Gavin Sutherland has stated that the song was not written about a physical voyage or a standard romance.
I am sailing, I am sailing Home again 'cross the sea I am sailing stormy waters To be near you, to be free Rod Stewart - Sailing (Lyrics)
The heavy longing expressed in the lyrics ("I am dying, forever crying") represents the soul's deep eagerness to cast off the struggles of the physical world and finally find freedom by uniting with the Supreme Being. This spiritual plea is cemented in the outro with repeated cries of "Oh Lord". Gavin Sutherland has stated that the song was