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1996 single by Sting

"Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" is a song by the English musician Sting. It was released as the lead single from his fifth solo studio album Mercury Falling on 13 February 1996. The soul-influenced track was inspired by a friend suffering from AIDS, and the impact such an event can have on one`s outlook on life.[2]

"Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" reached the top 20 in Sting`s native UK.[3] The song was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 1997 Grammy Awards.[4]

Background

"Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" was inspired by a friend of Sting`s who was suffering from AIDS. Sting described it as a "song about death, or dealing with death in a way that offers some sort of hope".[2]

Musically, the song was influenced by Stax artists such as Otis Redding; Percy Sledge and Aretha Franklin were also listed as significant influences.[5] Fitting in with this theme, Sting brought in the Memphis Horns to play on the track.[5]

"Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" became a top 20 hit in the UK, peaking at number 15.[3] The single was less successful in the US, reaching number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100, although it did better on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, peaking at number 3.[6] It found its greatest success in Canada, where it entered the top 10, reaching number 7.[6]

Track listing

All tracks written by Sting, except "Someone to Watch Over Me" written by George and Ira Gershwin.

Standard CD single

1. "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" (Edit) – 4:31
2. "Englishman in New York" – 4:27
3. "The Bed`s Too Big Without You" – 6:05
4. "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" (LP Version) – 6:41

CD maxi–single (US and Japan)

1. "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" (LP Version) – 6:41
2. "The Bed`s Too Big Without You" – 6:05
3. "Someone to Watch Over Me" – 4:00
4. "Englishman in New York" – 4:27

Remixes by A & G Division

1. "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" (A & G Classic Edit) – 4:38
2. "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" (A & G Full Testament Mix) – 12:32
3. "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" (A & G Great Divide Mix) – 7:40
4. "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot" (A & G Great Divide Dub) – 12:29

Charts