17 Best Songs About the Sun and Sunshine to Brighten Your Day

The sun is a powerful force that has been a source of inspiration for humans for millennia. It brings light and warmth to our lives, and has been worshipped as a deity in many cultures. The sun has also been a popular theme in music, with countless songs paying tribute to its power and majesty. From classic rock hits to modern pop anthems, songs about the sun have captured the imaginations of listeners for generations.

In this article, we will explore the top 17 songs about the sun, each one a testament to the enduring power and influence of this celestial body. We’ll look at a range of genres and eras, from the psychedelic sounds of the 60s to the contemporary pop hits of today. Each song on this list celebrates the sun in its own unique way, whether it’s through soaring guitar riffs or soulful ballads. Some of these songs explore the sun’s physical properties, while others use it as a metaphor for love, life, or hope.

Through this list of the top 17 songs about the sun, we hope to showcase the diverse ways that music has been influenced by this remarkable natural phenomenon. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, indie pop, or soulful ballads, there’s a song on this list that’s sure to resonate with you and make you feel the warmth of the sun on your face.

1. ‘The Sound of Sunshine’ by Michael Franti and Spearhead

‘The Sound of Sunshine’ by Michael Franti and Spearhead is an uplifting and energetic song that celebrates the power of the sun to bring light and joy into our lives. With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this song is a perfect summertime anthem that will get you dancing and singing along in no time. Franti’s soulful vocals and positive lyrics remind us of the transformative power of nature, and encourage us to let go of our worries and embrace the simple pleasures of life. With its infectious energy and feel-good vibe, ‘The Sound of Sunshine’ is a song that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized, ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.

2. ‘Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun’ by Pink Floyd

‘Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun’ by Pink Floyd is a psychedelic rock classic that takes listeners on a trippy and otherworldly journey through the cosmos. With its haunting and hypnotic melodies, this song captures the sense of mystery and wonder that surrounds the sun, and its power to inspire awe and fear in equal measure. The hypnotic beat and dreamy vocals create a sense of weightlessness and transport the listener to a new realm of consciousness. This song is a prime example of Pink Floyd’s mastery of experimental and progressive rock, and their ability to create soundscapes that push the boundaries of conventional music. With ‘Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun,’ Pink Floyd invites listeners to join them on a mind-bending trip to the outer reaches of space and beyond.

3. ‘Blister in the Sun’ by Violent Femmes

‘Blister in the Sun’ by Violent Femmes is a classic indie rock track that celebrates the freedom and excitement of summertime. With its catchy guitar riff and upbeat tempo, this song captures the carefree spirit of youth and the sense of adventure that comes with warm weather and long days. The lyrics, which are both playful and suggestive, evoke the sense of rebellion and mischief that are often associated with adolescence. The song’s infectious energy and irreverent tone have made it a perennial favorite among indie rock fans and a staple of summer playlists. Whether you’re driving down the highway with the windows rolled down or hanging out with friends at the beach, ‘Blister in the Sun’ is the perfect soundtrack for a hot summer day.

4. ‘Higher Than the Sun’ by Primal Scream

‘Higher Than the Sun’ by Primal Scream is a dreamy and ethereal track that takes the listener on a journey through the sun-soaked landscapes of the mind. With its trippy beats and hypnotic vocals, this song creates a sense of weightlessness and transports the listener to a place beyond time and space. The lyrics, which speak of the power of love and the endless possibilities of the universe, evoke a sense of wonder and awe that is both cosmic and deeply personal. This song is a prime example of Primal Scream’s ability to create music that is both experimental and accessible, and to explore the outer limits of sound while remaining firmly grounded in the human experience. ‘Higher Than the Sun’ is a masterpiece of psychedelic rock, and its legacy can be heard in the work of countless artists who have been inspired by its pioneering sound.

5. ‘Trip Around the Sun’ by Kenny Chesney

‘Trip Around the Sun’ by Kenny Chesney is a laid-back country tune that celebrates the passing of time and the beauty of the natural world. The song’s lyrics, which compare life to a journey around the sun, remind us of the fleeting nature of our existence and encourage us to appreciate the moments we have. The song’s mellow vibe and easy melody capture the feeling of a lazy summer day spent lounging in the sun, and the chorus’s catchy singalong quality make it a perfect song for outdoor gatherings and bonfire nights. With its timeless message and timeless sound, ‘Trip Around the Sun’ is a classic country song that reminds us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life.

6. ‘Who Loves the Sun’ by The Velvet Underground

‘Who Loves the Sun’ by The Velvet Underground is a bright, upbeat song that celebrates the joys of summertime and new love. The song’s catchy melody and lively guitar riffs evoke a feeling of carefree happiness, while the lyrics speak to the excitement and uncertainty of falling in love. Sung with a sense of playful innocence, the song’s chorus is an invitation to embrace the sun and all the possibilities that it brings. With its mix of rock, pop, and folk influences, ‘Who Loves the Sun’ is a quintessential song of the 1970s, a time of free-spirited exploration and creative experimentation. The song’s appeal has endured over the years, as its joyful energy and infectious optimism continue to resonate with listeners of all ages.

7. ‘She’s Only Happy in the Sun’ by Ben Harper

‘She’s Only Happy in the Sun’ by Ben Harper is a soulful, introspective ballad that explores the complexities of life and relationships. With its gentle acoustic guitar and Harper’s evocative vocals, the song is a melancholy meditation on the fleeting nature of happiness and the search for deeper meaning. The lyrics speak to the way that people can be trapped by their own illusions, seeking happiness in fleeting pleasures rather than finding a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. Yet despite the song’s melancholy tone, there is a sense of hope and resilience that shines through. The chorus is a reminder that life is not just about the pursuit of happiness, but also about the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. With its poetic lyrics and haunting melody, ‘She’s Only Happy in the Sun’ is a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

8. ‘Cold Day in the Sun’ by Foo Fighters

‘Cold Day in the Sun’ by Foo Fighters is a high-energy rock anthem that celebrates the joys of living in the moment and seizing the day. With its driving guitar riffs and propulsive drumbeat, the song is a celebration of the power of music to lift our spirits and energize our souls. The lyrics speak to the way that life is full of both highs and lows, and that it’s important to embrace both the good times and the bad in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the world around us. With its infectious chorus and dynamic guitar solos, ‘Cold Day in the Sun’ is a reminder to live life to the fullest, and to find joy in even the darkest of moments. As always, the Foo Fighters bring their trademark energy and passion to the song, making it a must-listen for fans of high-octane rock music.

9. ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles

‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of optimism and renewal. With its memorable guitar intro and upbeat melody, the song has become a beloved favorite for generations of music lovers. The lyrics celebrate the coming of spring, and the sense of hope and possibility that it brings with it. From the opening lines, “Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right,” to the soaring harmonies of the chorus, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ is a joyous celebration of life and all its possibilities. As always, The Beatles’ musicianship and songwriting are on full display, with intricate guitar lines and lush vocal harmonies that combine to create a truly unforgettable listening experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic rock or simply someone who loves great music, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ is a song that’s sure to lift your spirits and leave you feeling inspired.

10. ‘Island in the Sun’ by Weezer

‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of optimism and renewal. With its memorable guitar intro and upbeat melody, the song has become a beloved favorite for generations of music lovers. The lyrics celebrate the coming of spring, and the sense of hope and possibility that it brings with it. From the opening lines, “Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right,” to the soaring harmonies of the chorus, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ is a joyous celebration of life and all its possibilities. As always, The Beatles’ musicianship and songwriting are on full display, with intricate guitar lines and lush vocal harmonies that combine to create a truly unforgettable listening experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic rock or simply someone who loves great music, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ is a song that’s sure to lift your spirits and leave you feeling inspired.

11. ‘Saturday Sun’ by Nick Drake

“Saturday Sun” is a folk-pop song by English singer-songwriter Nick Drake, which was released on his 1972 album “Pink Moon”. The song has a mellow and soothing sound with Drake’s signature fingerpicking style and soft, whispered vocals. The lyrics describe a peaceful and idyllic scene on a sunny day, with Drake reflecting on the beauty of nature and his own place in the world. The song’s melody and lyrics are both simple yet powerful, evoking a sense of calm and contentment. Drake’s vocals are complemented by gentle guitar strumming, and the overall effect is a dreamy, introspective mood that captures the essence of a sunny day perfectly. Despite the song’s gentle tone, it has a certain poignancy, as Drake’s tragic life and untimely death give his words added weight and significance. “Saturday Sun” is a timeless classic that showcases Drake’s unique talent as a songwriter and musician, and it remains one of his most beloved and well-known songs.

12. ‘Waiting For the Sun’ by The Doors

“Waiting for the Sun” is a psychedelic rock song by the American band, The Doors, released in 1968. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with the dark and mysterious lyrics, creating a powerful and thought-provoking message. Lead vocalist Jim Morrison’s voice takes center stage, conveying a sense of urgency and restlessness as he sings about waiting for the sun to come up and wash away the darkness. The song’s instrumentation includes a mesmerizing guitar riff, haunting keyboards, and a pulsating rhythm section, creating a hypnotic and mesmerizing sound that captures the essence of the band’s music. The song’s lyrics address themes of rebirth, change, and transformation, which are all powerful and universal concepts that resonate with listeners. “Waiting for the Sun” is a true masterpiece of psychedelic rock, and it remains an essential part of The Doors’ legacy to this day.

13. ‘You are the Sunshine of My Life’ by Stevie Wonder

“You are the Sunshine of My Life” is a classic love song by the legendary American musician Stevie Wonder. Released in 1973, the song is a beautiful expression of love and gratitude for a significant other. The song is known for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, with Wonder’s powerful vocals and use of horns and other instruments. The lyrics are straightforward and heartfelt, expressing the joy and warmth that comes from being with someone special. The chorus, “You are the sunshine of my life/ That’s why I’ll always be around/ You are the apple of my eye/ Forever you’ll stay in my heart,” is particularly memorable and has made this song a beloved classic for generations. It has been covered by many artists over the years and remains a staple of Stevie Wonder’s live performances, as well as a popular wedding song.

14. ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ by Bill Withers

“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a soulful and emotional song by Bill Withers, released in 1971. The song became an instant hit, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Withers’ powerful vocals and minimalist arrangement of drums, bass, and guitar provide a perfect backdrop to the lyrics that describe the feeling of emptiness and despair when someone you love is gone. Withers repeats the phrase “I know” 26 times in the song, emphasizing his desperation and the certainty that his life has been left in darkness without the presence of his loved one. The song’s melancholic tone and emotional depth have made it a timeless classic, covered by numerous artists in a variety of styles. With its unforgettable melody and soulful performance, “Ain’t No Sunshine” continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.

15. ‘Good Day Sunshine’ by The Beatles

‘Good Day Sunshine’ is a cheerful and upbeat song by The Beatles, released in 1966 on their iconic album ‘Revolver’. The song was written by Paul McCartney and was inspired by the sunny weather that he experienced while on vacation in Portugal. The track features a piano riff that has been described as “jazzy” and “bouncy”, which is accompanied by McCartney’s upbeat vocals and catchy harmonies. The lyrics celebrate the joy of a beautiful day and the happiness it brings, making it a perfect feel-good song. The song is a quintessential example of The Beatles’ classic pop-rock style, with its catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and cheerful lyrics. It’s no wonder that the song has become a timeless classic, loved by fans of all ages, and is considered one of the band’s most uplifting and optimistic tracks.

16. ‘You Are My Sunshine’ by Johnny Cash

‘You Are My Sunshine’ is a classic love song, originally written by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, and has been covered by numerous artists. Johnny Cash’s version is a country take on the tune, featuring his signature deep, rich vocals and a simple, yet emotive arrangement. The song’s lyrics express the singer’s love for their partner, declaring that they are the sunshine of their life and how they cannot bear to be without them. The chorus, “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, You make me happy when skies are gray,” is a powerful and memorable expression of love that has resonated with listeners for generations. Cash’s rendition of the song is a beautiful tribute to love, with a timeless quality that continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.

17. ‘Walking On Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves

“Walking on Sunshine” is a lively and upbeat song by Katrina and the Waves that captures the feeling of being in love and feeling great. With its catchy melody, infectious beat, and uplifting lyrics, it’s the perfect feel-good anthem to brighten up your day. The song’s chorus is especially memorable, with Katrina’s powerful vocals urging listeners to “walk on sunshine” and leave their worries behind. Released in 1985, “Walking on Sunshine” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top ten on charts around the world and becoming one of the most popular and recognizable songs of the decade. Even today, the song is a beloved classic, frequently used in movies, commercials, and other media to evoke a sense of joy and happiness.