“Orinoco Flow” is a song by the Irish singer Enya, released in October 1988 as the lead single from her second studio album, “Watermark.” The song became Enya’s breakthrough hit and remains one of her most famous tracks.
“Orinoco Flow” was written by Enya and her longtime collaborator, Irish writer, poet, and lyricist Roma Ryan, and produced by Roma’s husband Nicky Ryan. The song was recorded in the studio built in the home of Nicky and Roma Ryan, known as “Aigle Studio.” The title “Orinoco Flow” references the Orinoco River in South America and also nods to Orinoco Studios in London, where parts of the album were recorded.
The lyrics of “Orinoco Flow” are a mixture of geographical references and evocative imagery, conjuring a sense of travel and adventure. The chorus, with its repeated phrase “Sail away, sail away, sail away,” emphasizes the theme of exploration and the desire to journey to distant and exotic places. The song mentions various locations around the world, including the island of Bali, Fiji, and the city of Cebu in the Philippines, enhancing its global and escapist feel. “Orinoco Flow” is characterized by its lush, layered production and ethereal sound. Enya’s distinctive use of multi-tracked vocals creates a rich, choir-like effect, while synthesized orchestral elements add depth and texture. The song features a harp-like synthesizer riff that drives the melody, along with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic percussion pattern. The production blends elements of Celtic, New Age, and ambient music, contributing to its unique and timeless quality.
“Orinoco Flow” was a major commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and staying there for three weeks. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and reached number one on Eurochart Hot 100. In the United States, the song reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a significant hit on the Adult Contemporary chart. The success of “Orinoco Flow” helped propel the “Watermark” album to international acclaim and established Enya as a prominent artist in the New Age and ambient music genres.
The music video for “Orinoco Flow” features Enya performing the song in a series of dreamlike and fantastical settings. The video employs various visual effects, such as superimposed images and animations, to create a sense of movement and otherworldliness. It was directed by Michael Geoghegan.