It peaked at number six in the United Kingdom in October 1991 and topped the Australian ARIA Singles Chart for four weeks in March 1992.

[1] Unlike most of Lennon's previous songs, "Saltwater" combines subtle melodies with gentle vocals to bring forward the issues of environmental conservation and world poverty.

An instrumental version of this song was recorded by Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel on their album The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World.

Anni-Frid Lyngstad from ABBA performed the song at the open-air gala concert "Artister för Miljö"[23] and included her cover as a B-side on her single "Änglamark".

The proceeds were split equally, with The White Feather Foundation's share going directly to the Save the Mirning Sea Country Campaign to help preserve critical biodiversity and protect a sacred Aboriginal culture and Future Youth Records' proceeds being used to support Gen Z artists to inspire environmental change and social justice through music.