17 Best Songs about the Ocean That Make You Want to Dive In

The ‘Ocean’ is a vast and mysterious expanse that has fascinated humans for centuries. It has inspired countless works of art and music, with many artists and musicians drawn to its beauty, power, and unpredictability. There is something about the ocean that captures the imagination and sparks the creativity of artists and musicians alike, leading to a rich and diverse body of work that celebrates its many wonders. From the crashing waves and shimmering depths to the creatures that inhabit its waters, the ocean provides endless inspiration for songs that evoke a sense of adventure, wonder, and awe.

Songs about the ocean have the power to transport listeners to another world, one filled with the sounds and sensations of the sea. Whether it’s the gentle lapping of waves on the shore or the thunderous roar of a stormy sea, these songs capture the essence of the ocean and invite the listener to dive in. Some songs celebrate the beauty and serenity of the ocean, while others explore its darker and more mysterious aspects. Some tell stories of epic voyages and adventures on the high seas, while others focus on the personal and emotional journeys of the individuals who find themselves drawn to the water.

Whatever the focus or theme, songs about the ocean share a common thread: a deep sense of connection to something that is both powerful and fragile, beautiful and dangerous. They remind us of the wonders and mysteries that lie beneath the waves, and inspire us to explore and appreciate this vast and magical realm. So let’s dive in and explore some of the best songs about the ocean that make you want to experience its beauty and power for yourself.

1.‘Only the Ocean’ – Jack Johnson

“Only the Ocean” by Jack Johnson is a beautiful and introspective song that captures the essence of a peaceful and tranquil ocean. The song is built around a gentle acoustic guitar melody and features Johnson’s soothing voice delivering contemplative lyrics about the fleeting nature of time and the power of the ocean. The song’s mellow tone and simple instrumentation create a sense of calm and serenity, transporting the listener to a peaceful and meditative state. Overall, “Only the Ocean” is a lovely and poignant song that inspires introspection and appreciation for the natural world.

2.‘An Ocean Between the Waves’ – War on Drugs

“An Ocean Between the Waves” by War on Drugs is an epic and expansive rock anthem that showcases the band’s signature sound. The song builds gradually from a simple guitar riff into a sweeping wall of sound, with layers of lush instrumentation including driving drums, soaring synths, and searing guitar solos. Lead singer Adam Granduciel’s distinctive voice adds an element of vulnerability and emotion to the song’s powerful sound. Lyrically, the song touches on themes of isolation, distance, and the struggle to connect with others. Overall, “An Ocean Between the Waves” is a stunning and cathartic song that captures the essence of the human experience.

3.‘Grown Ocean’ – Fleet Foxes

“Grown Ocean” by Fleet Foxes is a folksy and introspective song that explores the complexities of growing up and navigating life’s challenges. The song is built around a jangly acoustic guitar riff and features frontman Robin Pecknold’s distinctive and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics are poetic and metaphorical, touching on themes of change, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of harmonies, percussion, and strings creating a lush and intricate sound. Overall, “Grown Ocean” is a beautiful and contemplative song that captures the essence of the human experience and invites reflection and introspection.

4.‘The Ocean’ – Led Zeppelin

“The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that showcases the band’s powerful sound and dynamic musicianship. The song features a driving riff from guitarist Jimmy Page, with John Bonham’s thunderous drums and John Paul Jones’ grooving bass creating a foundation for Robert Plant’s wailing vocals. Lyrically, the song touches on themes of life on the road and the wild and unpredictable nature of the ocean. The song’s instrumentation builds in intensity, with a blistering guitar solo from Page and a thunderous breakdown section. Overall, “The Ocean” is a thrilling and energizing song that captures the raw power and spirit of Led Zeppelin’s music.

5.‘I’m the Ocean’ – Neil Young

“I’m the Ocean” by Neil Young is a haunting and introspective song that reflects on the complexities of identity and the human experience. The song features a simple acoustic guitar riff and Young’s distinctive voice delivering lyrics that touch on themes of self-discovery, transformation, and the search for meaning in life. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of electric guitar, percussion, and organ creating a rich and dynamic sound. The song’s chorus is a powerful and memorable refrain that captures the essence of the song’s message. Overall, “I’m the Ocean” is a thoughtful and thought-provoking song that invites reflection and introspection.

6.‘Oceans’ – Coldplay

“Oceans” by Coldplay is a serene and contemplative song that captures the essence of the natural world. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar melody and Chris Martin’s soothing vocals delivering lyrics that touch on themes of love, loss, and the power of the ocean. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of piano, percussion, and strings creating a rich and atmospheric sound. The song’s chorus is a memorable and uplifting refrain that captures the song’s message of hope and resilience. Overall, “Oceans” is a beautiful and emotive song that inspires reflection and appreciation for the beauty and majesty of the natural world.

7.‘Ocean Rain’ – Echo and the Bunnymen

“Ocean Rain” by Echo and the Bunnymen is a haunting and atmospheric song that captures the essence of the ocean’s mysterious and unpredictable nature. The song features a driving drum beat and a swirling wall of sound created by the band’s signature blend of guitar and keyboard. Lead singer Ian McCulloch’s distinctive voice adds an element of vulnerability and emotion to the song’s dark and moody sound. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of love, loss, and the transience of life. Overall, “Ocean Rain” is a powerful and evocative song that captures the band’s unique sound and spirit of introspection and melancholy.

8.‘Ocean Breathes Salty’ – Modest Mouse

“Ocean Breathes Salty” by Modest Mouse is a dynamic and introspective song that explores themes of mortality and the fragility of life. The song features a driving beat and frontman Isaac Brock’s distinctive voice delivering lyrics that touch on the passage of time, the cyclical nature of life, and the inevitability of death. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of guitar, bass, and percussion creating a powerful and dynamic sound. The song’s chorus is a memorable and catchy refrain that captures the song’s message of acceptance and resignation. Overall, “Ocean Breathes Salty” is a poignant and thought-provoking song that invites reflection on the human condition and the mysteries of life and death.

9.‘Ocean’ – Lou Reed

“Ocean” by Lou Reed is a poignant and emotional song that reflects on the complexities of love and relationships. The song features a simple acoustic guitar riff and Reed’s distinctive voice delivering lyrics that touch on themes of desire, longing, and regret. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of electric guitar, percussion, and strings creating a rich and dynamic sound. The song’s chorus is a powerful and memorable refrain that captures the song’s message of the deep and often tumultuous nature of love. Overall, “Ocean” is a beautiful and emotive song that captures the essence of the human experience and the complexities of the heart.

10.‘Ocean of Noise’ – Arcade Fire

“Ocean of Noise” by Arcade Fire is a haunting and atmospheric song that explores the human experience of isolation and loneliness. The song features a slow and mournful melody with frontman Win Butler’s emotive vocals delivering lyrics that touch on themes of despair, hopelessness, and the search for connection in a world that can be cold and indifferent. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of guitar, piano, and strings creating a rich and evocative sound. The song’s chorus is a powerful and cathartic refrain that captures the song’s message of the yearning for human connection and the search for meaning in life. Overall, “Ocean of Noise” is a moving and introspective song that invites reflection on the human condition and the need for connection and belonging.

11.‘Life’s an Ocean’ – The Verve

“Life’s an Ocean” by The Verve is a reflective and introspective song that explores the complexities of life and the human experience. The song features a slow and mournful melody with frontman Richard Ashcroft’s emotive vocals delivering lyrics that touch on themes of hope, regret, and the passage of time. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of guitar, piano, and strings creating a rich and atmospheric sound. The song’s chorus is a powerful and emotive refrain that captures the song’s message of the beauty and fragility of life. Overall, “Life’s an Ocean” is a moving and poignant song that invites reflection on the human experience and the power of the human spirit.

12.‘Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean’ – Paul Simon

“Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean” by Paul Simon is a reflective and nostalgic song that tells the story of the changing relationship between humans and the ocean. The song features a gentle and melancholic melody with Simon’s distinctive voice delivering lyrics that touch on themes of environmental degradation, loss, and the need for change. The song’s instrumentation includes acoustic guitar, percussion, and a beautiful string arrangement that captures the song’s message of beauty and fragility. Overall, “Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean” is a powerful and evocative song that invites reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world.

13.‘Oceania’ – Björk

“Oceania” by Björk is an ethereal and haunting song that invites the listener on a journey through the mysteries of the ocean. The song features Björk’s distinctive voice over a mesmerizing electronic beat, with lyrics that touch on themes of beauty, power, and the fragility of nature. The song’s instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of strings, synths, and percussion creating a rich and evocative sound. The song’s chorus is a powerful and emotional refrain that captures the song’s message of the power and majesty of the ocean. Overall, “Oceania” is a beautiful and mystical song that invites the listener on a journey through the wonders of the natural world.

14.‘Blue Ocean Floor’ – Justin Timberlake

“Blue Ocean Floor” by Justin Timberlake is a dreamy and introspective song that reflects on the complexities of relationships and the search for meaning in life. The song features a slow and atmospheric melody with Timberlake’s smooth vocals delivering lyrics that touch on themes of longing, desire, and the search for connection. The song’s instrumentation includes electronic beats, piano, and atmospheric sounds that create a dreamlike and otherworldly feel. The song’s chorus is a powerful and emotional refrain that captures the song’s message of the beauty and depth of the human experience. Overall, “Blue Ocean Floor” is a beautiful and emotive song that invites reflection on the mysteries of the human heart and the search for connection and meaning in life.

15.‘How Deep is the Ocean?’ – Diana Krall

“How Deep is the Ocean?” by Diana Krall is a classic song that invites the listener to reflect on the vastness and depth of the ocean as a metaphor for the complexity and mystery of love. The song features Krall’s smooth and sultry vocals over a simple and elegant jazz arrangement with piano and strings. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of love, longing, and the depths of emotion that can be found in the human heart. Krall’s voice is particularly powerful in the song’s emotive chorus, which captures the song’s message of the unfathomable depths of love. Overall, “How Deep is the Ocean?” is a timeless and poignant song that reminds us of the power and mystery of human emotions.

16.‘Ocean Eyes’ – Billie Eilish

“Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish is a haunting and introspective song that captures the beauty and vulnerability of youth. The song features Eilish’s delicate and ethereal vocals over a minimalist electronic beat and sparse instrumentation. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of love, vulnerability, and the fleeting nature of youth. Eilish’s voice is particularly powerful in the song’s emotional chorus, which captures the song’s message of the beauty and fragility of youth. Overall, “Ocean Eyes” is a beautiful and emotive song that captures the essence of adolescence and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

17.‘Octopus’s Garden’ – The Beatles

“Octopus’s Garden” by The Beatles is a whimsical and playful song that takes the listener on an imaginative journey under the sea. The song features Ringo Starr on lead vocals, with a cheerful and upbeat melody that captures the song’s lighthearted tone. The lyrics tell the story of an underwater adventure, with an octopus serving as the host of a magical garden filled with wonders and treasures. The song’s catchy chorus invites the listener to sing along and join in on the fun. Overall, “Octopus’s Garden” is a delightful and charming song that showcases The Beatles’ playful and imaginative side, and is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.