Set Sail

## Aurora singles chronology

"**Set Sail**" is a song by Australian singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer Aurora. It was released on June 5, 2015 as the second single from Aurora's second studio album, *Silhouettes* (2015).

## Background and composition

Following the successful launch of her sophomore era, Aurora aimed to continue promotion of her forthcoming second studio album with the release of its second official single. Unsure of the exact direction she wished to steer the era into, Aurora found herself in a rather negative mindset: "I began that session [for 'Set Sail'] with a pretty defeatist attitude. I remember it was pouring with rain that day, the Cat Venti track wasn't exactly getting glowing reviews, and I was struggling to find cohesion among my recent releases," Aurora confided to *Mode* magazine.

"Set Sail" is composed as a folktronica song with tropical house influences. While the song features a narrative detailing a person overcoming a failed relationship, Aurora has suggested it may be about something deeper. "Writing ['Set Sail'] was a very therapeutic experience," Aurora revealed on Instagram, "While I wasn't dating at the time, I was experiencing writer's block and situational depression. My breakthrough came after I tried personifying that negative energy and casting it away. Not only did this help me write the song, but the song truly helped me."

## Critical reception

"Set Sail" was revered by critics for its storytelling lyricism and usage of metaphors and imagery, becoming Aurora's most acclaimed track at the time.

It received a rating of 9.24 by Platvian music critics, being Aurora's first song with a rating of 9 or higher, and highest rated song until 2017's "Aftertaste".

## Commercial performance

"Set Sail" debuted and peaked at #1 on the Platvia HitList chart dated June 16, 2015. It became Aurora's fifth #1 song on the Platvia HitList.

## Lyrics

I was stranded when you landed
And you tried to make a home
On this isolated island
Where I made do on my own
Should have sent you on your way
I was better off alone
Still I tried to best provide you
With a shelter from the cold
And was beautifully blinded
By the lies you always told
Should have realized as I melted
Like the ice that plagues your soul
**Pre-Chorus**
I thought you were after my time and affection
But your compass points in a different direction
I'm not just a treasure for your prize collection
So turn to the ocean and kiss your reflection
**Chorus**
The winds begin to howl
Calling your name
Placing their blame
The waves are crying out
Screaming your name
Theirs to reclaim
Your siren song now silenced
By the sound of your betrayal
It's time for you to go
Now set sail
**Second Verse**
Soon I realized it was unwise
That I took a stranger in
But your effervescent aura
Made regret feel like a sin
So I pushed my doubts away
Like a sail in the wind
But you broke me, which awoke me
From the spell which you had cast
So that never-ending nightmare
I'll leave buried in the past
Now you realize you can't own me
Like a flag bound to your mast
**Pre-Chorus**
I thought you were after my time and affection
But your compass points in a different direction
I'm not just a treasure for your prize collection
So turn to the ocean and kiss your reflection
**Chorus**
The winds begin to howl
Calling your name
Placing their blame
The waves are crying out
Screaming your name
Theirs to reclaim
Your siren song now silenced
By the sound of your betrayal
It's time for you to go
Now set sail
**Bridge**
I thought you were my counterweight
My anchor and my ground
Just like a fool I caught the bait
And let you pull me down
So if you try to call my bluff
Or get lost out at sea
There'll be no lighthouse bright enough
To guide you back to me
**Chorus**
The winds begin to howl
Calling your name
Placing their blame
The waves are crying out
Screaming your name
Theirs to reclaim
Your siren song now silenced
By the sound of your betrayal
It's time for you to go
Now set sail
**Outro**
Your siren song now silenced
By the sound of your betrayal
It's time for you to go
Now set sail
Set sail
Set sail

## Live performances

"Set Sail" was included in the setlist for Aurora's debut concert tour, The Heartstorm Tour. It was performed as the only track during the tour's encore, titled "Progress", being the twentieth and final performance overall.

## Re-recorded version

Following her split from Red Rose Records in 2020, "Set Sail" was re-recorded for Aurora's album *Silhouettes: Deluxe* (2021).