15 Songs About Seattle

Welcome to “Songs About Seattle,” a curated playlist that takes you on a sonic journey through the Emerald City. From the misty mornings and iconic skyline to the vibrant neighborhoods and rich musical heritage, this collection of tracks captures the essence of Seattle in all its multifaceted glory. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or simply a music lover, these songs will immerse you in the spirit of a city that has inspired countless artists.

So, sit back, hit play, and let the sounds of Seattle transport you to the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy the ride!

1. “Welcome to Seattle” by Boom Bap Project

“Welcome to Seattle” by Boom Bap Project is a hip-hop track that serves as a tribute to the city of Seattle. The song is part of their album Return Flight, which showcases the group’s lyrical growth and maturity. The track features intricate wordplay and a strong, rhythmic beat that captures the essence of Seattle’s vibrant hip-hop scene. Boom Bap Project’s lyrics often highlight the city’s cultural landmarks and the everyday life of its residents, making it a local anthem for Seattleites.

2. “Summer in Seattle” by The Laurie Lewis Quintet

“Summer in Seattle” by The Laurie Lewis Quintet is a soothing jazz piece that encapsulates the serene and picturesque nature of Seattle during the summer months. The song features gentle brass, soft drums, and Laurie Lewis’s angelic vocals, which together create a dreamy and relaxing atmosphere. This track is perfect for those who want to experience the calm and beauty of a Seattle summer, even if they are not typically fans of jazz music.

3. “Seattle Was a Riot” by Anti-Flag

“Seattle Was a Riot” by Anti-Flag is a high-energy punk song inspired by the 1999 Seattle WTO protests, also known as the “Battle of Seattle.” The song addresses themes of activism and civil disobedience, questioning why people must resort to rioting to have their voices heard. The aggressive guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming reflect the chaotic and intense nature of the protests. Anti-Flag uses this track to call for an end to violence and to highlight the need for peaceful activism.

4. “Seattle Police is Communist” by Super Adventure Club

“Seattle Police is Communist” by Super Adventure Club is a quirky and satirical track with a reggae beat and synth background. The song’s lyrics are a humorous take on conspiracy theories involving the Seattle police. It describes absurd scenarios such as police officers avoiding protests by drinking coffee and flying dissenters to China. Despite its comedic and bizarre lyrics, the track is catchy and easy to dance to, making it a unique addition to any playlist about Seattle.

5. “Hello Seattle” by Owl City

“Hello Seattle” by Owl City is an electronica track from the album Ocean Eyes. Written and produced by Adam Young, the song is a whimsical and imaginative ode to the city of Seattle, despite Young never having visited the city when he wrote it. The lyrics personify various elements of Seattle, such as a mountaineer, a manta ray, the crescent moon, and a lighthouse, creating a dreamlike and surreal portrayal of the city. The song’s upbeat tempo and electronic soundscape, combined with its abstract and poetic lyrics, make it a standout track that captures the essence of daydreaming about a place from afar.

6. “I Love Seattle” by Tacocat

“I Love Seattle” by Tacocat is a punk rock anthem celebrating the band’s hometown. The song features energetic guitar riffs and catchy lyrics that highlight various aspects of Seattle life, from its iconic rain to its vibrant music scene. Tacocat’s playful and irreverent style shines through in this track, making it both a love letter to the city and a tongue-in-cheek commentary on its quirks. The song’s upbeat and infectious energy makes it a perfect addition to any playlist about Seattle, capturing the spirit of the city’s punk rock heritage.

7. “This Place Is a Prison” by The Postal Service

“This Place Is a Prison” by The Postal Service is a melancholic and introspective song from the album Give Up. The track uses the metaphor of a prison to describe the feeling of being trapped in a superficial and materialistic society. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of city life, where genuine connections are rare, and people are caught in a cycle of empty pleasures and artificial glamour. The song’s slow tempo, haunting melodies, and poignant lyrics reflect the sense of isolation and disillusionment that can accompany urban living. This track offers a stark contrast to more celebratory songs about Seattle, providing a deeper and more reflective perspective on city life.

8. “The Shadow of Seattle” by Marcy Playground

“The Shadow of Seattle” by Marcy Playground is a grunge-influenced track from their self-titled debut album. The song reflects on the darker side of Seattle’s music scene, particularly in the wake of the grunge movement of the early 1990s. The lyrics allude to the struggles and hardships faced by musicians in the city, as well as the lingering impact of iconic figures like Kurt Cobain. With its moody guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, “The Shadow of Seattle” captures the somber and reflective atmosphere that often accompanies the city’s rainy and overcast weather. This track serves as a tribute to Seattle’s rich musical history while acknowledging the challenges that come with it.

9. “Seattle” by Perry Como

“Seattle” by Perry Como is a classic vocal track that was originally composed by Hugo Montenegro with lyrics by Jack Keller and Ernie Sheldon. The song gained popularity as the theme for the television show Here Come the Brides, which aired from 1968 to 1970 and was set in 19th-century Seattle. Perry Como’s rendition of “Seattle” became a Top 40 hit in early 1969 and is featured on his album Seattle. The song is characterized by its warm, nostalgic melody and lyrics that evoke the charm and beauty of Seattle, making it a timeless tribute to the city.

10. “Sunny in Seattle” by Blake Shelton

“Sunny in Seattle” by Blake Shelton is a country song that humorously contrasts the rare sunny days in Seattle with unusual weather patterns elsewhere. The lyrics playfully describe a world where it’s sunny in Seattle and snowing in New Orleans, capturing the surprise and delight of experiencing sunshine in a city known for its rain. The song’s upbeat tempo and Shelton’s charismatic delivery make it a lighthearted and enjoyable track that celebrates the unexpected joys of Seattle weather.

11. “Moving to Seattle” by The Material

“Moving to Seattle” by The Material is an alternative rock song that explores themes of change and new beginnings. Released in 2008, the track features powerful vocals and emotive guitar riffs that convey a sense of longing and anticipation. The lyrics reflect the band’s desire to start anew in Seattle, a city often associated with creativity and opportunity. This song resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of moving to a new place to pursue their passions and find a fresh start.

12. “My Oh My” by Macklemore

“My Oh My” by Macklemore is a heartfelt tribute to the Seattle Mariners and their legendary sportscaster Dave Niehaus, who passed away in 2010. The song reminisces about the magical 1995 season when the Mariners made it to the American League Championship Series, a pivotal moment in the team’s history. Macklemore’s nostalgic lyrics and emotional delivery capture the deep connection between the city of Seattle and its baseball team. The track is both a personal reflection on Macklemore’s childhood memories and a broader homage to the city’s sports culture.

13. “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle” by Nirvana

“Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle” is a grunge track by Nirvana from their third and final studio album, In Utero. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song is inspired by the tragic life of Frances Farmer, an actress from Seattle who faced severe mental health challenges and institutional abuse. Cobain saw parallels between Farmer’s mistreatment by the media and his own struggles with fame and the press. The song features a tense, chugging riff and lyrics that critique the music industry and societal norms. It is known for its raw emotion and powerful delivery, making it a standout track on the album.

14. “Talkin’ Seattle Grunge Rock Blues” by Todd Snider

“Talkin’ Seattle Grunge Rock Blues” by Todd Snider is a satirical folk song that humorously critiques the grunge music scene of the early 1990s. The song tells the story of a fictional band that rises to fame by not playing any music, poking fun at the absurdity and commercialization of the alternative music scene. Snider’s witty lyrics and storytelling style highlight the ridiculousness of the hype surrounding grunge bands from Seattle, making it a clever commentary on the music industry’s trends and fads.

15. “Slick Watts” by Blue Scholars

“Slick Watts” by Blue Scholars is an alternative hip-hop track from their album Cinemetropolis. The song is named after Donald Earl “Slick” Watts, a popular player for the Seattle SuperSonics known for his shaved head and distinctive headband. The lyrics celebrate various Seattle neighborhoods and landmarks, as well as notable SuperSonics players, creating a vivid portrait of the city’s culture and history. The track’s energetic beat and local references make it a tribute to Seattle’s diverse communities and its beloved basketball team.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.