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36 Of The Best Songs About Water

Photograph of the blog post author, Annika Hope

Annika Hope

30.3.2023

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Songs about water are everywhere in the music industry. Water has been a source of inspiration for musicians for centuries. From the earliest folk songs to modern anthems. Songwriters have covered various sub-topics in the past. Songs about the water cycle, songs about muddy water, songs about water lyrics. 

They all contain a powerful symbol of life, growth, and transformation. In this article, we will explore some of the best songs about water from a variety of genres and eras. 

From classic rock to hip-hop, these songs explore the beauty, power, and mystery of water in all its forms. 

What Makes Songs About Water Special?

Songs about water often evoke a feeling of tranquility, calmness, and peace. These type of songs help people relax, reflect, and connect with their inner selves. A song about water helps people connect with nature, as water is an essential part of our environment. The sounds of flowing water, waves crashing, and rain falling can be incredibly soothing and calming.

How To Write Songs About Water

Writing a song about water you will need a variety of skills. These include:

– Knowledge of music theory, including chords, progressions, melodies, and harmonies

– Creative writing skills to craft vivid imagery and clever metaphors

– Knowledge of musical instruments and production techniques

– You can draw inspiration from other songs and genres

– Ability to express emotion through music and lyrics

– You are able to collaborate with other musicians and producers

Why Is It Hard To Write Songs About Water?

Writing songs about water can be difficult because it’s an ubiquitous subject. Water can be seen as a metaphor for a variety of different emotions and experiences. Therefore, can make it difficult to capture the appropriate tone or emotion in the song.

What Are The Best Songs About Water?

1. “Under the Sea” by Sebastian (Is this one of the best of songs about water?)

“Under the Sea” is a song from the 1989 Disney animated film The Little Mermaid. The song was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman and was performed by actor Samuel E. Wright as the character Sebastian.

The song about water is a calypso-style number sung by Sebastian, a Jamaican crab, as he encourages Ariel, the main character, to embrace life under the sea. It is full of vivid imagery and descriptions of the wonders of the underwater world and is a celebration of the beauty and joy of life beneath the waves.

The song is both catchy and upbeat and has become a classic of the Disney canon. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in various other media, including video games, television shows, and commercials. It has also been featured in various Disney theme park attractions and has become a beloved anthem of the sea.

2. “Water” by Brad Paisley

Water is song by country singer Brad Paisley, released in 2006. This song is about a man who is struggling to cope with the death of his father. Written by Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2007.

The music video for the song was directed by Roman White and features Brad Paisley in a variety of settings, including a boat, a fishing dock, and a beach.

3. “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group’s original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. With their close vocal harmonies, catchy melodies, and lyrics about California and teenage life, the Beach Boys became one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music.

The Beach Boys’ early surf-rock sound was popularized by their iconic single “Surfin’ USA” (1963). The group’s success continued with the hit singles “Good Vibrations” (1966) and “Kokomo” (1988). The Beach Boys also released several critically acclaimed albums, such as Pet Sounds (1966) and Smile (1967).

The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling acts of all time. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and have received numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The Beach Boys continue to tour and record new music to this day.

4. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a timeless classic written by Paul Simon and performed by the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The song was released in 1970 and quickly became an international hit, topping the charts in several countries.

The song is a comforting ballad, with lyrics that speak to the listener of hope and strength in the face of adversity. The title of the song is a reference to a traditional gospel song, and the lyrics speak of a bridge that can be crossed in times of trouble. The bridge is a metaphor for the strength and support that can be found in friendship and faith.

The song is composed straightforwardly, with a piano accompaniment and a gentle, soothing vocal performance by Art Garfunkel. The lyrics are powerful and emotive, with a message of hope and optimism

The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Bobby Darin, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. It has been used in films, television shows, and commercials, and it remains a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.”Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a classic song that speaks to the power of friendship and faith in times of difficulty. It is a timeless reminder that we can all find strength and comfort in each other.

5. “Ripple” by Grateful Dead

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6. “Waterfalls” by TLC

7. “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin (one of many songs about water!)

8. “Wade in the Water” by Eva Cassidy

9. “River of Dreams” by Billy Joel

“River of Dreams” is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It was released in 1993 as the title track and lead single from his twelfth studio album of the same name. The song is a mid-tempo ballad with a classic rock style, featuring a prominent saxophone solo.

Lyrically, the song is about Joel’s search for spiritual fulfilment and inner peace. It speaks of his longing for a place where he can find solace and the hope that he can find it in the “river of dreams”. The song also references his struggles and his desire to overcome them.

The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Joel’s highest-charting single of the 1990s. It also reached the top 10 in many other countries, including the UK and Australia.

The song has become a staple of Joel’s live performances and has been covered by many artists, including Celine Dion, Garth Brooks and Rod Stewart. It has also been featured in movies and television shows, including the hit series “Friends”.

Overall, “River of Dreams” is a classic love song from Billy Joel that captures the essence of his search for spiritual fulfilment and inner peace. It is a timeless song that has been enjoyed by generations of fans and will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

10. “A Drop in the Ocean” by Ron Pope

11. “Water Runs Dry” by Boyz II Men

12. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum

13. “The Water is Wide” by Eva Cassidy

  • “The Water is Wide” is a traditional folk song, which has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
  • Eva Cassidy’s version of “The Water is Wide” was released in 1996 on her album, Eva by Heart.
  • The song was written by Scottish poet and songwriter, Thomas Oliphant.
  • Eva Cassidy’s version of “The Water is Wide” was featured in the 1999 film, The Talented Mr Ripley.
  • The song has been used in several television shows, including Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice.

14. “Water of Love” by Dire Straits

15. “The River” by Bruce Springsteen (Bruce knows how to write songs about water)

16. “Rain” by The Beatles

17. “Down By The Water” by The Decemberists

18. “Drifting” by Jack Johnson

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19. “The Waterfall” by My Morning Jacket

20. “Down by the River” by Neil Young – Iconic Songs About Water

Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been an active musician since the 1960s. His musical style has been described as “a genre unto itself,” and he has been one of the most influential and acclaimed musicians of his generation. 

Throughout his career, Young has explored a variety of musical styles, including folk, country, rock, and blues. He has released over 40 studio albums and has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for his album, Harvest Moon. 

Young has also been inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His songwriting is often characterized by its honesty and directness, and his lyrics often address political and social issues. Young is known for his passionate performances and his commitment to environmental and social causes.

21. “Sail Away” by Randy Newman

22. “Sail On” by The Commodores

The Commodores are a popular American funk and soul band that formed in 1968. They are best known for their string of hits in the 1970s and 80s, such as “Brick House”, “Easy”, and “Three Times a Lady”. 

The Commodores have sold more than 60 million records worldwide, and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are still active today, performing live shows and releasing new music.

23. “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

24. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison

25. “River” by Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter and painter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

26. “The Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin

27. “River of Love” by George Strait (This is one of my favourite songs about water!)

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28. “Never Blame The Rainbows For The Rain” by The Moody Blues

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29. “The River of Dreams” by Billy Joel

30. “The Water Is Wide” by James Taylor – Legendary Songs About Water

31. “Sailing” by Christopher Cross

32. “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart

33. “The Sea” by Morcheeba – One of the Best Songs About Water!

Morcheeba is an English trip-hop band formed in 1995 by vocalist Skye Edwards and the brothers Paul and Ross Godfrey. They mix influences from trip-hop, rock, folk-rock, and downtempo. 

They are best known for their singles “The Sea”, “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day”, and “Part of the Process”. The band’s name is taken from a species of butterfly.

The band’s sound is a combination of elements from trip-hop, rock, folk-rock, and downtempo. It is characterized by mellow and soulful female vocals, laid-back beats, and a mix of acoustic and electronic instrumentation. The band’s lyrics often focus on themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Morcheeba has released nine studio albums, four live albums, and numerous compilations and remixes. Their most recent album, Blaze Away, was released in 2018. The band has also collaborated with several other artists, including rapper Slick Rick, jazz saxophonist Candy Dulfer, and singer/songwriter Joss Stone.

Morcheeba has been praised for its unique sound and ability to blend diverse musical genres. They have earned numerous awards and nominations, including a BRIT Award for Best British Dance Act in 2000. The band continues to tour and perform live, and their music remains popular with fans around the world.

34. “Misty Water” by The Kinks

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35. “Hoochie Coochie Man” by Muddy Waters (Muddy Waters is an expert when it comes to songs about water)

Hoochie Coochie Man is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Muddy Waters. The song was released in 1954 as a single and later included on the album The Best of Muddy Waters, an iconic Chicago blues artist. His real name is Mckinley Morganfield.

The song tells the story of a man who believes himself to be a powerful and mysterious figure. He claims that the “hoochie coochie” he knows will bring him luck and fortune. The song is a classic example of the blues genre, with its slow tempo and simple, but catchy chorus. 

The lyrics of the song are often interpreted as being about the power of the supernatural, with the man claiming that he can control fate and destiny. The song has been covered by many artists, including Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and is considered to be one of the most influential blues songs of all time.

Another of his huge hit songs was Mannish Boy.

36. “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay” Otis Redding

Summary Of Songs About Water

We hope you enjoyed this rundown of the top 35 best songs about water, there are some amazing artists included in the list. Happy listening!


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