13 Best Songs about the Sky (or that Mention ‘Sky’ or ‘Skies’)

Songs about the sky have been a staple of music across genres and generations. The vast expanse of the sky has long inspired musicians to create music that captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

From soulful ballads to soaring rock anthems, these songs evoke a sense of wonder and awe that is impossible to ignore. The sky has been a source of inspiration for countless artists, and its influence can be felt in a wide range of musical styles and traditions. Many of these songs reflect on the changing moods of the sky, from the calm and peaceful blue of a clear day to the stormy and tempestuous clouds of a thunderstorm. Others celebrate the natural beauty of the sky, with lyrics that evoke the colors of a sunset, the majesty of a mountain range, or the vast expanse of the universe beyond.

Some songs explore the human experience through the lens of the sky, reflecting on the impermanence of life, the search for meaning, and the enduring power of love. Whether they are evoking a sense of calm and serenity or capturing the awe-inspiring power of a thunderstorm, songs about the sky have a timeless and universal appeal. They remind us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and offer a powerful testament to the enduring power of music to capture the deepest emotions and experiences of life.

1.The Big Sky – Kate Bush

“The Big Sky” by Kate Bush is a high-energy, uplifting song with an infectious rhythm and joyous lyrics. The song features Bush’s trademark soaring vocals, accompanied by a combination of electric and acoustic instruments, creating a full and dynamic sound. The lyrics, which are inspired by Bush’s love of nature and the vastness of the sky, evoke a sense of wonder and possibility, encouraging listeners to reach for their dreams and embrace the world around them.

2.Under African Skies – Paul Simon

“Under African Skies” by Paul Simon is a beautiful and emotive tribute to the continent of Africa. The song features a blend of African rhythms, vocal harmonies, and Western instruments, creating a unique and captivating sound. The lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and cultural exchange, are poignant and reflective, offering a deeply personal insight into Simon’s own experiences of traveling through Africa. The song is a powerful celebration of the richness and diversity of African culture, and a testament to the enduring power of music to connect people across borders and boundaries.

3.Northern Sky – Nick Drake

“Northern Sky” by Nick Drake is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases the singer-songwriter’s unique blend of fingerpicking guitar and delicate vocals. The song features a simple and elegant melody, combined with poetic lyrics that reflect Drake’s introspective and deeply personal approach to songwriting. The song is a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and mystery of nature, capturing the sense of awe and wonder that can be found in the natural world.

4.The Sky is a Neighborhood – Foo Fighters

“The Sky is a Neighborhood” by Foo Fighters is a high-energy rock song that combines heavy riffs and driving beats with soaring harmonies and a catchy chorus. The lyrics, which are inspired by frontman Dave Grohl’s experiences of stargazing with his children, explore themes of unity, connection, and the power of human imagination. The song is an anthem to the boundless possibilities of the universe, and a testament to the importance of finding common ground and forging connections with others.

5.A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

“A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay is an upbeat and catchy pop song that features a driving beat, electronic flourishes, and an infectious melody. The song is characterized by Chris Martin’s soaring vocals and uplifting lyrics, which celebrate the beauty of the night sky and the joy of being alive. The song is a powerful and uplifting anthem to the wonder and magic of the world around us, and a testament to the enduring power of love and hope.

6.Goodbye Blue Sky – Pink Floyd

“Goodbye Blue Sky” by Pink Floyd is a haunting and atmospheric song that captures the sense of unease and uncertainty that characterized the band’s seminal album “The Wall”. The song features a sparse arrangement, with a simple guitar melody and sparse percussion creating a haunting and ethereal sound. The lyrics, which are delivered in a detached and almost childlike voice, paint a bleak and dystopian vision of a world destroyed by war and conflict. The song is a powerful and moving reflection on the dangers of nationalism and the human cost of conflict and war.

7.Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds – The Beatles

“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles is a psychedelic classic that has become an enduring part of popular culture. The song features a swirling, otherworldly arrangement, with shimmering guitars, swirling keyboards, and trippy vocal effects creating a dreamlike and surreal sound. The lyrics, which were inspired by a drawing by John Lennon’s son Julian, are filled with poetic imagery and enigmatic references, capturing the sense of wonder and adventure that characterized the countercultural movement of the 1960s.

8.Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is a joyous and infectious pop song that features a driving beat, soaring harmonies, and an upbeat melody. The song is characterized by its catchy chorus and uplifting lyrics, which celebrate the beauty and wonder of life. The song is a timeless anthem to the power of positivity and optimism, and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic pop songwriting. The song’s sunny disposition and exuberant sound has made it a beloved part of popular culture and a favorite of music fans around the world.

9.See the Sky About to Rain – Neil Young

“See the Sky About to Rain” by Neil Young is a hauntingly beautiful folk rock song that showcases the artist’s distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. The song features a sparse and stripped-down arrangement, with acoustic guitar and harmonica creating a moody and atmospheric sound. The lyrics, which reflect on the passing of time and the impermanence of life, are introspective and deeply personal, capturing the sense of melancholy and introspection that has characterized much of Young’s music.

10.Blue Ridge Mountain Sky – The Marshall Tucker Band

“Blue Ridge Mountain Sky” by The Marshall Tucker Band is a classic southern rock song that features a driving beat, searing guitar riffs, and a catchy melody. The song is characterized by its upbeat and energetic sound, and its celebration of the natural beauty of the southern United States. The lyrics, which are filled with references to mountain landscapes and southern culture, capture the sense of pride and connection that people feel to their home regions, and offer a vivid and evocative picture of life in the American South.

11.Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder

“Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder is a soulful and romantic ballad that showcases the artist’s incredible voice and songwriting skills. The song features a lush arrangement, with sweeping strings and delicate piano creating a dreamy and ethereal sound. The lyrics, which are filled with poetic imagery and heartfelt sentiment, are a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of the natural world. The song is a timeless classic that has become an enduring favorite of music fans around the world.

12.The Great Gig In the Sky – Pink Floyd

“The Great Gig In the Sky” by Pink Floyd is a haunting and powerful song that captures the sense of awe and wonder that characterizes the band’s best work. The song features a soaring and dramatic arrangement, with gospel vocals and atmospheric keyboards creating a sense of drama and tension. The lyrics, which are delivered in a stunning vocal performance by Clare Torry, reflect on the mysteries of life and death and the search for meaning in a chaotic and uncertain world. The song is a moving and poignant reflection on the human condition, and a testament to the enduring power of great art to capture the deepest emotions and experiences of life.

13.Traffic in the Sky – Jack Johnson

“Traffic in the Sky” by Jack Johnson is a laid-back and mellow acoustic rock song that showcases the artist’s distinctive voice and songwriting style. The song features a stripped-down and intimate arrangement, with acoustic guitar and gentle percussion creating a warm and inviting sound. The lyrics, which reflect on the frenetic pace of modern life and the need to slow down and appreciate the world around us, are thoughtful and introspective, capturing the sense of calm and peace that can be found in nature and in the simple pleasures of life. The song is a gentle and reflective meditation on the human experience, and a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, honest songwriting.