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Southern Cross Lyrics

Artist: Crosby Stills & Nash

Got out of town on a boat
Goin' to Southern islands.
Sailing a reach
Before a followin' sea.
She was makin' for the trades
On the outside,
And the downhill run
To Papeete.
Off the wind on this heading
Lie the Marquesas.
We got eighty feet of the waterline.
Nicely making way.
In a noisy bar in Avalon
I tried to call you.
But on a midnight watch I realized
Why twice you ran away.
Chorus
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.
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 dyin'.
And my love is an anchor tied to you
Tied with a silver chain.
I have my ship
And all her flags are a flyin'
She is all that I have left
And music is her name.
Chorus
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 woma/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 bested.
Somebody fine
Will come along
Make me forget about loving you.
At the Southern Cross.

Comments/Interpretations
by Chrissy on 5/15/2008 11:53am I love this song...lol,not very elabortive me,I know...
by Carole Baldwin on 5/17/2008 7:35pm I will use some the words in dedication to my sister at her viewing on Tuesday, May 20th: Spirits are using me, larger voices calling...
by Lee on 5/17/2008 9:39pm Chrissy, you said it just fine...I love this song too. It's got a great melody and vocals (just read that Art Garfunkel was actually one of the background singers), paints a beautiful picture, and makes an amazing statement about the human condition: "So we cheated and we lied and we tested, and we never failed to fail, it was the easiest thing to do." I think that's true of all of us deep down in our core, and is the reason why we all need a savior. And so Jesus Christ, God Himself, came to earth as a baby, grew to a man and taught and showed us how to live. And then, in the greatest demonstration of pure love the world has ever seen or imagined, He willingly laid his life down to pay the penalty for sin that each of us deserved to pay. And now He offers the gift of abundant life in Him for all eternity to anyone who will put their trust in Him, and Him alone. Amazing love! :)
by mea on 5/19/2008 2:41pm what the hell are they trying to say?
by Lightbringer on 5/22/2008 10:27am You don't need the Mythical Sky Daddy to appreciate music.
by Laura on 5/23/2008 4:28pm ditto
by Dave K on 5/24/2008 8:31am Great song. Great memories. One thing I'd like to do sometime in this life is go to Austalia or New Zealand and see the Southern Cross constellation. I've seen pictures. They're nice, but not the real thing.
by Jimmy on 5/26/2008 7:11pm Thought it was a true story about Crosby calling from Avalon on Catalina Island to his girl who had left him. And the name of his schooner was "Music".
by Coleen on 5/28/2008 10:44am Hey Lightbringer, Jesus created music. Knowing him makes it much easier to appreciate it. You go, Lee!!
by Roy on 5/30/2008 5:20am "A noisy bar in Avalon"? He realised why twice she ran away. Why did she run away though? Anyone Know?
by WV on 5/30/2008 9:22pm No need to travel far. I just enjoyed long evenings enjoying the Southern Cross from the US Virgin Islands. You can see it clearly in the Southern sky. Enjoy.
by mea on 5/31/2008 1:48am still don't know what the hell they mean. Where is that "Sky Daddy Dude"? Hellooo?
by marti on 6/2/2008 7:14am It's a very "deep" song...has a lot of meaning--love it!
by Kev on 6/5/2008 8:45pm She ran away because his first and truest love ia and always will be the sea..can I have an AMEN?
by Tim on 6/11/2008 1:35pm I always liked this song but could never figure out the words "... and the downhill run to Papeete" ... until we went Tahiti last fall and spent some time in Papeete and now I know how the name of that town is actually pronounced. Papeete, Bora Bora, Moorea ... words can not describe the beauty of those islands and the sunsets ... wow, the sunsets ... "and the Southern Cross" ...
by NayNay on 6/11/2008 3:04pm AMEN Kev! U 2 huh?
by Paul on 6/13/2008 3:44pm Crosby's yacht was named "Mayan" - You can see the Southern Cross from Key West in the summertime . . . or from anywhere in the Caribbean year round.
by JR on 6/16/2008 4:42pm This is one of the best CSN songs ever. I've used this song to teach geography to 6th graders. When you show them that Avalon, Papeete, and the Marquesas are real places their eyes get wide in amazement.
by Dan on 6/18/2008 10:14am Jesus created music? Does it say that in the bible or anywhere in scripture? What did they do for the thousands of years before Christ was supposedly born? Do you just automatically attribute all things to Christ because your ignorant or do you actually believe that crap/ I thought Bobby Bouche's mother invented music.
by ralph on 6/18/2008 11:26am this is a great song
by KST on 6/20/2008 10:18pm I've always loved this song too...And, being a (fairly new) sailor myself, LOVE all the sailing references. Sailing on a reach. Ah, makes me want to be out there now. This song makes me feel like I'm on a boat in a really nice wind, heeled over so far you have to sit up on the windward side and hold yourself up with your feet on the cockpit on the leeward side. And there's nothing better than a downhill run. No fighting the wind. It's all working with you, fast and fun, pushing you in the direction you want to go. Bliss!! Never had a chance to sail as far as Tahiti (Papeete) or the Marquesas, but hope to during my lifetime. Also have never been on an overnight sail where you have to keep watch (we always anchor or grab a mooring ball) so the thought of midnight watch is kind of terrifying to me!! I know most are mellow, but so many things that can go scary if a big squall comes up!! I this song always makes me want a boat of my own!!
by M.E. on 6/21/2008 9:07pm It was written by Rick and Michael Curtis, Stills helped Crosby had nothing to do with the lyrics. They needed a song for their album and this song had been written some years earlier by the Curtis brothers so they changed a few lines and there you have it. "Southern Cross". The ship named Music is a metaphor. I've seen so many people relate this song to wonderful memories of sailing, vacations and romantic love. This is a sad song about failed love and not only did that love fail but, cheating and lying were involved. Yes, I see the romance in it... You do not have to know anything about sailing, you could understand trade winds or simply understand that he's leaving and perhaps glad that he's moving away quickly. The southern cross is not a religious symbol and Abdul, yes they believe it, what do you expect from people who worship a god who forbid them from "eating from the tree of knowledge" Indeed ignorance is bliss...
by Gabriel Navarro on 6/21/2008 11:49pm Uhhh... some of you people need to watch the "Live Performance" by CSN on YouTube. The harmonies are just as good, if not better than the original studio version. The bass, congas and keyboard really add to the background. Not to mention the great (but not elaborate) guitar chords. But since when do you equate an elaborately constructed song with greatness? This ain't jazz, nor is it orchestral music.
by Chris on 6/22/2008 11:31am I really love to see all the different comments on this page!! You all have interesting points of view. Some of you should try to be a little more open minded. I don't care who created music, I just know it's here for us to enjoy!!
by rus on 6/22/2008 12:53pm says somewhere "and all the stars sang together" in the big black book
by Dave on 6/23/2008 8:53am I like what Lee had to say. To some, when any reference to Jesus is made, they think the brain has been turned off. I believe the opposite to be true. Music is an expression of our desire to know truth. When we hear it expressed in a way that rings true to us, it calls us to look deeper. I believe this is what is referenced by the lyrics, "the spirits are using me, larger voices calling". We are all seeking the truth. Music, art, literature and all other human expressions of communication seekth as their ultimate goal. The truth surprisingly, is not something but is somebody, Jesus Christ. The depth of human thought and knowledge if honest culminates in our understanding of Jesus Christ who reveals himself to us.
by Bucky on 6/26/2008 9:21pm I want to thank Gabriel (comment on 6/21/2008) for the suggestion to watch the live performance on Youtube. I just did, and I got chills. What a treat to watch them perform together.
by McPogi on 7/11/2008 5:29pm Just came home from a trip to Samoa. After loving this song for more than 25 years, I have finally seen the Southern Cross. Both are incredible!
by Sparky on 7/11/2008 11:06pm Hey Kev! Here's a big "AMEN" You are right my friend! The sea is a sailors true love. Good call brother!
by Lisa on 7/12/2008 11:50am "The Curtis Brothers brought me a wonderful song called "Seven League Boots," but it drifted around too much. I re-wrote a new set of words and added a different chorus, a story about a long boat trip I took after my divorce. It's about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds. Once again I was given somebody's gem and cut and polished it" Stephen Stills CSN diskette insert
by Bet on 7/16/2008 9:16pm We went to peru in May and saw the Southern Cross- Immediately thought of the CSN song and none of could remember many of the words. After reading them tonight they seem very criptic and meaningful- make what you want of it, that is what life is about!
by SOCV181352 on 7/18/2008 4:35pm For years I thought this song had some relationship to the Confederate Flag (Southern Cross). Neil Young has been noted for his stand on the Confederate Flag, hence the song, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The lyrics say, "And I hope Neil Young will remeber, a southern man don't need him around anyhow.....". There is a hidden reference in this song I bet and we are all missing it.
by zk on 7/20/2008 4:34pm The lyric in sweet home al was rweferenced to Young's song southern man. I've always taken Southern Cross as the life journey of Stephen Stills. Through women, drugs, money etc.. the only constanst was :she's all that i have left, and music is her name." Just my take
by Woody on 7/22/2008 6:40am There are songs. Then there are songs that have meat. Here we've found the beef.
by banshee on 7/22/2008 9:51pm First let me say that this is not the place for theological debate; it is a message board about music and we should at least try to keep it on topic. But since it's been brought up, the Bible states multiple times that Jesus, being God, has always been in existance and created the world and everything in it, which would include music. The date of Jesus' physical birth would be irrelevant. And it's not the Tree of Knowledge, it's the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil-- think nuclear bomb. SO, to ME who says ignorance is bliss and to Dan who says Christian beliefs are crap, shut up. Do a little research before you diss someone's faith. You are more ignorant, and close-minded, than anyone you've accused. Kudos to Dave and Lee for actually knowing where their beliefs come from.
by banshee on 7/22/2008 9:53pm oh, yeah, and the song takes you through a beautiful, soulful journey from the joy of traveling, the pain of loss, the understang of why it happened, and hope for the future. It's wonderful and everyone should listen to it at least once.
by jp. on 7/23/2008 11:00am stop it.
by Deborah on 7/24/2008 10:09am I have always loved CSNY...There is nothing like the songs of the past...I think what they're trying to say is that life has treated him well, he has lost his lady love and now he is continuing his journey with his ship by his side...
by kathy on 7/24/2008 8:33pm just saw these guys last night in concert for the third time in my life. They were awesome and this song was pure icing on the cake on a wonderful evening with CSN
by Charlie on 7/27/2008 5:42pm I have always thought that Stills' "Southern Cross" had a double meaning. The hidden reference was to the Confederate medal of Honor given to soldiers of The Civil War. I would be shocked if in fact this was not his intent.
by Michelle on 7/30/2008 2:24am Was born and raised in Australia and saw the southern cross every night of my life. I moved to states and married a wonderful man who loved this song (in fact, it is his favourite) which i had not become real familiar with yet. One of the most amazing moments of our lives was taking him to Australia to where I was born for him "to see the southern cross for the first time". Now everytime we hear it, I think of that wonderful moment. Music can envoke any number of emotions. just enjoy it.
by corey on 7/31/2008 9:21pm the story of god forbidding adam and eve from eating from the tree of knowledge is a parable of growing up. a baby can't sin in the christian religion- only one aware of right and wrong can. so yeah, it is a form of ignorance being bliss. don't flame me, i'm an agnostic- who had the decency to read into what he doesn't understand
by what its about on 8/1/2008 8:40pm banshee,lee,LISA, good comments. and thank you to allmost every one that left a comment. i looked this site up to learn what the southern cross was.thought it was old fashion southern religon when i was a kid. (grew up in the south) then years later i heard southern island ? hey isnt thier a big cross on some island down thier? so finaly i looked on this page, and now iknow i need to google southern cross find out how to get thier and go see it for the first time ! but the meaning of this song has not changed! like michelle i realize that each song has its own meaning to each person.if we smoked a joint with the band and set around and dicussed it with the them i think we would find it has its own meaning to each of them. i dont hold any degrees. you can tell that by my spelling. but i know whats important! like the good mood,the high i get when i here this song!
by Cosmo on 8/1/2008 9:10pm I think some of you need to go back to Sunday school or join a church before you start ranting on a lyrics site about a song that has nothing to do with religion. BTW, Jesus was not God but rather his son which relates back to Ra (in the Egyptian religion), which is what??? The Sun (god). Study religion and get more viewpoints rather than one....I bet you'll vote straight ticket for the elections too.
by somer on 8/4/2008 2:08pm this is my all-time favorite song :)
by Kyle S. Nesbitt on 8/5/2008 10:43am Southern Cross and Since I Met You. David Crosby deals with the "I". Too many songwriters can only write only about Love. Being in Love with MUSIC and Wooden Ships is Alright with Me.
by Denny on 8/7/2008 6:09am If only they could harmonize live the way they do in the studio. Saw them just a few weeks ago and was bored to tears..Nash's voice is weak..Stills' voice is pretty much gone which may explain why he was not even on stage as much as Crosby and Nash...having said that...I do like this song very much..have always been a Stills fan.....I don't see any references to God but I see the references to music and when they say "music is her name"... I believe they are being literal. I understand it was not written by Crosby but that line is so Crosby it is ridiculous.
by Lottie on 8/8/2008 9:14am Lee - I couldn't have put it any better! You are right on it! Thanks for your input!
by Rose on 8/8/2008 7:46pm I saw the Southern Cross for the first time...gives this favorite song of mine new meaning !
by laura on 8/14/2008 7:09pm there is no level of sound that can resound what this song sings to me.
by brian on 8/15/2008 1:47pm this song is before my time iam only 21. but it is my all time favorite
by Roman on 8/22/2008 12:07am I'm only 17. And I think this song Great!
by T on 8/26/2008 4:22am A song can mean anything to those it speaks too, don't "down" somebody for interpreting a song to mean whatever it does to them be it religious or not...This song does have a spiritual overtone to it so I can see why someone would understand it in that way. Anyway, love the song to pieces!
by sommrlyyn on 8/28/2008 11:19pm please stop acting like you're all nine years old and fighting on the playground. who cares if some people want to think this song is about God or Jesus or whatever? I personally think it has nothing to do with christianity, it does have a spiritual feeling though so I understand. But just chill with all the negativity. It's depressing. Anyway. This song is amazing. There's something in it that makes me almost shiver every time i hear it, i feeling i usually only get from listening to orchestral or singing mozart or something. (im an opera singer). CSN/CSNY is by far my favorite band, and this is my favorite song that they do.
by Tom from Chicago on 9/2/2008 12:21am This is the best song ever written. For me, the song can either feel like the sweetness of new romance or heart-wrenching soul crushing sting of lost love. The harmony is magic and the distant lyrics and unknown nautical references allow the song to fit the mood I am in at the time. I dare not listen to it too many times in a row, nor learn too much about the lyrics, lest it become simply a great song. I sincerely hope others can feel the magic I have with this song. "She is all I have left and music is her name"
by cory scott on 9/2/2008 2:06pm I can't believe that just because a song is great, has meaning to some, that it has "great reverence or religious meaning". You know I have been writing music and lyrics for decades, and it has never been about religion, it has everything to do with what I was/am feeling and what works with the song, next time your around a great musician ask him/her what the lyrics mean, an don't be surprised if they tell you they don't listen to the words, only the sound of the "human instrument"ie the vocal cords.
by hank on 9/6/2008 12:38am this is a great song that will mean different things to different people. Nothing wrong with that. If you've been writing music and lyrics for decades, have we HEARD of any of your songs? I've spoken at great length to many song writers and some of them were the writers of huge hits. They tend to write what they feel and think at the time. A song they wrote in the 70's would be completely different from one (same subject matter) written in the 90's. The ysee things differently. This is one of the best songs ever written. Check out "Old Dogs, Chldren, and watermelon Wine" sometime. Another great.
by Bill on 9/7/2008 10:48am Up until 12yrs ago this was my life. Then I found some one fine and forgot. She is still the love of my life after 2 kids and 12yrs of marriage
by Adam on 9/9/2008 5:37pm Hey Cory Scott, I write music too. Just because you think one thing about music or lyrics or songwriting doesn't mean that everybody else has to. And if you asked me what lyrics mean in my songs, I would ask you what they mean to you, and thats what they mean. Thats what makes the Human Mind so great... Perception!
by Red Dread on 9/10/2008 2:44am Jesus wrote the lyrics. No argument.
by Neil on 9/10/2008 2:24pm Get a grip. Its a drunk muso roadies damascus moment- whilst playing at the southern cross- that no women in her right mind can love him and his career in the long run. The ship and the journey are a metaphor for being trapped between a rock and a hard place...the booze and the music win out in the end. They are singing about there own relationships....which were f...d
by Biff Normandy on 9/11/2008 9:10pm Music was created by Jesus. lol
by Richard on 9/13/2008 10:33am Lee is a poor, misguided soul. Last thing CSN needs is a "Jesus-freak" like Lee. Southern Cross is a beautiful song that has NOTHING to do with religion (thankfully). LONG LIVE THE ATHIESTS!!!!
by Richard on 9/13/2008 10:49am No, no, no. The Southern Cross is an atronomical constellation!! The song has absolutely NOTHING to do with religion. For once, please DO look at the lyrics. The very last few lines tell the story. A relationship ended bitterly and the MAN is moving on ("Somebody fine will come along/Make me forget about loving you"). Hello? McFly? Not rocket science.
by Larry on 9/19/2008 11:39pm My wife nursed Stephen Stills back to health on a boat in the Virgin Islands back in 1981 when she was running a charter boat. He had lost his voice and had a concert in LA the following week. He was so appreciative that he told her he changed the lyrics of Southern Cross for her. She didn't believe it either, but if you ever run into Stephen just ask him about Carol from the Virgin Islands.
by LisaLoud on 9/21/2008 8:12am Red Dread - you rock!
by Mike.... on 10/8/2008 10:12am Been there done that met God BUT re Southern Cross....What Heav an Brought You and Me refers to conception .Larger voices calling.......mmmmm. Tis shall we say only a song BUT shall we go so far as to say if God wrote? a bible by putting phrase in to a man's head then lyrics/songs ? there can be NO last page to a bible if a God is eternal so song lyrics as inspired as scriptural?-Ah tell that to the Jerrrrrhooovers witneses-after all can LOVE endure?????God's love CAN.
by wagindahow on 10/9/2008 1:34pm this tune is great, i listened to it as i grew up---I always thought of a "golden Girl" not a woman/gril as the lyrics are. My dreams as a kid were a beautiful woman in the south pacific---and to travel the world. Well I worked and lived on Easter Island, have 2 beautiful childern and wife, that has graduated collage and runs a medium finical institution. I used to look at the Southern Cross and think of this song.... I did not know about or even think of it as a downer, break-up or what ever song as I have read in some of these reviews. The melody is great the lyrics as listing to them as you cruse down the freeway with the windows down are awsome. Now can you understnd this tune as a "I Love Being Around You Tune"???
by Kurt on 10/10/2008 9:19am Bottom line with the SC is that it is absolutely the most amazing song I have ever listened to. It truely is therapy to my soul.
by steve a brown on 10/21/2008 12:47pm since the day i first heard this song, i fell in love with it but never knew, nor could locate the words.i still enjoy this song as much as the day i first heard it. thank you for filling in the missing words to my favorite song that have eluded me for so many years.my small sailboat is named 'cool change' after the song by the little river band,because being the first in my family to own a sailboat, and the experiences ive had, truely were a cool change for me. southern cross was what i wanted to name it, but after all is said and done, the vessel more or less names itself.these two songs really mean alot to me.thanks again for putting up the lyrics to southern cross. i love this song even more now that i actually know what im singing. catch you another day, another way.
by Mike on 10/22/2008 5:34pm It's been my favorite song ever since I first saw the video on MTV in the early 80s. I never get sick of hearing it.
by julieann on 10/26/2008 6:13pm Astronomy is a hobby of mine, and one of my life's dreams is to see the Southern Cross in a clear night sky. If you are in the water and it's dark (and the right time of year), you can see it from the Keys...I believe. Sometimes things happen in life where the only thing you have left is music. Music is one thing you can count on in life. It will always be there for you. Elton John, "Thank God my music's still alive." Jim Morrison, "music is your special friend."
by Bryan on 10/30/2008 8:34pm juliann I hope you realize your astrononical southern hemisphere dreams! The southern cross is impressive, but not compared to the awesome Magellenic Clouds. I had the great priviledge of viewing them in southern Madegascar - 200 miles from the nearest source of electricity. cheers, Bryan
by julieann on 11/1/2008 2:11pm Wow, Bryan...doubt I will get to southern Madagascar, but that's really great. It's very hard to find a truly dark sky anymore. I think the reason I want to see the Southern Cross so badly is because I can't. We always want what we don't have. Perhaps there are people in the world somewhere that wish they could see Orion. Still...I aim to go south.
by Mick on 11/2/2008 10:21pm What about the southern cross, what's so special about seeing it? It is special to sailors because it shows them true south and helps them to navigate. Maybe that's a metaphor in the song too, just a thought. Oh, athiests are morons, sorry, someone had to say it.
by julieann on 11/6/2008 5:17pm Mick, it's special to astronomy enthusiasts as well as sailors. And as I said earlier, it's special because I can't see it!
by Gierbo on 11/8/2008 2:17pm The Southern Cross is a constellation. It is the closest thing, as the North Start is to the Northern Hemisphere a pointer to the pole axis that the Southern Hemisphere has. And if you join, the east-west stars and the north and south stars of the smallest of constellations, you have a cross. Crosses existed before Christianity as did the stars that form this constellation. So relax people, it is a great song. Period.
by moses from the boat on 11/9/2008 9:24pm This a great song, I worked on boats for many years and dated a drama queen when I was home from the boats.When you are on a boat on a midnight watch you are bored to tears generally and have plenty of time to relive your live from home.You wonder and run theings through your mind over and over why?why?. It will drive you nuts sitting around wondering about some dizzy woman that is breaking your heart and trying to run you totally. "You will survive being bested, and some body fine will come along and make me forget about loving you" sums it up.Sometimes you just got to go on. It is easier to do so if you have a sense of larger purpose,"larger voices calling".It is a great song and oit makes me wish I could go back to the boats and hide from my miserable life.
by Tracey on 11/14/2008 11:22am This song always reminds me of the trip I took from Florida to the Virgin Islands. There were only 2 of us on the boat (a 28' Tayana) and there were many nights to contemplate where we had been and where we were going. It was truly the experience of a lifetime and I wish I could go back!! Every time I hear this song I feel a pang...........
by The Man on 11/18/2008 7:25pm Sup guys, Jesus was a noob.
by WILL on 11/20/2008 7:42pm Sorry Cosmo your wrong, Jesus said I and my father are ONE.
by Voice of Reason on 11/22/2008 2:55am Oh wow, atheists are morons, you proved your point. Well reasoned Mick. Great conclusory statement. Who is the moron now? Fool. How about we all chill out and realize that there are many ways to interpret a song. As long as the music you moves you, that is what is important. Sure there are probably spiritual undertones. When stills (re)wrote the lyrics he probably didn't intend for a strict christian interpretation (don't believe? learn a little about the guy). Nonetheless, who cares spirituality varies from person to person, if you want to read christianity into it, fine, just don't be a DB about it. If you want to interpret it in a more abstract manner, fine. Why fight about it. You all make me sick, sick that you are so narrow minded.
by mojorisin on 11/23/2008 7:10pm quit trying to analyze the song. It is a qreat song, period!!!!!
by Richard on 11/25/2008 1:31pm Such powerful marine poetics. Because of the sailor terminology that I'm not familiar with. Almost makes one want to become a sailor.
by tictoc on 12/5/2008 6:20pm There are no atheists in foxholes. The greatest minds generally believe there is a supreme being (Albert Einstein for instance). Southern Cross rules.
by nutbar on 12/6/2008 7:59pm no doubt ... smoke a fatty and stare at the moon with a beer in the other hand....
by swooshmaiden on 12/8/2008 12:58pm OMG random theological debate. just enjoy the song.
by Vin on 12/15/2008 11:11pm Hey "Voice of Reason", why are people as "open minded" as you so narrow minded towards people who you deem as narrow minded? And I'm sure your qualifications to judge people are outstanding. Why else would you be so open minded(of course not to feel falsely wonderful about yourself). It's easy to be open minded when you only associate with people who think like you. When people don't, just label them as narrow minded. After all, that is "the easiest thing to do". It's a great song. If you can't deal with other people's opinions about it, why stress yourself by reading them?
by Dennis Fowler on 12/20/2008 4:53am Nor matter your angle, this song is a great.
by U know who i am on 12/21/2008 2:24am Stillin lovin u alex
by Thorne on 12/23/2008 4:52pm I saw the Southern Cross for the first time out the window of a 747 on my way from LA to Sydney, shining down on the vast Pacific... it gave me chill bumps, just like this song still does. Sigh, it's so beautiful (the song AND the constellation)
by mitchbah on 12/27/2008 1:30am I don't know about the religious implications or deeper meanings of the lyrics. I knew the song referenced sailing; I found the melody soothing and peaceful...so I have always enjoyed it. I requested the number from a solo performer at a bar in Taos N.M. ( who had asked for requests) when I went there to visit my father's grave. He made a snarky, wise-ass comment about how we were in the mountains, not the beach. I'd like to kick the shit out of him.
by Lee on 12/28/2008 2:46am Lee, this is another Lee. Art Garfunkel did not sing backup on this. Not sure where you heard this. Interestingly, though, neither David Crosby, nor Graham Nash sang or played instruments on this recording. It's all Stephen Stills and other artists.
by Frank on 12/30/2008 11:08am I love the song and have picked it apart. I have a curiousity question of what was meant at the end when "some fine will come along and make me forget about loving you." I guess I would want the alternate enmding - wonder why-if there was so much love with the woman/girl that one would even think of another fine one to make one forget about such a deep love/ I would think that you would go back to the one who twice left you?????
by diesel on 12/30/2008 3:55pm awesome harmonies a great song no matter how you interprite it
by Robert Bruce Scott on 1/1/2009 12:47am I've dragged a few bands through this classic. Now that il Troubadore is starting to develop reliable harmonies, I think we'll cover this one. I love lead singing it, but I think I'll get Paul (our drummer) to sing lead. I'll have to score out the guitar ride for Jon and Wendy to do on cello and clarinet. Great song - big crowd pleaser. Fun to sing - but not worth bothering unless you can cover all three parts. www.RobertBruceScott.com
by mjrpayne on 1/5/2009 12:06am I have always loved this song, but I had no idea until about 15 minutes ago what the Southern Cross is. I actually thought the song referred to the "Stars & Bars". The Confederate battle flag. Now that I know what it is the song is even cooler to me. To the goofball who said that Jesus invented music...I don't know. What I do know is that he placed the Southern Cross and all of the other constellations in the sky...that's pretty cool huh?! I am sad for people who will not even consider that there is a Creator. Design without a designer? I think not... Praise Him above through whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son & Holy Ghost... AMEN
by Darkhorse26 on 1/5/2009 9:41pm You haven't lived unless you've been on a reach in a following wind off Austrailia with the Southern Cross over the sunset, and the Borealis overhead! I was there and I'll never forget it!
by Bill on 1/8/2009 12:48pm Hey Darkhorse26, I was on a ship with about 800ft at the waterline off the coast of Perth. You don't have to be on a sailing vessel to never forget the Southern Cross. To all those who have never been to sea....put it on your bucket list near the top. It truly is an experience you will never forget
by Dylan on 1/8/2009 11:58pm Everyone buy the daylight again live concert DVD. It's wonderful
by Soulquest69 on 1/10/2009 4:39am This song is emotive and relatable...and for two old friends from California, the Southern Cross will be our guiding light as we make our way to Patagonia South America this summer to ring in my 40th year...nothing better than raising a toast with great friends, this song in the background, under the twinkle of the real constellation...I can't WAIT!!! This is one of my favorite all time songs - period. Rock on CSN!!!!
by Simon Templar on 1/10/2009 4:45am If I were to pick top 5 classic songs of all time, this1 surely wud be in that list. Such a luvly luvly song...no matter how many times I listen to this melodic creation, it never gets old...truely heart touching lyrics.
by pamela on 1/11/2009 12:32pm I agree with Gierbo . . . crosses have been around since forever. Enjoy the song, it is beautiful.
by Sunflower on 1/11/2009 8:00pm i love this song. when i was 11 i traveled to Namibia (Southwest Africa)with my family. we had spent time in the city, but on the night of my birthday, my dad took me outside and showed me the southern cross. every time i hear the lyrics "when you see the southern cross for the first time, you'll understand now why you came this way" i remember that magical moment. :)
by deerhunter53049 on 1/12/2009 10:38am What a great somg. If you really listen to the words what great feelings are talked about.
by s.o.s. on 1/13/2009 8:32pm 'Midlife Sailing Debacle' ? "You will survive being bested." Better? Is that right grammar? Somebody, burn the rum! God hung the constellations, matey.
by klm on 1/15/2009 8:50am Read Neil's comments, he sounds like someone who knows. Could it be the Neil as in Young, call me crazy.
by JDLAWLESS on 1/19/2009 8:58pm Excellent music. Somehow it just hits the spot.
by mbrio on 1/23/2009 2:07pm jesus says you're an idiot
by wolfhammer on 1/25/2009 4:32am you don't get it. "you will survive being bested." That means let it go. Does that make sense? There will come a time when you realize what being in a true relationship means.
by joe on 1/28/2009 11:02am it gives me a lump in my throat
by endive on 1/30/2009 8:40pm You people are nuts. These are just song lyrics - captivating lyrics, set to a great melody with unique timing. If there is a God, and I doubt it, he/she would puke up his/her last heavenly hot dog to think some bonehead on Earth found spiritual meaning in this song.
by steve on 2/3/2009 2:21pm great song to sing along with. im learning to play it on guitar to enjoy anytime.
by Davey G. on 2/6/2009 11:33am There's Always Someone who just Has to bring Religion into EVERYTHING to SOME Degree... Pa-Lease...Can you Not Simply just "ACCEPT" a Wonderfully Written Song for What it is.?... No matter What you Believe, this is a SONG, and if you Religiosos Have to express your Insecurities, do it Elsewhere...
by Warren on 2/9/2009 6:03am I agree with KLM, Niels comments and translations are the more plausable ones. I think it is Niel as in Niel Young.....
by Fillo on 2/10/2009 2:04pm Wow! this post has been going for a while now. I just found it and wanted to add my 2 cents. I spent a good amount of time at sea in my youth and whatever the song is really about, it brings back some incredible memories and will always be one of my favorite songs.
by Fillo on 2/10/2009 2:07pm BTW I saw the video for this song before I became a sailor but I think I was already a little bos'n at heart.
by Steve B on 2/10/2009 9:06pm The Southern Cross Constellation is the one the Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division)uses. A Shield Patch of four white stars (Southern Cross Constellation) on a field of Blue. It was my outfit in Vietnam where we could see it quite clearly. It was always special to me. This song was incredible when I first heard it, and remains one of my favorites. I try not to associate any great in-depth, soul searching or religious meaning to it. It's a great and timeless piece. Take Care
by Tarita on 2/14/2009 7:37pm jesus is truth?!! jesus is the biggest lie ever perpetrated. he never existed, just stories about an insufferable dead Jew. go worhip the myth, a-hole. The Temple he supposedly railed against played music all the time.
by Soothsayer on 2/14/2009 8:10pm jesus is the biggest lie ever perpetrated. he never existed---a complete myth. and one about a dead Jew, one who's been dead, even in the myth, for over 2000 years. how utterly stupid to worship it. and music was played daily in the Temple that he supposedly railed against.
by Dustin on 2/14/2009 11:11pm In the part that says "you will survive being bested," I thought he said "you will survive being molested" LOL!
by justme on 2/17/2009 10:24pm it is about absolute loneliness when you realize the reason you are alone is your own doing. You have to get on the boat to sail it! Having spent 25 years at sea, it is truly a lonely place, especially the mid-watch on a moonless night with just a faint wind from behind. Makes the sole ache and the mind expand.
by justme on 2/17/2009 10:24pm it is about absolute loneliness when you realize the reason you are alone is your own doing. You have to get on the boat to sail it! Having spent 25 years at sea, it is truly a lonely place, especially the mid-watch on a moonless night with just a faint wind from behind. Makes the soul ache and the mind expand.
by peter on 2/25/2009 9:04pm An excellent song. Stills voice is perfect makes the song what it is; especially the last verse.
by Dan C on 3/1/2009 1:49am Just had an outside dinner in the Outback last Saturday nite. Was treated to a walk through the Southern Hemisphere skies by a talented narrator after our dinner and we had extinguished all our lights. Found myself humming this song all night. The Southern Cross was out in very bright fashion that night. Left me wondering about my journey to date and going forward.
by Dave A on 3/3/2009 4:38pm Dustin, your comment about the misheard lyrics had tears running down my face with laughter!! Your a dumb ass but thats okay!! Thank you!!!
by Tom in KC on 3/5/2009 12:12am this is a beautiful song and I love it. It means all things to all people. I personally dont believe it has anything to do with Jesus, Santa or Merlin or anyother mythical or cartoon character anyone thinks of. The only Jesus that ever existed is the guy who rakes my yard in the summer time.
by R :) on 3/5/2009 11:40am I hadn't read the lyrics until a special friend told me about seeing the Southern Cross in Australia. I'm so glad he shared it; I had no idea the meaning this song had. I printed the words and carry them with me. Life is a fantastic journey.
by Andy on 3/7/2009 10:02am What a great song. I haven't heard it years, but it just came on the radio yesterday. I just had to check the lyrics because like all classic rock songs, I have no idea what they're saying! ...it turns out it's not "What heaven brought you and me, cannot be the Godfather" but I was close!
by sue on 3/8/2009 6:53pm I think he had a great love for the sea, that was greater then anything else on earth, but deep down inside he will never forget her
by Musician on 3/9/2009 3:14pm BWAA-Haa-Haa-ha-ha-hahahahaha! Jesus invented music! OMG! LMAO! No, but Christians invented gheyness... that's true for sure...
by M on 3/9/2009 7:33pm hey guys quit cussing read the lyrics if you dont know the words duh thats why they are there! i love this song great job!
by dave on 3/10/2009 1:05am I thought Stephen Stills had a long-term fixation/obsession with Judy Collins (Suite Judy Blue Eyes)and spent a long time lamenting the end of that relationship, which I believe he never got over. This song seems to echo that theme, and shows his realization of how he himself contributed to the failure of the relationship.
by jenni on the block on 3/11/2009 11:48pm usually not my type of music, but I LOVE this song!I wasn't really sure what it all meant until I read the comments so thanks for shedded some light on it. It is art though, and everyone sees what they want out of it, it's nothing to be arguementative about.
by Kill the Pig on 3/15/2009 4:17pm The song may refer directly to the constellation known as the Crux or may refer to the sailing ship "The Southern Cross" that ran the America's Cup in 1974. The ship was named after the Crux.
by sarah on 3/16/2009 10:42am in response to jimmy- this song is about stills not crosby and crosby's boat was named The Mayan
by sarah on 3/16/2009 10:50am to dave, ss did have the relationship mentioned above with judy collins, however this song was rewritten after a sailing trip ss took after his divorce from his french wife veronique, the mother of his son chris. nice interpretation though.
by IAN on 3/25/2009 8:14am See the beauty of the southern cross and you will understand the song.this is one that sticks with me and I had a great time teaching it to my friends in NZ who loved it.
by Jill on 3/27/2009 4:01pm And the Buffett version kicks ass!!!!!!!!
by Ger on 3/27/2009 8:36pm What I think the song means: First he is a sailor, away from home. His wife has left him, because of the child they lost,"what heaven brought you and me connot be forgotten" and second she lost him because he is an alcoholic, "Spirits are using me larger voices callin'". Spirits and booze are the same. He has lost everything, like most alcoholics do, and in his travels he is brought to Chirst by seeing the Southern Cross. He realizes that his troubles are small, but he can't break the habit, so his troubles are large as the comming day. After loosing everything all he has left is his "Ship and all her flags are a flyin" That ship is this song about his lost love and child "And music is her name" He is surching for his woman/girl, but at last he comes to reality, and knows the best he can hope for is drowning his love with someone else. "Somebody fine will come along make me forget about loving you" That someone is Christ. "In the Southern Cross" any way, maybe, maybe not...
by Peg on 3/29/2009 5:09pm Ger, I like it. And back up to to Lee, I'm glad your thoughts bring you so much comfort, but what bothers me about organized religion is that it causes wars, fighting, etc. People are so convinced what they know is "right," that anyone who doesn't think like them is wrong. Everyone is making great points and also seem to be in agreement that it's a great song but you're still fighting. (And not being very Christian with the name calling.) That's why in addition to this song, I love the song Imagine. P.S. I just saw the Southern Cross for the first time last week. It was beautiful. Peaceful.
by Happy Chappy on 4/3/2009 11:11pm Dunno folks...All this religious stuff... As a pagan, I pride myself on dancing naked around trees in the forest with a wreath of holly 'round my head and a bottle of dark rum in my hand. Comon folks. Paganism is a lot more fun with none of the guilt. Beats Christianity any day. Convert now! Call 1-800-TREEHUG
by Jill on 4/6/2009 10:58am Best song ever
by tammy on 4/26/2009 10:33am I like Ger's interpretation the best. Sweet song..
by Dave on 5/4/2009 3:57pm This song makes me cry everytime I hear it. I lived it. Met an australian girl, a woman/girl, sailed the south pacific and got to see the southern cross, for the first time with her. I lived with her for 19 years in Australia and have been to Avalon, where there are some noisy bars. It's is an amazing part of the world and every step on the journey is new and a world apart from here in the US. Music was his world as much as any other passion a person may have. It can break the strongest relationship or love. It did us. Simple as that. No need to look for deeper meanings than that.
by bo on 5/8/2009 8:36am why twice she ran away? cuz he's a friggin juicer... spirits, e.g., rum, using him & he's hearing voices... see ya later...
by Keeran on 5/10/2009 2:21am I just stumbled upon this track while listening to some of my brothers old records and just had to google the lyrics. My brother was a big Fleetwood Mac fan and he had one CSN record. I'm so glad I found it. Moving and timeless.
by J. Christ on 5/16/2009 7:08pm I've about had it with you jackasses! Mohammed,close the gate would ya, there's a nice lad.
by Chris on 5/22/2009 7:22pm For you people that are claiming to know what these three guys were thinking when they wrote this song, you were all wrong, the guy that wrote this song is michael curtis, I know him he lives here in illinois, and he wrote this song before he ever met any of these guys!
by Kandy on 5/25/2009 8:46pm i really love this song...listenin to it right now as im crocheting a blanket for a friend of mines baby...it also helps mellow me out...great song
by Brad on 6/8/2009 2:24pm "by Lisa on 7/12/2008 11:50am "The Curtis Brothers brought me a wonderful song called "Seven League Boots," but it drifted around too much. I re-wrote a new set of words and added a different chorus, a story about a long boat trip I took after my divorce. It's about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds. Once again I was given somebody's gem and cut and polished it" Stephen Stills CSN diskette insert" as Lisa mentions, this is the real story behind the song as I have understood it also. Awesome song as a former sailor in the USN I have a huge appreciation for the song, both its meaning and just the greatness of how it sounds!
by Scott on 6/15/2009 1:37pm You are all right- all of you. The fact that this song is bringing up a religious debate as to it meaning etc is exactly why it is such a wonderful song. It contains within its lyrics multiple meanings for many different people on many different levels. Every single issue that was brought about is what the song is about. Thus is its greatness. In the End it all that we have is "Music is her name" Peace And Love Scott
by Hollywood on 6/16/2009 2:53pm This is not a Crosby, Stills & Nash song. It was written by Richard & Michael Curtis along with Stephen Stills (who is the only member of CS&N who played or sang on the recording). Also, David Crosby & Graham Nash did not play nor sing on this song.
by Kirk on 6/19/2009 11:08pm Hollywood, I bow to your amazing knowledge of music. You are smarter than everyone on the Internet. Oh wait, nevermind. You're just a giant dick. You may be correct about the origins and performers of the song, but the last time I checked, this song first appeared on a CSN album.
by john g on 7/3/2009 8:22am just been to concert at albert hall brilliant performance .
by Down Under Dingo on 7/3/2009 5:56pm Spare us the bible-bashers, trying to foist their pathetic dependence onto the rest of us at every opportunity. Anyway, it was so good to hear 'Southern Cross' sung so heartily by CS&N in the Albert Hall in London this week. So evocative if you have seen the Southern Cross from a deck in the Southern Ocean, or lying on your back in the still of the Australian Outback. Thanks, Curtis boys and Stephen Stills.
by Bain on 7/17/2009 1:55am Well, It sure wasn't named The Southern Crescent!
by Mike on 7/24/2009 2:59pm Does anybody remember the Video? Yea back when MTV used to play Music Videos! It was a beautiful video about sailing and the loss of a love. The reason I'm on this site is to see the words, before I named my boat "Southern Cross" I wanted to make sure the word fit my beliefs. So the song can mean different things to different people. I love the song, and I also love what Lee and other said. So the song to me is both a beautiful song and if I choose will be a representation of Calvary with the 3 cross's (t Southern Cross t ). So whom ever reads it will wonder.. And that's what it's all about� either Bibical or just sailing the reach thinking about the loss of a love��.
by Dennis on 7/27/2009 12:55pm I TOTALLY agree with Down Under Dingo, this song has NOTHING to do with God, Jesus, or anything religious. While we are all entitled to believe in whatever we choose to believe in, it truly irks me when the Christians and Catholics fell they have to take every opportunity to try and push their beliefs on EVERYBODY else. I have my beliefs and they are nobody's business, as yours should be.
by PistolPete on 7/27/2009 1:40pm This song is truly a classic. Every person that I know who hears this song remarks about how they love it. Very touching song about love and loss...IMHO...
by Iokuasky on 8/2/2009 12:50am I just booked a flight to Fiji for a few months of sailing and boating,, and this song just fit into my life, ,, whatever though,, I'll never post here again,,,'nn
by JUST ME on 8/3/2009 3:26pm TO DENNIS: Christians and Catholics, is there a difference? Now here's a thought for you. Please follow these directions closely so you don't mess it up..ok. 1) Close mouth. 2) Open ears 3) Think before you speak. Ok..enough of a life lesson for today. By the way it's a great song regardless of peoples beliefs. Ya all have a nice day
by pjoyner on 8/14/2009 11:17pm No doubt Southern. Cross is one great song. It is a shame music has evolved into what it has. The artist of today generally don't have the talent to compare to those of the 70s. As far as the true meaning of the song goes, only the writers of a song can tell you the true meaning. On the other hand, the audience's opinion of the meaning is more often than not relavent to the life they live. A "Old Head", of which I have been, will interperate a song diffrent than a Christian,Agnostic, and/or Athiest. We as a people shouldn't be so insecure in our own beliefs that we take offense at the mere mention of a differen't belief. One of my friends told me his mother always told him, "It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are ignorant, than to open it and prove you are."
by joedad on 8/16/2009 10:19pm I don't understand all the rankor about god,music,peace,war,love,jesus, and why all the non believers get so bent when someone sees god in life? Southern cross affects me because of the vocal and musical impact! I do not read anything into it accept,one man reflecting upon his life,and realizing he has directly affected his own life and the life of others!Ian hunter said it best,god ain,t jive he,s still here,you are not alone.
by another Bill on 8/19/2009 12:59am I have been around the world, Lookin' for that woma/girl, Who knows love can endure. And you know it will. I believe the correct punctuation is "Lookin' for that woman, girl," obtained from another source. what's being said is to his last love "girl" about the "woman' he is looking for: a woman who Knows love can endure unlike his love that left him twice, the "girl" so in fact he is speaking of two different women. What do you think?
by Evan on 8/22/2009 11:38pm Aside from being a diehard CSN fan and an independent yacht owner, this song says a lot. Everything is relative to your condition..... On open water the night sky is tremendously brilliant, captive, and thought provoking. I interpret Stills was having another crisis with a woman and this particular sky and surroundings were part of the story - easy enough. It is those brief connections we make that our own connotations are made. I cannot think of a better way to reflect on my life than on open water under a night sky. I suppose this was Stills and we got a peek.
by Colleen on 8/27/2009 11:01am I heard this song about 2 weeks ago for the first time. Wow. It's just become the most played song on my iPhone. I see the Southern Cross just about every night down here in Australia, this song encapsulates every feeling I have for it. Just beautiful. An awesome song. Thanks to Jay for introducing me to it :-) XOXO
by Jolly Roger on 8/28/2009 8:32pm I thought Al Gore invented music
by Jack on 8/28/2009 10:04pm I do now have "more than what I wanted" afer a youth "wasted on the way"...recently been contemplating how my life will end, this song describes it perfectly
by Ruari in Ireland on 9/14/2009 11:51am What a beutiful emmotive song. Takes me back a bit to pleasant summers' evenings just watching a low sunset, with the stars commencing their twinkling voyage accross the heaven's. Nope they don't make them like this anymore. Maybe its because that spirit of the 60's & 70's has been replaced with synthetic music which appeases the appetite of a more selfish & materialistic society. Remember the infuences for folk rock are from well established good auld Irish tradition
by D on 9/18/2009 6:53pm This song takes me back to the first time I saw the Southern Cross - 1971 on the way to New Zealand and Antarctica. Today this song represents a significant portion of my life. (Most of my song favorites represent some aspect of my life.)
by chuck 09/25/09 on 9/26/2009 6:55pm Love the melody and the romance of many of the lyrics. Played the song as background music at or wedding in the Ca. redwoods,1985.
by Kerry on 10/9/2009 7:05pm It's one of the ten songs on which I NEVER change the radio station. Stills is surprisingly short & nearly deaf. This song has zero to do w/Jesus or religion or the Confederate States. Christ, read the lyrics! It's love & love lost & hope for another chance; it's Lit 101 ocean metaphor; it's literal; it's a beautiful song.
by julio on 10/12/2009 11:27am this is a awsome song!! i'm going to go learn the chords for it now see you guys later.
by DanG on 10/20/2009 9:06pm Chords are G, F, C, with some Am.
by matt on 10/27/2009 2:14am to Joedad: I appreciate your message of tolerance, and just trying to explain my take on why the rancor-- If someone just said "this song makes me think of how much I love Jesus, and how beautiful and mysterious God's creation is," I would not be offended. But when someone suggests that I don't know or have true love unless I have Jesus' love, that I could more fully appreciate music with Jesus, and that everyone needs a savior-- that tries my patience a bit, especially when I, like most people here, just came to this page to read the lyrics to a song that is meaningful to me. So I think maybe some people have this sore spot rubbed raw by evangelistic Christians pointing out "that big empty hole in your heart where Jesus should be" that they over react a bit when someone starts with the Christianity talk. Respect and understanding should go both ways, and unfortunately nobody is perfect.

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