Help: Sailing history

Subject: Sailing history
From: Gypsy
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 11:46 AM

Okay, so am looking for the history on the song, Sailing. I know (i think) that it is quite old. In spite of Rod Stewart trying to own it! Does anyone have the answer? Checked out Google, and just got lyrics. Am looking for approximate date of writing, and any info on the background. Thanks, all.

Subject: RE: Help: Sailing history
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 11:50 AM

Could you post a verse or two to be sure we are on the same slate?

Subject: RE: Help: Sailing history
From: Grab
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 01:40 PM

Gavin Sutherland, according to all the hits in Google, written in 1972 and covered in 1975 by Revolting Rod. This link has stuff about the Sutherlands.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Help: Sailing history
From: Gypsy
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 09:46 PM

Sigh....was it REALLY written in 1972? I was certain that it was much older than that, but that is what i got on google too. Charley, it's the one that goes:
I am sailing
I am sailing
to be near you,
to be free
i know, last verse, but that is the one that floated up.

Subject: RE: Help: Sailing history
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 04:40 PM

It was a tune played as the Task Force sailed for the Falklands in 1982.
Keith.

Subject: RE: Help: Sailing history
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 06 Jan 02 - 11:51 AM

It was the theme for a Documentary series of the early 70's I think, called either 'Ark Royal' or 'Sailor itself....about the Aircraft Carrier 'Ark Royal'.

The song was sung (& I think recorded & released as a single) by the Crew of the old 'Ark (which was decommissioned in the 70's...not that long after the series was made)

Subject: RE: Help: Sailing history
From: Gypsy
Date: 07 Jan 02 - 11:01 AM

Well, guess i am fixed good and proper. Of course, i thought that Julian of Norwich was old too....and was written about the same time as Sailing was. Thanks, all.