The moon has long been a source of inspiration for artists across genres, its ethereal beauty and symbolism invoking feelings of mystery, romance, and introspection. Whether it’s a symbol of love, a metaphor for longing, or a reflection of the night sky’s enchantment, the moon has found its way into countless songs. From classic ballads to modern hits, songs that reference the moon continue to captivate listeners worldwide.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of songs that mention the moon or explore its themes. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, or jazz, these tracks are sure to evoke the moon’s celestial magic and offer a soundtrack to your own stargazing.
1. “Moon River” – Audrey Hepburn
Genre: Pop / Jazz
Released: 1961
“Moon River” is a timeless classic that was originally sung by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This soft, dreamy ballad speaks of longing, adventure, and the serene beauty of the moon reflecting on a river. The song became iconic thanks to its emotional depth and Hepburn’s memorable performance.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The lyrics evoke images of moonlit rivers, a serene journey, and a yearning for love and happiness.
2. “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Genre: Rock
Released: 1969
“Bad Moon Rising” is a quintessential rock song from the 1960s, and while it doesn’t focus entirely on the moon, its catchy refrain and ominous tone make it a staple when it comes to songs about the moon. The track references the moon as a harbinger of bad things to come, with imagery of storms and disasters.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The moon here is used symbolically, forecasting ominous events and providing a sense of foreboding.
3. “Walking on the Moon” – The Police
Genre: Rock / New Wave
Released: 1979
“Walking on the Moon” by The Police blends the surreal with the romantic. The song’s dreamy, atmospheric feel complements its lyrics about the feeling of floating in space—both literal and metaphorical. The moon becomes a symbol of the ethereal, a place of escape from the mundane.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The song uses the moon as a metaphor for the high-flying sensation of being in love or in a euphoric state.
4. “Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy
Genre: Classical
Released: 1905
While not a traditional song with lyrics, Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” (French for “Light of the Moon”) is one of the most evocative classical pieces inspired by the moon. Its flowing, delicate piano lines mimic the quiet beauty of moonlight reflecting on water, offering a serene, contemplative atmosphere.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: “Clair de Lune” is a musical representation of the moon’s beauty, capturing the quiet elegance of moonlit nights.
5. “Blue Moon” – Elvis Presley
Genre: Pop / Rock
Released: 1954
“Blue Moon” is a nostalgic and melancholic classic, famously covered by Elvis Presley. The song speaks to loneliness and longing, using the moon as a metaphor for the narrator’s emotional isolation. The idea of a “blue moon”—a rare event—adds to the sense of yearning for something unattainable.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The “blue moon” represents the rarity of love or happiness in the singer’s life, making it a poignant ballad about longing.
6. “The Moon and the Stars” – The Killers
Genre: Indie Rock
Released: 2020
This track by The Killers offers a more modern take on the theme of the moon, weaving it into a tale of reflection, relationships, and redemption. It balances a sense of hope with a longing for understanding and clarity, making the moon a guiding force through life’s challenges.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The song uses celestial imagery to express a desire for personal growth and understanding, with the moon symbolizing light during dark times.
7. “Moonlight Sonata” – Ludwig van Beethoven
Genre: Classical
Released: 1801
Another instrumental piece, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata remains one of the most famous classical piano compositions ever created. The hauntingly beautiful melody is often associated with the peaceful, contemplative mood of the moon, and it evokes the serenity and quiet stillness of a moonlit night.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: This composition is often linked to the moon, due to its title and the deep emotions it elicits, capturing the moon’s mystery and beauty.
8. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
Genre: Jazz / Pop
Released: 1964
Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” is a timeless love song that uses the moon as a metaphor for the ultimate romantic journey. The narrator expresses a desire to experience the wonders of space with their loved one, making the moon a symbol of adventure and love.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The moon is portrayed as the ultimate destination for lovers, embodying romance and escapism.
9. “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
Genre: Folk / Rock
Released: 1992
Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” is a beautiful ballad that celebrates love, nature, and the passing of time. The song’s lyrics evoke the warmth and glow of the harvest moon, symbolizing the seasons of life and the enduring nature of love.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The harvest moon represents the cyclical nature of life and love, highlighting the passing of seasons and personal reflection.
10. “Moonlight” – Ariana Grande
Genre: Pop
Released: 2016
Ariana Grande’s “Moonlight” from her album Dangerous Woman is a romantic ballad that uses the moon as a metaphor for love. The song’s smooth, sensual vibes are complemented by lyrics that speak of an overwhelming connection with someone special, suggesting that love can be as rare and enchanting as moonlight itself.
Why It’s Moon-Inspired: The moon here represents the captivating and rare beauty of love, adding to the song’s intimate atmosphere.
The moon has inspired countless songs across genres, each capturing its symbolic power in unique ways. Whether as a symbol of love, longing, loneliness, or wonder, the moon’s mystique continues to be a source of creativity for musicians. The songs listed above represent a range of emotional and thematic connections to the moon, from romantic ballads to evocative, atmospheric compositions.
If you’re looking for more music to accompany a moonlit night, these songs provide an excellent starting point. So, next time you look up at the night sky, let these melodies accompany your stargazing and transport you to a world where the moon shines brightly in every note.