Most of us have heard “Sail” at some point in our lives, whether it be on the radio, in a movie, or even as background music in a commercial. The song was released in 2010 by the American band Awolnation, and it quickly rose to fame, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning the band a platinum record. However, the true meaning behind the song may not be immediately clear. In this article, we’ll be delving into the lyrics and exploring the deeper themes within “Sail”.

The Lyrics

Let’s start with the lyrics themselves:

This is how I show my love
I made it in my mind because
I blame it on my ADD, baby
This is how an angel dies
I blame it on my own sick pride
Blame it on my ADD, baby

Sail!

Chorus:

Maybe I should cry for help
Maybe I should kill myself (myself)
Blame it on my ADD, baby
Maybe I’m a different breed
Maybe I’m not listening (listening)
So blame it on my ADD, baby
Sail!

Can you feel it? Can you feel it?

The Inspiration

Aaron Bruno, the lead singer and songwriter of Awolnation, has stated that “Sail” was inspired by his own struggles with mental health. Growing up, Bruno was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and he found it difficult to focus and fit in socially. As he entered adulthood and began pursuing his music career, he found that the pressures and expectations of the industry only exacerbated his mental health issues.

In an interview with MTV, Bruno explained, “I wanted to kind of express the darker side of my psyche that comes out when things aren’t going my way. It was a way for me to articulate that darkness I felt, but put it in danceable, fun music.”

The Deeper Themes

At its core, “Sail” is a song about feeling misunderstood and isolated. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is struggling with mental health issues that are causing him to act in ways that others may not understand or accept. He feels ostracized and misunderstood, and he’s unsure of how to ask for help or connect with others.

The chorus, in particular, is a cry for help. The line “Maybe I should kill myself” is jarring and unsettling, but it’s also a common thought among those struggling with mental health issues. The narrator is grappling with the idea that his own mind may be his worst enemy, and he’s not sure how to escape the darkness.

The repetition of “blame it on my ADD, baby” throughout the song is also significant. Bruno has said that he wrote the line as a way to express his frustration with the way his ADD was often used as an excuse for his behavior. Many people with mental health issues find that their conditions are stigmatized or minimized, and they’re often told to simply “snap out of it” or “get over it”. By repeating the line, Bruno is both owning his struggles and acknowledging the ways in which society can be dismissive of mental health.

The Music Video

The music video for “Sail” is just as haunting as the song itself. Directed by Cameron Duddy, the video features a group of teenagers engaging in violent and destructive behavior while wearing animal masks. The imagery is raw and unsettling, and it’s clear that the characters are struggling with their own demons.

Bruno has said that he didn’t have much involvement in the creation of the video, but he was pleased with the way it turned out. He said, “The [juxtaposition] of the somber, indifferent attitude of the actors in the video while the song is playing gives it a weird, eerie tension.”

The Legacy of “Sail”

Despite its dark themes, “Sail” has become something of a cultural touchstone. The song has been used in countless films, TV shows, and commercials, and it’s often played at sporting events. It’s been remixed, covered, and parodied by countless artists and creators.

Perhaps the reason for its enduring popularity is the fact that it speaks to a universal experience. We all know what it’s like to feel alone or misunderstood. We’ve all struggled with our own demons. And sometimes, all we need is a cathartic, anthemic song like “Sail” to help us connect with others and feel less alone.

Conclusion

“Sail” may be a simple song on the surface, but it’s also a powerful expression of the human experience. It speaks to the ways in which our own minds can feel like our worst enemies and the isolating effects of mental health struggles. But it also offers hope and connection, reminding us that we all struggle and that sometimes all we need is a good song to help us feel better.