About the song
“Southern Cross,” a poignant anthem by Crosby, Stills & Nash, stands as a testament to both musical collaboration and personal introspection. Penned by Stephen Stills in collaboration with Rick and Michael Curtis, the song was a standout on the band’s “Daylight Again” album and made its mark as a single in September 1982. Stills takes the lead vocals throughout the track, joined by Graham Nash for a harmonious second verse.
The genesis of “Southern Cross” traces back to a song called “Seven League Boots,” originally crafted by Rick and Michael Curtis. Stills, known for his adept songwriting, reimagined the composition, infusing it with new lyrics and a chorus that spoke of personal growth and healing. Reflecting on his own experiences, Stills described the song as inspired by a transformative sea voyage taken post-divorce, where he found solace and renewal amidst the vast expanse of the ocean.
The title and lyrics draw from the symbolism of the Southern Cross constellation, a celestial guide in the southern hemisphere. This imagery blends seamlessly with Stills’ introspective lyrics, creating a narrative of spiritual journey and self-discovery. Billboard aptly described the song as a “midtempo minor-keyed saga,” reminiscent of Stills’ earlier works both with Crosby, Stills & Nash and as a solo artist.
The accompanying music video, a staple during the early days of MTV and VH1, features evocative scenes of Stills navigating a sailboat named Southern Cross, interspersed with the band’s heartfelt performances. Despite David Crosby’s absence from the album version, he appeared in the video and later joined in live performances of the song, reaffirming the enduring camaraderie and artistic synergy of the group.
“Southern Cross” soared to No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as Crosby, Stills & Nash’s final Top 40 hit as of 2022. Its lasting impact lies not only in its chart success but in its ability to resonate deeply with listeners, offering a timeless message of resilience and finding one’s way through life’s challenges. Through Stills’ masterful songwriting and the band’s harmonious delivery, “Southern Cross” remains a cherished emblem of musical craftsmanship and emotional depth within the rock genre.
Video
Lyrics
Got out of town on a boat, going to Southern islands
Sailing a reach before a following sea
She was making 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[Pre-Chorus]
(I think about)
Think about how many times I have fallen
Spirits are using me, larger voices calling
What heaven brought you and me
Cannot be forgotten (I’ve been around the world)[Chorus]
I have been around the world (Looking)
Looking for that woman-girl
(And I know she knows)
Who knows love can endure
And you know it will