31 Beautiful Songs About The Sea & Ocean

Posted on by Daniel Reyes
Songs About The Sea & Ocean

The ocean and the sea are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists from all over the world.

From the time of the Vikings, passing through the pirates, to recent years, many songs have been made about this captivating body of water.

There’s something about the vastness of the sea that has a way of making us feel both small and insignificant, while also feeling like we’re part of something much larger than ourselves.

Here is our selection of 31 beautiful songs about the sea and the ocean that will probably inspire you to book a ticket to the nearest beach:

1. “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles

“Yellow Submarine” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

It was included on their 1966 album Revolver and released as a single in the same year, becoming one of the group’s most popular songs.

The song is about a submarine crewed by people of various nationalities, who live together in harmony despite the differences in their backgrounds.

The Beatles - Yellow Submarine

The lyrics also include a reference to the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool, with the line “In the town where I was born”.

It also has been interpreted as a metaphor for the world coming together in peace and understanding, and as a call for international cooperation.

Additionally, it can be seen as an anti-war song, with the submarine representing a haven from the conflict and violence of the world above.

2. “Only the Ocean” by Jack Johnson

“Only the Ocean” is a song about independence and freedom and talks about how someone can feel both free and trapped at the same time.

They also mention how, despite everything that happens in life, the ocean will always be there.

Jack Johnson - Only The Ocean (Official Video)

The song could be interpreted as being about a relationship, or about life in general.

The lyrics are open to interpretation, but overall, the song is about independence, freedom, and the constancy of the ocean

3. “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin

“Beyond the Sea” explores hope and aspiration for a better life and a much more promising future.

The singer is in jail it seems, but he sings about how he’s going to work hard until he gets out and sees his loved ones again.

Bobby Darin - Beyond the sea

He also asks the jailer to tell his loved ones goodbye to him: Jailer, if you see my baby, just tell her I said, “Goodbye.”

The song has been covered by many artists, but Bobby Darin’s version is the most well-known.

4. “Across the Sea” by Weezer

The song “Across the Sea” is about a young girl who lives in Japan and hears the singer on the radio.

She writes to him, and he responds with this song.

Weezer - Across The Sea

The lyrics are about how he wishes he could be with her but knows that it would be wrong since she is so far away.

The lyrics are written from Cuomo’s perspective, and describe his wondering what the girl is like and how she lives her life.

It also reflects on the difficulties of long-distance relationships, and how they can be both frustrating and rewarding.

5. “Waves” by Miguel &Tame Impala

“Waves” is a particularly contagious song that conveys the desire to live life and enjoy the moment.

The lyrics talk about how the singer wants to ride the wave all night, and how they want their listeners to do the same.

Miguel - waves (Tame Impala Remix) [Official Audio]

They also mention how someone’s body is built for the beach, and how they should make sure to enjoy the ocean while they can.

In the end, the song is about making the most of life and enjoying every moment in our lives.

6. “How Deep Is The Ocean” by Irving Berlin

“How Deep Is The Ocean” is a song about yearning for love and connection among people.

Billie Holiday | "How Deep is the Ocean" by Irving Berlin (Official Lyric Video)

Its words convey the speaker’s need for a bit of love and compassion, as well as their concern about being left behind.

The record addresses the human desire for companionship and intimacy, as well as feelings of isolation caused by being apart from others.

7. “Tenerife Sea” by Ed Sheeran

“Tenerife Sea” is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its mellow sound and Sheeran’s vocal performance.

Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea

“Tenerife Sea” peaked at number 62 on the UK Singles Chart and features Ed’s acoustic guitar, strings instruments, and very soft drums.

Sheeran recorded the track with producer Rick Rubin at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California.

8. “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE

The song “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE is a fun and upbeat track that is perfect for any summer party.

Its catchy melody and contagious beat make it impossible to resist dancing along, and the lyrics are both clever and playful.

The song was released in 2015 and is also part of their debut studio album, DNCE (2016)

DNCE - Cake By The Ocean

In addition to its popularity as a dance track, “Cake by the Ocean” has also been praised for its positive message about finding joy in simple pleasures.

Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach or just hanging out with friends, this song is sure to put a smile on your face.

9. “A Dip in the Ocean” by Fountains of Wayne

This song is about a pair who spend time together on a beach in 1998.

The phrases of the track express the two people’s appreciation for each other and the simplicity of their relationship.

Fountains of Wayne - A Dip In The Ocean (TV)

The taxicab with no brakes that could represent the couple’s carefree attitude towards life is also mentioned in the lyrics.

In the end, this tune is about two individuals that are in love and spending quality time together.

10. “Waves” by Kanye West

“Waves” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo.

The song features vocals from Chris Brown and Kid Cudi and was produced by a number of people including West himself.

On the surface, “Waves” is a radio-friendly banger, with an attractive hook and head-nodding beat.

Kanye West x Chris Brown - Waves (Music Video)

But there’s also a great deal of depth to the track since the lyrics explore the ups and downs of fame and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the spotlight.

All in all, “Waves” is a complex and thought-provoking song that deserves to be heard on repeat.

11. “Sail on Sailor” by The Beach Boys

Sail on Sailor is a classic from The Beach Boys that was released in 1973.

The song features a popular hook and a driving beat that makes it impossible to resist singing along.

The Beach Boys - Sail on Sailor

The lyrics tell the story of a sailor who is longing for the open sea, and the song perfectly captures the feeling of wanderlust.

The Beach Boys are known for their harmonies, and Sail on Sailor showcases their vocal talents perfectly.

12. “Sea of Love” by The National

The National’s “Sea of Love” is a song about longing for and expecting someone who may never return.

The lyrics speak to the pain of unrequited love, and the speaker’s hope that, despite it all, they will still be thought of fondly.

It also touches on the idea that love is a virtue, even if it doesn’t always work out in the end.

The National - "Sea Of Love"

In addition to being a beautiful and heartbreaking song, “Sea of Love” is also notable for its use of sea imagery.

The lyrics talk about people sliding into the sea, and how love can turn even the most innocent person into a “fiend.”

This imagery creates a powerful contrast between the calmness of the sea and the tumultuous nature of love.

13. “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin

The song “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin is a driving force of the band’s 1973 album, Houses of the Holy.

It starts with a strong drum beat by John Bonham accompanied by a simple yet catchy guitar riff played by Jimmy Page.

Led Zeppelin - The Ocean (Live at Madison Square Garden 1973)

As the song progresses, the guitars become more distorted and the drums become more frantic, creating a feeling of chaos in some sections.

This reflects the lyrics, which describe the vastness and power of the ocean.

The result is an exhilarating and timeless track that epitomizes Led Zeppelin and their sound at their best.

14. “Seaside” by The Kooks

The Kooks’ song “Seaside” is a nostalgic, summery track about falling in love at the beach.

The Kooks - Seaside

The lyrics paint a picture of two young lovers meeting and spending time together, with the seaside serving as the perfect backdrop for their romance.

Though the song is lighthearted and fun, there is also a feeling of longing and nostalgia, as the singer reminisces about a past love.

15. “The Wave” by R3HAB & Lia Marie Johnson 

This song is about taking risks and going after what you want in life no matter what the obstacles are.

Its lyrics talk about riding a wave, which can be interpreted as taking on a challenge or embarking on a new adventure.

Despite being scared or unsure, the speaker is willing to go for it and see where it takes them.

R3HAB x Lia Marie Johnson - The Wave (Official Video)

This message is empowering and encourages listeners to take chances in their own lives.

Whether it’s trying something new or going after a long-held goal, this song urges us to just go for it.

Life is too short to play it safe all the time, so we might as well take some risks and see where they lead us.

16. “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish’s song “Ocean Eyes” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that showcases the artist’s incredible vocal range.

The track begins with her beautiful and ethereal harmonies and is later joined by the bass and a simple drum beat.

Billie Eilish - Ocean Eyes (Official Music Video)

The lyrics paint a picture of lost love, and the ocean is used as a metaphor for the vastness of heartbreak.

As the song progresses, the instrumentation becomes just a bit more complex, adding small layers of instruments and piano chords.

Eilish’s powerful vocals are perfectly matched with the emotional intensity of the music, making “Ocean Eyes” one of her best songs.

17. “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys

The song is about surfing and the beach lifestyle in California.

Its lyrics talk about different places where people go surfing, from Del Mar to Santa Cruz.

The Beach Boys - Surfin' USA

It also mentions other popular surf spots around the world, like Australia’s Narrabeen.

The song is basically just a celebration of surfing and the carefree lifestyle that comes with it.

18. “Under the Sea” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”

The song “Under the Sea” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is a catchy, upbeat tune that has become a firm favorite with children and adults alike.

The playful lyrics and toe-tapping rhythm make it the perfect song to sing along to, and the colorful underwater setting provides a visual feast for the eyes.

The Little Mermaid - Under the Sea (from The Little Mermaid) (Official Video)

The film’s crab character, Sebastian, takes center stage in the song, as he extols the virtues of life beneath the waves.

His infectious enthusiasm is sure to put a smile on your face, and his message about the importance of protecting our oceans is one that we can all learn from.

Whether you’re watching the film for the first time or revisiting it for nostalgia’s sake, “Under the Sea” is sure to charm you.

19. “Lost Sailor” by Grateful Dead

The song narrates the story of a sailor who has been away at sea for too long and is starting to feel lost.

Its lyrics dialog about the feeling of being adrift, both in the literal sense of being lost at sea and in the more figurative sense of feeling lost in life.

Grateful Dead - Lost Sailor/Saint Of Circumstance (New York, NY 10/31/80)

The song speaks to the idea that freedom comes with a price, and that sometimes it can be hard to know what to believe in.

In the end, the song is about finding your way back home in one way or another.

20. “Surfin Bird” by The Trashmen

“Surfin Bird” by The Trashmen is a song about, well, a surfin’ bird.

The lyrics are pretty nonsensical, but that’s part of the charm as it’s a fun, upbeat song that is perfect for summertime.

Furthermore, the lyrics could be interpreted as being about freedom and living life to the fullest.

The Trashmen - Surfin Bird - Bird is the Word 1963 (ALT End with Andre Van Duin) (UNOFFICIAL VIDEO)

The bird in the song is carefree and seems to be having a great time, just like the singer wants us to do.

So whether you’re hitting the beach or just hanging out with friends, this song is sure to put you in a good mood.

21. “Sea and Sand” by The Who

The Who’s “Sea and Sand” is an excellent example of the band’s early work in the music scene.

Once you hear it, you’ll notice the bluesy and psychedelic tones, with a driving rhythm that is perfect for getting lost in.

The Who - Sea And Sand

The lyrics are likewise poetic and evocative, painting a picture of the ocean and the sand.

As a whole, the song is a must-listen for any fan of The Who or psychedelic rock in general.

22. “Honey Pie” by The Beatles

If you’re a fan of The Beatles, “Honey Pie” is definitely a song worth checking out.

It’s a relatively short track, but it’s packed full of vintage Beatles charm from their early days.

Honey Pie (Remastered 2009)

The vocals are sweet and soulful, and the instrumentation is top-notch with the lyrics being quite clever.

“Honey Pie” is a joy to listen to, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

23. “Ship Song” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

I’m not sure what it is about Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds that just makes their songs so captivating, hence “Ship Song” is no exception.

This melancholy ballad is one of the band’s most popular tracks, and it’s easy to see why once you take a listen.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - The Ship Song

With its simple but emotive lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of a broken-hearted lover bidding farewell to his love as they set to sail away.

Musically, the song is equally beautiful, with its understated acoustic guitar and gentle strings providing the perfect backdrop for Cave’s emotive vocals.

24. “Dead Sea” by The Lumineers

“Dead Sea” is about a person who is struggling in their life and feeling lost.

They meet someone who tells them they are like the Dead Sea, which is an object that can never sink, so this gives the person hope and they feel like they can finally trust someone again.

The Lumineers - Dead Sea

The lyrics also talk about how domestic life was not suited for the person and how they needed to find their path in life.

In the end, the song is about finding someone who you can trust and who will never leave you, no matter what happens.

25. “Oceans” by Petit Biscuit 

This song is simply beautiful and there’s really no other way to describe it.

Petit Biscuit has an incredible talent for creating hauntingly beautiful melodies that are both relaxing and mesmerizing.

Oceans by Petit Biscuit

“Oceans” is no exception, and is one of the bests tracks from his album Presence.

This song is an instrumental, but the feel and vibes that the melody gives you just speak for themselves in a way that no lyrics could.

26. “March To the Sea” by Twenty One Pilots

If you haven’t already heard Twenty One Pilots song “March To the Sea,” you’re in for a treat.

The record starts with an eerie, atmospheric intro full of strummed chords that quickly build up into a powerful chorus.

Twenty One Pilots March To The Sea Lyric Video

The lyrics are dark and moody, and singer Tyler Joseph’s vocals are absolutely incredible in combination with the amazing drums from Josh Dun.

They can be interpreted as the journey to self-destruction in a way, but it will give you a lot to think about.

It’s one of my favorite tracks on the album, and I highly recommend giving it a listen.

27. “Water” by Ra Ra Riot

The struggle of individuals to get ahead in life is the main theme of this song performed by Ra Ra Riot.

They are working hard, but they feel like they are never going to make it.

Ra Ra Riot & Rostam - Water (Official Lyric Video)

Is that feeling of living tired of being punished for their feelings, and so they take matters into their own hands and escape into the water.

The lyrics suggest that the person is looking for a way out of their situation and that they are willing to risk everything to find it.

28. “Octopus’s Garden” by The Beatles

Octopus’s Garden is a majestic song by The Beatles that has a very calming and relaxing feel to it and is perfect for listening to on a quiet evening.

Octopus's Garden (Remastered 2009)

“I’d like to be under the sea in an octopus’s garden” is the perfect example of one of the metaphors that they use.

The meaning could be anything, but overall, the song just has this way of making you feel a relaxed and uplifting experience.

29. “Mermaid in the Night” by Jimmy Buffett

“Mermaid in the Night” by Jimmy Buffett is a song about falling in love with a mermaid.

The lyrics describe the physical features of the mermaid and express the speaker’s desire to be with her forever.

Jimmy Buffet - Mermaid In The Night

The song expresses the idea of finding love in unexpected places and highlights the differences between humans and creatures from the sea.

Ultimately, it is a fun and light-hearted love song that celebrates the magic of falling for someone who is completely different from you.

30. “Captain Kennedy” by Neil Young

Neil Young’s “Captain Kennedy” is a passionate ballad that focuses on a young man going to war (presumably in Vietnam) who believes he can fulfill the function of a soldier.

In his terrified condition, he remembers his father, Captain Kennedy, who failed at the same thing the son is attempting to achieve.

Neil Young - Captain Kennedy [HD]

Captain Kennedy spent the rest of his life striving to regain his captaincy, which may or may not be something the young man wants for himself.

The lyrics allow multiple interpretations, but it seems that the overall message is one of fear – fear for the future, fear for what may happen in war, and fear for the potential consequences of one’s actions.

The song is memorable and beautiful, with Young’s voice providing an emotionally charged backdrop to the lyrics.

It is well-written and moving, and provides a unique perspective on war and its effects on both individuals and families.

31. “Ocean Drive” by Duke Dumont

If you’re not familiar with Duke Dumont, he’s a British DJ and producer who has been making some serious waves in the electronic music scene over the past few years.

His songs are typically upbeat and house-inspired, and his latest track “Ocean Drive” is no exception.

Duke Dumont - Ocean Drive (Official Music Video)

The song features vocals by Boy Matthews, and it’s one of Duke Dumont’s most radio-friendly tracks to date.

It’s got a catchy chorus and an infectious beat that will have you hooked from the first listen with its heavy bass riffs.

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