seas of life..."
Roger Whittaker - The Last Farewell
"There's a ship lies rigged and ready in the harbour, tomorrow for old England she sails, far away from your land of endless sunshine..."
One of the hardest things about sailing to far-off lands and making friends (or more) is having to say goodbye when it's time to leave.
The Platters - Red Sails In The Sunset
"Red sails in the sunset, way out on the sea, oh, carry my loved one, home safely to me..."
US Navy Song - Anchors Aweigh
A very patriotic song for the Navy of the United States of America.
Randy Newman - Sail Away
If you have watched the film 'Toy Story' then you will recognise Randy Newman's voice as he sang the film soundtrack "You've Got a Friend in Me" back in 1995.
Blues Image - Ride Captain Ride
"Seventy-three men sailed up from the San Francisco Bay, rolled off their ship and here's what they had to say..."
Mark Knopfler - Sailing To Philadelphia
One more live recording before the end of the playlist. Another nice relaxing one to listen to.
Fairport Convention - A Sailor's Life
"A sailor's life, it is a merry life, he robs young girls of their heart's delight, leaving them behind to weep and mourn, they never know when they will return..."
0 comments