The moon has always been an inspiration for artists.
We gaze upon it every night, but it’s far, unreachable, and still mysterious.
Music about the moon is, however, very versatile.
And during our search for the best songs about the moon, we realized how many iconic musicians used it as a theme.
You’ll see what we’re talking about in a second.
So, here is our pick of the 35 best songs about the moon.
We hope you’ll enjoy the playlist, and perhaps listen to it the next time you’ll be watching the night sky.
35 Best Songs About the Moon
1. Echo and the Bunnymen – “The Killing Moon”
Let’s start with a couple of timeless classics.
“The Killing Moon” by Echo and the Bunnymen is hands down one of the best songs that mention the moon.
Released in 1984, “The Killing Moon” could be about many things; you should draw your own conclusions.
“Under blue moon, I saw you
So soon you’ll take me
Up in your arms, too late to beg you.”
2. Janis Joplin – “Half Moon”
“Half moon, night time sky,
Seven stars, heaven’s eyes.
Seven songs on seven seas
Just to bring all your sweet love home to me.”
This uplifting blues-rock song about the moon will make you believe that the power of the moon can heal everything.
“Half Moon” was used as the B-side of Joplin’s #1 hit “Me And Bobby McGee.”
And its funky vibe and ‘celestial’ lyrics really make it timeless.
3. Van Morrison – “Moondance”
Just like the guys from Echo and the Bunnyman, Van Morrison believes the songs should speak for themselves.
Therefore, his feel-good hit “Moondance” doesn’t have a clear message.
But one thing is for sure: Morrison believes “it’s a marvelous night for a moondance.”
4. R.E.M. – “Man on the Moon”
Here comes another universally popular song about the moon.
In a way, this song is a tribute to the comedian and performer Andy Kaufman.
And the title refers to Moon landing conspiracy theories (as an allusion to the rumor that Kaufman’s death was faked.)
Either way, “Man on the Moon” became one of the band’s signature songs and it’s arguably one of the best things they wrote.
5. The Police – “Walking on the Moon”
“Walking on the Moon” by The Police is a perfect sequel to the previous song.
Quirky lyrics, catchy riffs, and chill late 70s vibes; it’s a classic Police song.
And undeniably one of the best moon songs.
“Giant steps are what you take
Walking on the moon.”
6. Joni Mitchell – “Moon at the Window”
Joni Mitchell decided to take a different approach to the moon theme.
“Moon at the Window” is a charming jazzy tune ideal for night sky watching with a glass of wine.
“Oh, but sometimes the light
Can be so hard to find
At least the moon at the window–
The thieves left that behind.”
7. Cat Stevens – “Moonshadow”
When it comes to songs about the moon, many of them seem to be hopeful and dreamy.
In “Moonshadow”, Cat Stevens sings about hope and the importance of being present in every moment. It’s about seeing life as it is.
Well, the simple and calming atmosphere of the song certainly helps us appreciate the present moment.
8. David Bowie – “Moonage Daydream”
This 1972 hit by David Bowie is one of the most unique moon songs ever made.
Quirky lyrics, recognizable riff, and Bowie’s incomparable spirit make “Moonage Daydream” timeless.
The song was also featured on the 2014 film “Guardians Of The Galaxy” as a part of the special 70s mixtape.
9. Nick Drake – “Pink Moon”
Speaking of timeless, Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” definitely falls under that category.
It’s a seemingly simple song: it has Drake’s voice, a piano, and a guitar. But that’s indeed all you need.
“I saw it written and I saw it say
A pink moon is on its way
And none of you stand so tall
Pink moon gonna get you all.”
10. Billie Holiday – “Blue Moon”
Billie Holiday is another artist who knew how to charm people with simplicity and an authentic approach to music.
And there is something really special in her energy in “Blue Moon.”
Over the years, the song has been covered by many artists including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Elvis Presley.
“And then they suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper, “Please, adore me”
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold.”
11. Kid Francescoli – “Moon”
Although it was released in 2017, “Moon” by Kid Francescoli recently became a viral hit.
It’s a captivating electro-pop tune ideal for moonlight drives or daydreaming.
The song also gained popularity after being featured on the TV series “Emily in Paris.”
12. Shivaree – “Goodnight Moon”
When thinking about moon related songs, this seductive track by Shivaree immediately comes to mind.
However, for many, this seems to be the only Shivaree song they know.
Either way, “Goodnight Moon” is a song that deserves a place on your moon songs list.
“Now goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it’s not here soon
I might be done
No it won’t be too soon ’til I say
Goodnight moon.”
13. Gregory Alan Isakov – “The Moon Song”
“The Moon Song” by Gregory Alan Isakov will immediately ease your mind.
It will also help you appreciate the things you usually take for granted, including the beautiful moon that shines upon us every night.
Sometimes, all you need to do to feel better is to slow down, listen to good music, and take a good look at the sky above you.
14. Neil Young – “Harvest Moon”
If you’re searching for love songs about the moon, look no further than this classic hit.
The moon has been a big inspiration for Neil Young as it appears in many of his songs.
But “Harvest Moon” is arguably his most memorable one.
“Because I’m still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I’m still in love with you
On this harvest moon.”
15. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Bad Moon Rising”
“Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is another popular song about the moon.
Well, it’s not literally about the moon or space travel, but it reached the chart peak of #2 in the US eight days after the Apollo 11 moon landing.
“Don’t go around tonight
Well it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise.”
16. King Crimson – “Moonchild”
“Moonchild” is a song from King Crimson’s debut album “In the Court of the Crimson King.”
And it’s arguably one of their most beautiful ones.
“She’s a moonchild
Gathering the flowers in a garden.
Lovely moonchild
Drifting on the echoes of the hours.”
17. Future Islands – “Like the Moon”
This indie track by Future Islands was released in 2014.
It’s captivating, dreamy, and calm – just like the moon.
“And she looks like the moon
So close and yet, so far
She says everything
She knows me too well.”
18. Phoebe Bridgers – “The Moon Song”
“The Moon Song” by the young American indie artist Phoebe Bridgers is a beautiful depiction of love and devotion.
Although it’s seemingly simple, “The Moon Song” is very captivating, raw, and kind of heartbreaking.
“And there’s something I’m supposed to say
But can’t for the life of me remember what it is
And if I could give you the moon
I would give you the moon.”
19. Bruno Mars – “Talking To The Moon”
Music about the moon doesn’t include only classics and indie songs.
And although we didn’t come across many pop songs about the moon, Bruno Mars was obviously inspired by the magic of the moon.
In his own style, he recorded an emotional ballad about love, hope, and yearning.
“Talking to the moon
Trying to get to you
In hopes you’re on the other side talking to me too
Or am I a fool who sits alone talking to the moon?”
20. Norah Jones – “Shoot the Moon”
It comes as no surprise that one of the songs with moon in the title is by Norah Jones.
Her music is a perfect soundtrack to a walk in the moonlight.
And she released “Shoot the Moon” on her iconic album “Come Away With Me” in 2002.
“The summer days are gone too soon
You shoot the moon
And miss completely
And now you’re left to face the gloom
The empty room that once smelled sweetly.”
21. Toploader – “Dancing in the Moonlight”
This popular hit is undoubtedly one of the best feel-good songs about moonlight.
Toploader’s version is actually a cover; “Dancing in the Moonlight” was originally released by the group King Harvest in 1972.
Either way, it’s a beloved hit that can still frequently be heard on the radio.
22. LeAnn Rimes – “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”
Another huge international hit we simply can’t skip is “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes.
And these lines will always be an occasional earworm:
“You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss
But you know, but you know that you
Can’t fight the moonlight.”
23. Grace VanderWaal – “Moonlight”
Grace VanderWaal is a young American artist who started her career by posting videos of her songs and covers on YouTube.
And her youthful, catchy song “Moonlight” proves her talent and authenticity.
“I remember last year when I told you
I would always stay here and never leave you
I told you the light in your eyes made it look like
We, we’re dancing In the moonlight.”
24. Audrey Hepburn – “Moon River”
When it comes to timeless classic songs about the moon, “Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn is an absolute winner.
Audrey’s incomparable charm blends with the dreamy atmosphere of the song perfectly.
She performed “Moon River” in the 1961 movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, and the song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
25. Claude Debussy – “Claire de Lune”
Maybe our conclusion about Hepburn’s “Moon River” was a bit hasty; “Claire de Lune” is arguably the most timeless song on this list.
It was composed by French composer Claude Debussy in 1890; ‘Claire de Lune’ is ‘moonlight’ in French.
It’s one of the most beautiful piano pieces that continue to inspire pianists around the world.Â
26. Hindi Zahra – “The Moon”
If you like world music, you’ve probably heard of the amazing Morrocan singer Hindi Zahra.
She released “The Moon” on her 2015 album “Homeland.”
It’s a mystical song characterized by romantic lyrics and Hindi’s mesmerizing energy.
“I will tell it to the moon
And sing it to the sky
I know that the best thing is you and I.”
27. Radiohead – “Sail Me to the Moon”
Radiohead seems to be continuously inspired by the moon as well. They even named their ninth studio album “A Moon Shaped Pool.”
And they released “Sail Me to the Moon” in 2003.
The song was supposedly written as an ode to Thom Yorke’s son Noah. If you look at the lyrics, that does make sense:
“Maybe you’ll
Be president
But know right from wrong
Or in the flood
You’ll build an ark
And sail us to the moon.”
28. Fleetwood Mac – “Sisters of the Moon”
“Sisters of the Moon” from Fleetwood Mac’s album “Tusk” has allegedly emerged from a jam during one of their recording sessions.
The song was written and sung by Stevie Nicks, and it’s ideal for a long moonlight drive.
29. Savage Garden – “To the Moon and Back”
Unless you’re a Savage Garden fan, “To the Moon and Back” is probably one of those songs you’ve known for years but never found out its name.
Well, you probably got it right: it’s called “To the Moon and Back.”
Either way, the song has that boy band (or boy duo, to be precise) and late 90s charm.
30. The Black Ghosts – “Full Moon”
When it comes to songs about a full moon, this indie gem by The Black Ghosts definitely deserves to be mentioned.
The song probably gained popularity after it was featured in the “Twilight” trilogy. Well, whether you’re a “Twilight” fan or not, the movie does have a good soundtrack.
31. Petit Biscuit – “Full Moon”
To continue the series of full moon songs, we also want to mention “Full Moon” by Petit Biscuit.
The song has a melodic, electronic sound and a dreamy atmosphere.
32. The Doors – “Moonlight Drive”
We’re still not done with the timeless classics.
“Moonlight Drive” was allegedly left off The Doors’ first album because they felt it wasn’t good enough, and now it’s one of their most popular songs.
And probably one of the most beloved songs about moonlight.
“Let’s swim out tonight, love
It’s our turn to try
Parked beside the ocean
On our moonlight drive.”
33. The Rolling Stones – “The Moon is Up”
Another iconic band that was inspired to write a song about the moon is The Rolling Stones.
It’s not one of their most famous tracks, but it has a nice, easy-going vibe (somewhat similar to the “Moonlight Drive.”)
“Moon is up
The sun is down
You can’t have it both ways round.”
34. Sade – “The Moon and the Sky”
“You’ll always know the reason why
We could’ve had the moon and the sky.”
Sade is the queen of blending heartbreaking lyrics with a smooth, easy-going sound.
But unlike The Rolling Stones and The Doors, she brings a touch of melancholy to that easy-going atmosphere.
Either way, “The Moon and the Sky” certainly deserves its place among the best songs about the moon.
35. Frank Sinatra – “Fly Me to The Moon”
And last but not least: the iconic “Fly Me to The Moon” by the great Frank Sinatra.
It’s undeniably one of the most famous jazz songs about the moon.
Sinatra’s version of the song was even played on the Apollo 10 mission.
In other words, it’s a perfect ending to our little moon songs playlist.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many great artists who were inspired by the moon; from David Bowie and Billie Holiday to pianists like Debussy.
And Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” was rumored to have been the first music ever played on the Moon itself.
Nonetheless, our list of the best songs about the moon is surely versatile.
We hope it reminded you of familiar hits as well as showed you some hidden gems. We have even more suggestions, but we’ll leave that for the next time.
Until then, have fun listening to our playlist on your next moonlight drive!
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