Sail On

by Lionel Richie
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

(Dsus)Sail on (D)down the line ’bout a half ny a mile time or so and I, (Esus)I don’t real (Em)ly want to know but it where you’re go ing.

(Dsus)May be (D)once or twice, you see,

(Esus)time af (Em)ter time I tried just to, (Esus)to hold on (Em)to what we got, but was (Dsus)now (D)you’re go ing.

And I don’t my mind a bout the (D)things you’re (A)gon na (Bm)say, Lord,

I gave all my (A)mon ey and my time.

You know it ain’t so I know it’s a shame

but I’m (D)giv ing you (A)back your (Bm)name,

(A)yeah, (G)yeah.

Yes, (G)I’ll be (D)on my (Em)way,

(Em7)I won’t be back to stay.

I want I (G)guess I’ll (D)move a (Em)long, I’m look (Em7)ing for a (D)good

(A)time.

Ah.

(Dsus)Sail on (D)down the line, ain’t it fun ny how the time can go.

All my (Esus)I friends say (Em)they told me so, but it does n’t mat ter.

(Dsus)It was (D)plain to see that a

(Esus)small town (Em)ter boy like me just a (Esus)to was n’t (Em)your cup of tea.

I was (Dsus)wish (D)ful think ing.

I gave you my heart a and I (D)tried to (A)make you (Bm)hap py.

And you gave me (A)noth ing in re turn.

You know it ain’t so I hard it’s to say,

would you (D)please just you (A)go a (Bm)way?

(A)Yeah, (G)yeah.

I’ve (G)thrown a (D)way the (Em)blues,

(Em7)I’m tired of be ing used.

I want I (G)ev ’ry (D)one to (Em)know I’m look (Em7)ing for a (D)good

(A)time.

Ah.

(D)good

(A)time.

(C)Good

(G)time.

Oh.

(Gmaj7)Sail on,

(F#m7)hon ey,

good times

nev er (F#m7)felt so (Em7)good.

(Gmaj7)Sail on,

(F#m7)hon ey,

good times

nev er (F#m7)felt so (Em7)good.

(F#m7)felt so (Em7)good.

Oh.

(G)Sail

on.

(G)Sail

on.

(G)Sail

on.

(G)Sail

on.

Sail On — Visual Piano Sheet Music

1 person has learned this song

"Sail On" in visual bar notation — see every note as a colored bar on the staff. Easier to read than traditional sheet music. Scrolls automatically as you play. Key of D, 73 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “Sail On”

Why does "Sail On" show as colored bars instead of notation?
Bar Notation replaces traditional noteheads with colored horizontal bars on a simplified staff — each bar's vertical position is the pitch and its length is the duration. Much easier to read than classic sheet music while still showing the full arrangement of "Sail On".
What key is "Sail On" by Lionel Richie played in?
Sail On is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Sail On"?
The arrangement plays at 73 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Sail On" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "Sail On"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Sail On"?
"Sail On" was originally performed by Lionel Richie. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Sail On"?
This arrangement uses 14 chords: A, Bm, C, D, D7, Dsus4, Em, Em7, +6 more.
What other songs by Lionel Richie can I play here?
Try "I CALL IT LOVE", "ALL NIGHT LONG", "EASY". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is this real sheet music for "Sail On"?
It's a simplified visual notation using colored bars instead of traditional notes. Each bar's vertical position shows the pitch and its length shows duration — much easier to read for beginners while still showing the complete arrangement of "Sail On".
Can I see all the notes in "Sail On"?
Yes! The Bar Sheet shows every note in the arrangement as a colored bar. The sheet scrolls automatically during playback, or you can scroll manually to study any section. The song is in the key of D at 73 BPM.