Will Fenton
The wind is an elemental force of nature that has captivated humans for centuries.
It’s often associated with change, freedom, and the unknown.
Many artists have been inspired by the power and majesty of the wind, creating some of the most memorable and emotional songs in music history.
We’ve put together a list of 30 of the best songs about wind.
These songs come from different genres and periods, but they all pay tribute to this elusive and amazing force.
Whether you’re looking for a song to set the mood for a windy day or want to appreciate the beauty of the wind in music, this list has something for everyone.
1. “Hickory Wind” by The Byrds
“Hickory Wind” was first released on The Byrds’ 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
The song is thought to be one of Parsons’ best works, and it shows how he combines country, rock, and folk styles.
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of the hickory wind blowing across the countryside and evoke feelings of homesickness and longing.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a classic of the country rock genre.
2. “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Kroft
“Summer Breeze” was released in 1972 and quickly hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is mostly instrumental, and the lyrics are about how the wind blows through the trees on a summer evening.
With lines like “summer breeze makes me feel fine, blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind,” the lyrics are particularly memorable.
The song is a nostalgic reflection on the beauty of a summer evening and the power of the wind to bring peace and joy.
3. “Song of the Wind” by Santana
The song, written by Gregg Rolie, Carlos Santana, and Neal Schon, is part of Santana’s fourth album, Caravanserai.
The song is an instrumental track that has a tranquil and peaceful feel and has been praised for its lyrical and instrumental beauty.
The song’s lyrics and musical style evoke a sense of the power and majesty of the wind, making it a fitting tribute to this natural force.
4. “Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross
The song, which was released in 1979, is an upbeat, rhythmic, and blues-influenced track that celebrates the freedom and excitement of riding the wind.
The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of freedom and escape that can come with riding on the wind, and it has been interpreted by many as a metaphor for chasing one’s dreams and living life to the fullest.
It has been featured in several films and television shows over the years and continues to be a popular choice for soundtracks and playlists.
5. “Winter Winds” by Fotheringay
Fotheringay was formed in 1969 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Sandy Denny, who was previously a member of the folk-rock band Fairport Convention.
“Winter Winds” is a folk song with acoustic guitar, mandolin, and Denny’s strong, emotional voice.
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a desolate winter landscape, and its melancholic melody reflects the cold and loneliness of the season.
6. “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger
“Against the Wind” was released as the lead single from Seger’s 1980 album Against the Wind.
It became one of Seger’s most successful songs, reaching the top five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The lyrics of the song describe a journey through life and the struggles of trying to keep one’s sense of self and direction while facing challenges along the way.
The line “against the wind, we’re on the road to our destiny” means that it’s important to keep going and face problems head-on, no matter what they are.
See also: Best Bob Seger Songs
7. “They Call The Wind Maria” by Sam Cooke
“They Call the Wind Maria” was originally written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe for the 1951 musical “Paint Your Wagon.”
Sam Cooke’s version was released in 1960 and became very popular.
This charming song is about a village where they name the forces of nature.
They specifically called the wind Maria because it is said to be wailing.
It is mentioned that Maria, the wind, is lonely.
The narrator, who recently broke up with his girlfriend, shares the same sentiment.
He cries out to the wind in desperation, hoping that it will help him mend his broken relationship.
8. “The Wind Of Mayhem” by Bathory
“The Wind Of Mayhem” by Bathory is a heavy metal track that showcases the Swedish band’s intricate guitar work and powerful drumming
The song is from their 1994 album Twilight of the Gods and is one of their most popular songs.
The song is about a storm that is coming and the fear and chaos that it brings.
The song has a strong melody and a driving rhythm, and the powerful guitar solos and intense drumming make it a fitting soundtrack for the chaos that the wind can bring.
9. “The Wind” by Zac Brown Band
“The Wind” by Zac Brown Band is a country track from their 2012 album Uncaged.
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of the wind as a symbol of freedom and the simple things in life that bring happiness.
The song has resonated with many fans, and its themes of reflection, appreciation, and peace continue to make it a favorite among listeners.
10. “Seminole Wind” by John Anderson
“Seminole Wind” topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for two weeks in December 1992, becoming Anderson’s sixth and final number one on the chart.
This song is about environmental preservation because, as civilization and population have advanced, the environment has become less important.
It advises listeners to pay attention to what’s going on and serves as a reminder to take action before the harm becomes irreversible.
11. “She’s Like The Wind” by Patrick Swayze ft. Wendy Fraser
“She’s Like The Wind” is a song written by Patrick Swayze and Stacy Widelitz, and recorded by Swayze for the 1987 film Dirty Dancing. It also features a short duet with Wendy Fraser at the end.
The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number one on the Adult Contemporary chart in the US.
It describes a man who longs for a woman who is not in his league.
He compares her to the wind, which he will never be able to touch as he is limited to only feeling her presence from a distance.
12. “Dust In The Wind” by Kansas
“Dust in the Wind” was written by Kansas guitarist and vocalist Kerry Livgren and became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is a melodic ballad about the transient nature of life and how everything eventually turns to dust.
The lyrics express the idea that everything in life is temporary and that we are all “just dust in the wind.”
The song has been covered by rock, folk, and classical artists, among others, and it is still one of Kansas’ most popular songs.
13. “Ride The Wild Wind” by Queen
“Ride the Wild Wind” was included in Queen’s 1991 album Innuendo.
The song features Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals and Brian May’s signature guitar riffs.
The lyrics of the song describe the feeling of being out on the open road, feeling the power of the wind, and having the freedom to go wherever you want.
14. “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Peter, Paul and Mary
“Blowin’ in the Wind” is a song written by Bob Dylan that was first released on his 1963 album The Freewheelin’.
The song became popular after being covered by the folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary.
The song’s lyrics pose a series of rhetorical questions about peace, freedom, and equality, and its message is one of hope and a call for change.
Peter, Paul, and Mary’s version of “Blowin’ in the Wind” became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helping to bring Dylan’s music to a wider audience.
15. “Candle In The Wind” by Elton John
The English singer-songwriter Elton John wrote “Candle in the Wind” as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe.
The song was released in 1973 and became a huge success, reaching number one on the charts in several countries.
In 1997, John rewrote the song as a tribute to Princess Diana, who had died earlier that year, and the new version, titled “Candle in the Wind 1997,” was released as a single.
The rewritten version became one of the best-selling singles of all time, and it raised millions of dollars for Princess Diana’s charities.
“Candle in the Wind” is a poignant ballad that speaks to the fleeting nature of fame and the tragedy of untimely death.
16. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a song originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Bette Midler for the soundtrack of the film “Beaches” in 1988
The song was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley and was first recorded by Kamahl in 1982 for a country and western album he was recording.
“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a ballad about appreciating the people in our lives who have supported us and been there for us through thick and thin.
17. “The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix wrote “The Wind Cries Mary” after he and his girlfriend at the time, Kathy Mary Etchingham, got into a fight over mashed potatoes.
The song’s title and lyrics use the wind as a metaphor for the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, making it a poignant and thought-provoking piece of music.
18. “Wind of Change” by Scorpions
“Wind of Change” was written in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the beginning of the reunification of East and West Germany.
The song’s lyrics reflect the hope and optimism of the time.
“Wind of Change” speaks to the power of change and the possibility of a better future, and it became an anthem for the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of hope and peace.
19. “Four Strong Winds” by Neil Young
“Four Strong Winds” is a song written by Canadian singer Ian Tyson and popularized by Neil Young.
It was first released by Ian and Sylvia in 1964, and Neil Young released his version of the song in 1978 on the album Comes a Time.
The song is about a man who is leaving his relationship and home to go out and find a new life and is filled with imagery of the Canadian landscape.
The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and loneliness, as the man is leaving behind all that he knows
20. “The Winds Of Winter” by Ramin Djawadi
“The Winds of Winter” is a musical composition by Ramin Djawadi for the television series “Game of Thrones.”
The song is used as the opening theme for season six of the show and features a choir and a string section with a subtle but powerful beat.
The music invokes a feeling of dread and unease, and the song has been praised for creating a strong atmosphere.
21. “Easy Wind” by The Grateful Dead
“Easy Wind” is an acoustic blues song with lyrics that tell the story of a weary traveler who is looking for a place to rest his head.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is looking for a better life but finds that it’s hard to escape the troubles that seem to follow him wherever he goes.
The song is known for its simple but effective lyrics and its ability to create a mood of nostalgia and longing.
22. “Idiot Wind” by Bob Dylan
“Idiot Wind” was released on Dylan’s 1975 album Blood on the Tracks.
Many people think it is one of Dylan’s best songs. The lyrics tell the story of a man whose life has been ruined by an “idiot wind” that doesn’t care about him.
The song is a first-person account of a failed relationship, with the narrator blaming the woman he was involved with for the breakup.
People often think that the lyrics are Dylan’s bitter, cathartic way of letting out his anger and frustration after his struggles and failed relationships.
23. “Winter Winds” by Mumford and Sons
“Winter Winds” was released in 2009 by the British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons on their debut album Sigh No More.
The song is an acoustic ballad with lyrics that speak of a man struggling to make his way through a harsh winter.
The song’s lyrics reflect on the challenges of winter and the struggle to keep going during difficult times, with lines like “Winter will leave, and Spring will surely bring this warmth back to you.”
24. “Wild is the Wind” by David Bowie
“Wild is the Wind” is a song written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington and popularized by David Bowie on his 1976 album Station to Station.
The song has since been covered by many artists, including Nina Simone and Johnny Mathis.
It’s about a man who is searching for a deeper understanding of love and is filled with imagery of nature and the elements.
The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and sadness, as the man is searching for something he cannot find.
25. “Watch the Wind Blow By” by Tim McGraw
“Watch the Wind Blow By” is a ballad about a man who is reflecting on his life and the changes he has gone through as he watches the wind blow by.
The song has a sad but hopeful tone, and its lyrics tell people to enjoy and not take for granted the little things in life.
26. “Catch the Wind” by Donovan
“Catch the Wind” is an acoustic-based folk-rock song with lyrics that tell the story of a man who is searching for a way to escape the troubles in his life.
The lyrics speak of a longing for love and freedom, and the song has become a popular choice for covers, with versions by artists such as Cat Power and The Beach Boys.
27. “Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra
The lyrics of “Summer Wind” describe a man longing for a summer wind to blow and take him away from his troubles.
The song has a memorable chorus that speaks of the summer wind as a mysterious and fleeting presence, bringing change and leaving memories in its wake.
28. “Colors of The Wind” by Vanessa Williams
“Colors of the Wind” is a song written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz for the 1995 Disney animated film “Pocahontas.”
The song was performed in the film by Vanessa Williams and has since become a classic and one of the most recognizable songs from the film.
The song is a powerful ballad that speaks to the beauty and majesty of nature and the importance of respecting and preserving the environment.
The message of “Colors of the Wind” is to care about the environment and appreciate the natural world.
29. “Must Have Been The Wind” by Alec Benjamin
In the song “Must have been the wind,” Alec tells a story of kindness and care while describing how he came into contact with a woman who appeared to be in an abusive relationship.
He helps her gently deal with her feelings, accepting her denials that there is a problem but making sure she knows he is there and cares when she is ready to talk.
30. “Riding on The Wind” by Judas Priest
“Riding on the Wind” is about the thrill of riding a motorcycle, with lyrics describing the sensation of speed and power.
The song describes the feeling of freedom and escapes that can come with the wind, as well as the feeling of being carried away on a journey.
Songs About Wind – Final Thoughts
Songs about the wind have always been a big part of the music industry.
The lyrics and music of these songs capture the essence of this natural phenomenon.
The 30 best songs about wind listed above are just a sample of the many incredible pieces that exist, each one showcasing the unique ways in which wind can be celebrated and depicted in the song.
Whether you’re a fan of classical, rock, or any other genre, these songs about the wind will leave a lasting impression.
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