17 Best Songs About Ghost (or With Something Ghostly in Them)

There’s something undeniably alluring about ghost stories and the supernatural. For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the idea of spirits, hauntings, and the afterlife.

Music, being a universal language that transcends time and space, is often used as a vehicle for exploring these otherworldly concepts. In fact, many songs throughout history have featured ghostly themes or lyrics, ranging from the melancholic and introspective to the playful and irreverent. Whether it’s a haunting melody, eerie sound effects, or lyrics that evoke a sense of mystery and unease, songs with something ghostly in them have a way of captivating listeners and drawing them into a world beyond our own.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable examples of ghostly songs, from the classic to the contemporary. We’ll delve into the stories behind the lyrics and examine how the music itself contributes to the overall atmosphere and feeling of each song. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, or any other genre, there’s something in these songs that is sure to send a chill down your spine and leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.

1. Ghosts That We Knew – Mumford & Sons

“Ghosts That We Knew” is a hauntingly beautiful folk ballad by Mumford & Sons. The song features the band’s signature acoustic instrumentation and soaring vocal harmonies, as well as evocative lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and memory. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics create a melancholic atmosphere that is both deeply introspective and emotionally resonant. As the song builds to its climax, the band’s performance becomes increasingly impassioned, culminating in a stirring vocal crescendo that is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners. “Ghosts That We Knew” is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Mumford & Sons’ exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess.

2. Watching You Without Me – Kate Bush

“Watching You Without Me” is a hauntingly beautiful and ethereal track by Kate Bush, characterized by her unique vocal style and atmospheric soundscapes. The song features haunting piano melodies and layers of ethereal synths that transport the listener to a dreamlike state. The lyrics tell a story of longing and separation, with Bush’s emotive vocal delivery adding to the song’s emotive impact. The song’s rich textures and immersive atmosphere make it a standout track in Kate Bush’s discography, showcasing her incredible musicianship and songwriting skills. “Watching You Without Me” is a deeply moving and unforgettable piece of music.

3. Misguided Ghosts – Paramore

“Misguided Ghosts” is a haunting and introspective track by Paramore, characterized by its stripped-back instrumentation and Hayley Williams’ emotive vocal performance. The song features delicate acoustic guitar strumming, sparse percussion, and melancholic harmonies that create an ethereal and atmospheric sound. The lyrics explore themes of self-discovery, longing, and the search for purpose, with Williams’ raw and honest delivery adding to the song’s emotional weight. “Misguided Ghosts” is a standout track in Paramore’s discography, showcasing their ability to create powerful and evocative music that resonates with listeners on a deep emotional level.

4. The Ghost In You – The Psychedelic Furs

“The Ghost In You” is a hauntingly beautiful and nostalgic track by The Psychedelic Furs, characterized by its dreamy instrumentation and rich vocal harmonies. The song features lush synth textures, ethereal guitar melodies, and driving percussion that create a captivating and immersive sound. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, with Richard Butler’s emotive vocal delivery adding to the song’s wistful and nostalgic tone. “The Ghost In You” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the spirit of 80s alternative rock, showcasing The Psychedelic Furs’ impeccable musicianship and songwriting abilities.

5. American Ghost Dance – Red Hot Chili Peppers

“American Ghost Dance” is a politically charged track by Red Hot Chili Peppers, characterized by its raw energy and edgy instrumentation. The song features driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and funky basslines that create an electrifying and frenetic sound. The lyrics address issues of social injustice and the oppression of Native American cultures, with Anthony Kiedis’ passionate vocal delivery adding to the song’s urgent and confrontational tone. “American Ghost Dance” is a standout track in Red Hot Chili Peppers’ discography, showcasing their ability to blend punk rock aggression with funk-inspired grooves, creating a unique and exhilarating musical experience.

6. Ghost Town – The Specials

“Ghost Town” is a haunting and prophetic track by The Specials, characterized by its dark and brooding sound. The song features ominous organ chords, driving basslines, and sparse percussion that create a tense and foreboding atmosphere. The lyrics address the social and economic turmoil in the UK during the 1980s, with Terry Hall’s impassioned vocal delivery adding to the song’s sense of urgency and despair. “Ghost Town” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the mood of a troubled era, showcasing The Specials’ ability to create powerful and socially relevant music that resonates with listeners.

7. Ghosts of Cape Horn – Gordon Lightfoot

“Ghosts of Cape Horn” is a hauntingly beautiful and evocative track by Gordon Lightfoot, characterized by its lush acoustic instrumentation and rich vocal harmonies. The song features delicate fingerpicking guitar patterns, sweeping strings, and subtle percussion that create a serene and contemplative sound. The lyrics pay homage to the brave sailors who have sailed the treacherous waters of Cape Horn, with Lightfoot’s poetic imagery and vivid storytelling transporting listeners to a bygone era of seafaring adventure. “Ghosts of Cape Horn” is a timeless classic that showcases Lightfoot’s impeccable musicianship and songwriting abilities, creating a truly memorable listening experience.

8. The Ghost of Tom Joad – Bruce Springsteen

“The Ghost of Tom Joad” is a haunting and powerful track by Bruce Springsteen, characterized by its sparse and stripped-down instrumentation and Springsteen’s emotive vocal delivery. The song features a simple guitar riff and a steady drumbeat that create a hypnotic and somber sound. The lyrics address issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice, with Springsteen’s vivid imagery and storytelling painting a stark picture of the struggles faced by the marginalized and disenfranchised. “The Ghost of Tom Joad” is a masterful example of Springsteen’s ability to create deeply affecting and socially conscious music that resonates with listeners.

9. Happy Phantom – Tori Amos

“Happy Phantom” is a whimsical and lighthearted track by Tori Amos, characterized by its playful piano melodies and Amos’s ethereal vocal delivery. The song features a catchy chorus and a bouncy rhythm that create a cheerful and upbeat sound. The lyrics describe a carefree and joyful existence as a ghost, with Amos’s clever wordplay and surreal imagery adding to the song’s playful tone. “Happy Phantom” is a charming and infectious track that showcases Amos’s unique style and musicality, creating a delightful listening experience that is sure to lift the spirits of anyone who hears it.

10. Give Up the Ghost – Radiohead

“Give Up the Ghost” is a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric track by Radiohead, characterized by its delicate acoustic guitar patterns and Thom Yorke’s emotive vocal performance. The song features sparse instrumentation, with subtle percussion and electronic effects that create a dreamlike and ethereal sound. The lyrics address themes of loss and letting go, with Yorke’s introspective and poetic musings adding to the song’s melancholic and introspective feel. “Give Up the Ghost” is a standout track on Radiohead’s album “The King of Limbs,” showcasing the band’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and musically innovative.

11. The Ghost on the Shore – Lord Huron

“The Ghost on the Shore” by Lord Huron is a hauntingly beautiful track that evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The song begins with a soft, acoustic guitar riff and ethereal vocals that create a dream-like atmosphere. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, incorporating percussion and strings that add depth and intensity to the melody.

The lyrics tell the story of a ghostly figure who wanders the shoreline, searching for something that they have lost. The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a desolate and lonely landscape. The chorus is particularly powerful, with the repeated line “I’m just a ghost on the shore” conveying a sense of resignation and sadness.

Despite its melancholic tone, “The Ghost on the Shore” is a beautiful and moving song. Lord Huron’s use of melody and instrumentation create a sense of atmosphere that is both haunting and comforting. The track is a masterclass in mood and atmosphere, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.

12. Ghost Dancing – Simple Minds

“Ghost Dancing” by Simple Minds is an energetic and politically charged song that embodies the spirit of the 1980s. The track features a driving rhythm section and soaring guitar riffs that give the song a sense of urgency and excitement. The vocals are impassioned and full of conviction, urging listeners to take action and fight against oppression and injustice.

The lyrics of the song are a call to arms, with the band urging their fans to rise up and resist the forces that seek to control and suppress them. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase “ghost dancing,” is both catchy and powerful, conveying a sense of rebellion and defiance.

“Ghost Dancing” is a song that speaks to the spirit of its time, capturing the mood of a generation that was hungry for change and determined to fight for it. It is a song that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, and its message of hope and resistance continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

13. Ghost of the Navigator – Iron Maiden

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“Ghost of the Navigator” by Iron Maiden is a thrilling and epic track that showcases the band’s signature sound and storytelling prowess. The song begins with a haunting introduction that sets the stage for the tale that is about to unfold. As the music builds, the guitars kick in, and the vocals of Bruce Dickinson soar over the top, delivering a powerful and emotive performance.

The lyrics of the song tell the story of a sailor who is haunted by the ghost of a navigator from centuries past. The ghost guides the sailor on a journey through time and space, showing him the wonders of the universe and the mysteries of the ancient world. The chorus, with its catchy melody and soaring vocals, is a celebration of the power of the human spirit and the joys of exploration and discovery.

“Ghost of the Navigator” is a classic Iron Maiden track, full of the band’s trademark energy, power, and storytelling prowess. It is a song that transports listeners to another world, inviting them to join the journey and experience the thrill of adventure and discovery.

14. Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.

“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr. is a fun and catchy song that has become an iconic part of pop culture. The track features an upbeat and funky melody that is instantly recognizable, thanks in large part to its memorable chorus and catchy lyrics.

The song was written for the 1984 film of the same name, which followed a group of eccentric scientists who started a ghost-catching business in New York City. The lyrics of the song are playful and irreverent, reflecting the lighthearted tone of the movie. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” has become a cultural touchstone, instantly recognizable to people of all ages.

“Ghostbusters” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite at parties, sporting events, and other social gatherings. It is a song that captures the fun and excitement of the 1980s, and continues to bring joy to people around the world.

15. The Ghost of Corporate Future – Regina Spektor

“The Ghost of Corporate Future” by Regina Spektor is a haunting and introspective song that showcases the artist’s unique style and lyrical prowess. The track features sparse instrumentation, with Spektor’s vocals accompanied by a simple piano melody that creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.

The lyrics of the song are poignant and introspective, reflecting on the pitfalls of success and the dangers of losing oneself in the pursuit of corporate ambition. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase “the ghost of corporate future,” is a powerful and haunting reminder of the toll that success can take on a person’s soul.

Despite its somber tone, “The Ghost of Corporate Future” is a beautiful and moving song. Regina Spektor’s vocals are raw and emotional, conveying a sense of vulnerability and honesty that is rare in contemporary music. The track is a testament to Spektor’s skill as a songwriter and performer, and is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the pressures of success and ambition.

16. Ghost on the Dance Floor – Blink-182

“Ghost on the Dance Floor” by Blink-182 is a poignant and heartfelt song that explores themes of loss and grief. The track features a driving drumbeat and soaring guitar riffs, creating a sense of energy and urgency that is characteristic of the band’s signature sound.

The lyrics of the song are deeply personal, reflecting on the death of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker’s close friend and collaborator, DJ AM. The chorus, with its repetition of the line “I saw your ghost on the dance floor,” is a powerful and emotive reminder of the enduring impact that loved ones can have on our lives, even after they have passed away.

Despite its somber subject matter, “Ghost on the Dance Floor” is ultimately a celebration of life and the connections that we make with others. Blink-182’s signature humor and irreverence are still present in the song, providing a sense of lightness and hope in the face of tragedy. The track is a testament to the band’s versatility and emotional depth, and is sure to resonate with fans of all ages.

17. Ghost Behind My Eyes – Ozzy Osbourne

“Ghost Behind My Eyes” by Ozzy Osbourne is a haunting and introspective song that explores the dark corners of the human psyche. The track features a slow, brooding melody that creates a sense of unease and tension, reflecting the subject matter of the song.

The lyrics of the song are deeply personal, with Osbourne reflecting on his struggles with addiction and depression. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase “there’s a ghost behind my eyes,” is a powerful and evocative reminder of the inner demons that can haunt us all.

Despite its dark themes, “Ghost Behind My Eyes” is ultimately a song of hope and redemption. Osbourne’s vocals are raw and emotional, conveying a sense of vulnerability and honesty that is rare in contemporary music. The track is a testament to the power of music to heal and to connect us with our deepest emotions, and is sure to resonate with fans of Ozzy Osbourne and heavy metal music alike.