Mary Berry’s Favourite Song Revealed: A Tribute to Rod Stewart’s Timeless Classic
Renowned British chef and television presenter Mary Berry has shared her musical tastes with the nation, and it’s a treat for music lovers. The beloved icon, known for her culinary expertise and numerous cookbooks, has revealed that Rod Stewart’s 1975 hit ‘Sailing’ is her favourite song of all time. This was during her appearance on the BBC Radio Four programme Desert Island Discs in 2012, where guests select eight songs they would take with them if stranded on a desert island.
With a career spanning decades, Mary Berry has established herself as one of the country’s most trusted voices in the culinary world. Her impressive portfolio includes over 70 cookbooks, presenting the Great British Bake Off, and a range of related products that have won over generations of Brits, from aspiring chefs to everyday home cooks. Her musical opinions, however, have also earned her a reputation as a connoisseur, and her choice of ‘Sailing’ has resonated with fans.
The song, part of Rod Stewart’s album Atlantic Crossing, is a cover of the Sutherland Brothers’ 1972 original track, which has a distinctive Celtic feel. Stewart’s version, with its signature rock undertones, was done with the original authors’ blessing. For Mary Berry, ‘Sailing’ holds a special significance, evoking memories of her childhood and a poignant moment in her life. "It was something that the boys when they were back from school they would have it on full blast upstairs," she recalled. "And when [my son] Will’s funeral came, not only did we have Onward Christian Soldiers but we finished with ‘Sailing’ to remember him."
According to Gavin Sutherland, the writer of ‘Sailing’, the song’s meaning goes beyond its romantic connotations. In a 1975 interview with the Scottish Daily Express, Sutherland revealed that "the amusing thing about ‘Sailing’ is that most people take the song to be about a young guy telling his girl that he’s crossing the Atlantic to be with her." He added that "in fact, the song’s got nothing to do with romance or ships; it’s an account of mankind’s spiritual odyssey through life on his way to freedom and fulfillment with the Supreme Being."
Mary Berry’s selection of songs for her desert island playlist was diverse and eclectic, featuring pop classics like ‘Mamma Mia’ by ABBA, ‘Summer Holiday’ by Cliff Richard & The Shadows, and ‘Wish Me Luck (As You Wave Me Goodbye)’ by Gracie Fields. She also chose ‘How Great Thou Art’ by Susan Boyle, as well as classical pieces like Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘Spring (Allegro)’, Salvation Army New York Staff Band’s ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’, and Sydney Carter’s ‘Lord of the Dance’.
The Express.co.uk understands that Mary Berry’s love for ‘Sailing’ endures, and it’s easy to see why. Rod Stewart’s timeless classic has become an anthem for generations, and its themes of freedom and fulfillment continue to resonate with listeners. As reported by the Express, Mary Berry’s fondness for ‘Sailing’ is a testament to the song’s enduring appeal, and its place in her heart is a tribute to its spiritual and emotional significance.
In conclusion, Mary Berry’s favourite song, ‘Sailing’ by Rod Stewart, is a reflection of her musical tastes and personal experiences. The song’s themes of spirituality and freedom have made it a beloved classic, and its inclusion in her desert island playlist is a testament to its enduring appeal. As a nation, we can learn a thing or two from Mary Berry’s musical selections, and ‘Sailing’ is sure to remain a favourite for years to come.
