Sailing ( Flute cover )

Story :
While the song "Sailing" is famously sung by Rod Stewart, the story behind its composition actually belongs to Gavin Sutherland of the Sutherland Brothers. Here's the story:

Written by the Sutherland Brothers:

"Sailing" was written by Gavin Sutherland, one half of the Scottish folk-pop duo The Sutherland Brothers (Gavin and Iain Sutherland).
They recorded the song in June 1972. The brothers provided their own backing, with Gavin on bass drum and Iain on harmonium.
They intended the song to have a "Celtic 1 feel".

Initial Meaning:

Contrary to popular belief, the song wasn't initially about romantic love or literal ships.
According to Gavin Sutherland in a 1975 interview, "Sailing" is "an account of mankind's spiritual odyssey through life on his way to freedom and fulfillment with the Supreme Being." He explained that it was influenced by their background in a fishing community but had a deeper, metaphorical meaning.

Rod Stewart's Version:

Rod Stewart recorded "Sailing" for his first album recorded in North America, "Atlantic Crossing" (1975), with Tom Dowd producing.
Stewart's then-girlfriend, Dee Harrington, saw the Sutherland Brothers perform the song on the BBC music program "The Old Grey Whistle Test," which led to Stewart recording it.
Stewart also co-wrote two original songs with the Sutherland Brothers for the album, but "Sailing" was the only one he recorded. Its nautical theme coincidentally complemented the album's title.
Rod Stewart's version was a massive international hit, particularly in the UK, where it was number one for four weeks in September 1975.
Rod Stewart's Personal Connection:
Rod Stewart has mentioned that he felt a connection to the song's theme of homesickness, as he had recently moved from the UK to America at the time of recording.
Interestingly, Rod Stewart has stated that "Sailing" is the only song he ever recorded completely sober because there was no alcohol available in the Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama where it was recorded. He usually had a drink to calm his nerves before singing in the studio.
In summary, while Rod Stewart's rendition is the more famous one, the song "Sailing" was written by Gavin Sutherland of the Sutherland Brothers, who intended it to be a metaphor for a spiritual journey rather than a literal sea voyage or a romantic tale.

Lyrics :
I am sailing, I am sailing Home again 'cross the sea I am sailing, stormy waters To be near you, to be free
I am flying, I am flying Like a bird 'cross the sky I am flying, passing high clouds To be with you, to be free

Can you hear me, can you hear me Through the dark night, far away? I am dying, forever crying To be with you, who can say
Can you hear me? Can you hear me Through the dark night far away? I am dying, forever crying To be with you, who can say, who can say
We are sailing, we are sailing Home again 'cross the sea We are sailing stormy waters To be near you, to be free
Oh Lord, to be near you, to be free Oh my Lord, to be near you, to be free Oh my Lord, to be near you, to be free Oh Lord