13 Songs About Stars And Starlight

As I sit beneath the vast expanse of the night sky, I can’t help but feel a profound connection to the stars twinkling above. Each flicker seems to tell a story, a whisper of the universe that resonates deeply within me. Stars have always captivated our imaginations, serving as symbols of hope, dreams, and the mysteries of life. They remind us of our place in the cosmos and inspire countless artists to weave their magic into melodies. 

In this playlist, I’ll take you on a journey through 13 songs that celebrate stars and starlight, each one capturing the beauty and wonder of these celestial bodies. 

1. “All Of The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar Ft. SZA

All Of The Stars is a song by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA, released as part of the soundtrack for the 2018 film Black Panther. The song blends elements of hip-hop and R&B, and its lyrics explore themes of hope, unity, and perseverance. The chorus, sung by SZA, emphasizes the idea of reaching for the stars and finding light in the darkness, making it a fitting addition to any playlist centered around stars and starlight. The song received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

2. “City Of Stars” by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone

City Of Stars is a duet performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone for the 2016 film La La Land. The song, composed by Justin Hurwitz with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, captures the enchanting allure of Los Angeles, often referred to as the “City of Stars.” The lyrics reflect the dreams and aspirations of the characters, who are both striving to achieve success in their respective artistic fields. The song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone, combined with its simple piano accompaniment, creates a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the magic of starlight.

3. “Another Star” by Stevie Wonder

Another Star is a song by Stevie Wonder from his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. This Latin disco track is characterized by its vibrant rhythm and intricate instrumentation, featuring notable contributions from musicians like George Benson on guitar and Bobbi Humphrey on flute. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and devotion, as Wonder sings about a love that continues to shine brightly in his heart despite the heartbreak. “Another Star” reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Dance/Disco chart, and it remains a testament to Wonder’s ability to blend emotional depth with infectious musicality.

4. “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Shining Star is a classic funk and R&B song by Earth, Wind & Fire, released in 1975. The song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts. With its upbeat tempo, powerful brass section, and uplifting lyrics, “Shining Star” celebrates the inner light and potential within every individual. The song’s message of self-empowerment and positivity makes it a timeless anthem that continues to inspire listeners to reach for their own “shining star.”

5. “There’s A Star For Everyone” by Aretha Franklin

There’s A Star For Everyone is a soulful ballad by Aretha Franklin, released in 1981. The song’s lyrics revolve around the theme of hope and destiny, suggesting that there is a star out there for everyone, symbolizing dreams and aspirations. Franklin’s powerful and emotive voice brings depth to the song, making it a poignant reminder that everyone has a unique path and potential. The song’s arrangement features a blend of smooth instrumentation and Franklin’s signature gospel-influenced vocal style, creating a timeless and uplifting piece that resonates with listeners.

6. “Rewrite The Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya

Rewrite The Stars is a duet performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya for the 2017 film The Greatest Showman. The song, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, features Efron’s character, Phillip Carlyle, and Zendaya’s character, Anne Wheeler, as they sing about defying societal expectations to be together despite their different backgrounds. The lyrics convey a message of love and determination, emphasizing the idea that they can “rewrite the stars” to change their destiny. The song’s composition is in the key of B♭ major with a moderately fast tempo, and it showcases the vocal chemistry between Efron and Zendaya, making it a standout track in the film’s soundtrack.

7. “We’re All Made Of Stars” by Moby

We’re All Made Of Stars is a song by American electronica musician Moby, released in 2002 as the lead single from his album 18. The song was inspired by the scientific concept that all matter in the universe is made of stardust, reflecting a sense of universal connection and hope. Written in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the song aims to convey a message of resilience and unity. The music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, features Moby as a spaceman observing various celebrities in Hollywood, highlighting the excesses of fame while maintaining a hopeful tone. The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its uplifting message and catchy melody.

8. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic

Counting Stars is a hit song by American pop rock band OneRepublic, released as the second single from their third studio album, Native (2013). Written by lead singer Ryan Tedder, the song blends folk pop and pop rock elements. It explores themes of ambition, financial struggles, and the pursuit of dreams. The lyrics reflect Tedder’s personal experiences, particularly the stress of financial pressures and the desire to focus on life’s more meaningful aspects. The recurring line, “Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been losing sleep, dreaming about the things that we could be,” encapsulates the essence of ambition and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in several countries and achieving diamond certification in the United States for selling over 10 million units.

9. “A Sky Full Of Stars” by Coldplay

A Sky Full Of Stars is a song by British rock band Coldplay, released as the third single from their sixth studio album, Ghost Stories (2014). The song was co-produced by Avicii, which brought a notable electronic dance music (EDM) influence to Coldplay’s signature sound. The lyrics convey a sense of wonder and admiration, likening a loved one to a sky full of stars. The song’s uplifting and anthemic quality is enhanced by its driving beat and euphoric melody, making it a favorite for both radio play and live performances. “A Sky Full Of Stars” was well-received by critics and fans alike, and it played a significant role during the acceptance speeches of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in 2020, symbolizing hope and unity.

10. “All Of The Stars” by Ed Sheeran

All Of The Stars is a song by Ed Sheeran, featured on the soundtrack of the 2014 film The Fault in Our Stars. The song is a tender ballad that captures the emotional depth of the movie, which is based on John Green’s novel about two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. The lyrics of “All Of The Stars” reflect themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the night sky as a metaphor for hope and connection. The song’s gentle acoustic arrangement and Sheeran’s heartfelt delivery make it a poignant and memorable addition to the film’s soundtrack. “All Of The Stars” received positive reviews for its emotional resonance and lyrical beauty, further cementing Sheeran’s reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.

11. “Falling Like The Stars” by James Arthur

Falling Like The Stars is a heartfelt ballad by British singer-songwriter James Arthur, released in 2019. The song uses the metaphor of stars falling from the sky to describe the intensity and rapid pace of falling in love. Arthur’s emotive lyrics and soulful delivery convey a deep sense of longing and commitment. The song begins with a promise to hold his loved one close upon returning home, suggesting a period of absence and the yearning that accompanies it. The chorus emphasizes the beauty and inevitability of their love, comparing it to stars plummeting through the sky. The song also envisions a future filled with family and enduring love, highlighting themes of stability and devotion.

12. “Lucky Star” by Madonna

Lucky Star is a song by American singer Madonna, released in 1983 as the fourth single from her self-titled debut album. The song is an upbeat dance-pop track that became one of Madonna’s early hits. The lyrics revolve around the idea of a “lucky star” as a metaphor for a guiding light or a source of good fortune. Madonna sings about how her lucky star makes everything better and brighter, symbolizing a positive and uplifting force in her life. The song’s catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and Madonna’s charismatic performance helped establish her as a pop icon. “Lucky Star” was well-received by critics and became a staple in Madonna’s live performances, showcasing her ability to blend pop sensibilities with a sense of mystique and allure.

13. “Starlight” by Muse

Starlight is a song by British rock band Muse, released as the second single from their fourth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations (2006). The song features a driving piano riff and anthemic chorus, with lyrics that explore themes of longing, separation, and hope. Lead singer Matt Bellamy describes the song as a love letter to someone far away, using the imagery of starlight to symbolize a distant but ever-present connection. The chorus, “Hold you in my arms, I just wanted to hold you in my arms,” underscores the emotional yearning and desire for closeness. “Starlight” received critical acclaim for its powerful melody and emotional depth, becoming one of Muse’s most popular tracks and a highlight of their live shows.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

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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.