13 Songs About The Moon

Welcome to “Songs About The Moon,” a carefully curated playlist that takes you on a lunar journey through various musical landscapes. The moon has long been a source of inspiration for artists, symbolizing everything from romance and mystery to introspection and longing. 

In this collection, you’ll find a diverse array of songs that capture the moon’s many faces, each offering a unique perspective on its celestial charm.

1. “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra

Originally titled “In Other Words,” this classic jazz standard was written by Bart Howard in 1954. Frank Sinatra’s 1964 recording, arranged by Quincy Jones, became the most famous version of the song. The tune metaphorically uses space travel and celestial bodies to express romantic feelings. Sinatra’s smooth vocals and the swinging big band arrangement make this a timeless favorite. The song gained additional popularity when it was associated with NASA’s Apollo space program.

2. “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller

Composed by Glenn Miller in 1939, “Moonlight Serenade” is one of the most recognizable instrumental pieces from the big band era. The song’s gentle, romantic melody evokes the soft glow of moonlight, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Miller’s distinctive reed section sound, with clarinet leading the saxophone harmony, gives the piece its unique character. Although it doesn’t have lyrics, the song’s title and mood perfectly capture the essence of a moonlit evening.

3. “Walking On The Moon” by The Police

Released in 1979, this reggae-influenced rock song was written by Sting, the lead singer of The Police. The track uses the concept of walking on the moon as a metaphor for the lightness and euphoria of being in love. The song’s spacey atmosphere is created by Andy Summers’ echoing guitar work and Stewart Copeland’s distinctive drum patterns. “Walking On The Moon” reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and has become one of The Police’s signature songs.

4. “Blue Moon” by The Marcels

“Blue Moon” is a classic pop standard written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934. While many artists have recorded this song, The Marcels’ 1961 doo-wop version became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Their arrangement is known for its distinctive “bomp-baba-bomp” bass vocal intro. The song uses the rare occurrence of a second full moon in a calendar month (a “blue moon”) as a metaphor for finding true love. The Marcels’ upbeat interpretation transformed the originally melancholic ballad into a lively rock and roll number.

5. “There’s A Moon In The Sky (Called The Moon)” by The B-52s

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Released in 1979 as part of their debut album, The B-52’s, “There’s A Moon In The Sky (Called The Moon)” is a quirky, upbeat track that exemplifies the band’s unique blend of new wave, punk, and dance music. The song features playful and repetitive lyrics that emphasize the simplicity and wonder of the moon, while also incorporating space-age themes and imagery. The B-52s’ signature sound is highlighted by Fred Schneider’s distinctive vocal delivery, Cindy Wilson’s additional guitar and vocals, and the band’s use of synthesizers and percussion. The song’s whimsical nature and energetic rhythm make it a fun and memorable addition to any moon-themed playlist.

6. “Man On The Moon” by R.E.M.

“Man On The Moon” is a track from R.E.M.’s 1992 album Automatic for the People. Written by Michael Stipe, the song serves as a tribute to the late comedian and performer Andy Kaufman. The lyrics reference Kaufman’s eccentric career and the various conspiracy theories surrounding his life and death, including the moon landing. The song’s chorus, “If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon,” challenges listeners to question their beliefs and the nature of reality. Musically, the track features a blend of alternative rock with a catchy melody and a reflective tone. “Man On The Moon” is one of R.E.M.’s most beloved songs, known for its introspective lyrics and emotional depth.

7. “Talking To The Moon” by Bruno Mars

“Talking To The Moon” is a ballad from Bruno Mars’ debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). The song explores themes of loneliness and longing, as Mars sings about trying to communicate with a lost love by talking to the moon. The track features a stripped-down production, primarily using piano and drums to create an intimate and emotional atmosphere. Mars’ soulful vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and heartache, making the song a poignant reflection on love and separation. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Talking To The Moon” resonated with listeners and became a popular track, particularly in Brazil, where it topped the charts.

8. “Mr. Moonlight” by The Beatles

“Mr. Moonlight” is a song originally written by Roy Lee Johnson and first recorded by Dr. Feelgood and the Interns in 1962. The Beatles covered it on their 1964 albums Beatles for Sale (UK) and Beatles ’65 (US). The Beatles’ rendition features John Lennon on lead vocals, with Paul McCartney and George Harrison providing harmonies. The track is notable for its Latin-style percussion and an organ solo played by McCartney. The song starts with Lennon’s powerful vocal entry, which was a highlight in their live performances. Despite its somewhat mixed critical reception, “Mr. Moonlight” showcases the band’s ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into existing songs with their distinctive style.

9. “Child of the Moon” by The Rolling Stones

“Child of the Moon” was released in 1968 as the B-side to the Rolling Stones’ single “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Produced by Jimmy Miller, the song marks a transition from the band’s psychedelic phase to a more laid-back rock sound. The track features a droning melody, Mick Jagger’s drawling vocals, and Brian Jones’ hypnotic saxophone. The lyrics, which compare a woman to a “child of the moon,” evoke a cosmic and mystical imagery. Although it was considered a filler track at the time, it has gained appreciation over the years as a hidden gem in the Stones’ catalog. The promotional video for the song, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, adds a haunting, almost pagan visual element to the song’s mystical aura.

10. “Shame on the Moon” by Bob Seger

“Shame on the Moon” was written by Rodney Crowell and first recorded on his 1981 self-titled album. Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band covered it in 1982, making it the lead single from their album The Distance. The song blends rock and country influences and features backing harmonies by Glenn Frey of the Eagles. It spent four weeks at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart. The lyrics reflect on the complexities of love and life, with the moon serving as a metaphor for elusive desires and hidden emotions. Seger’s soulful delivery and the song’s melancholic tone resonated with a wide audience, making it one of his most successful hits.

11. “Drunk On The Moon” by Tom Waits

Released on Tom Waits’ 1974 album The Heart of Saturday Night, “Drunk On The Moon” is a vivid, nocturnal journey through an urban landscape. Waits’ gravelly voice and poetic lyricism paint a picture of a bustling nightlife filled with colorful characters and vibrant scenes. The song’s imagery includes “tight-slacked clad girls on the graveyard shift” and “cigar chewing Charlie,” creating a sense of a surreal, almost magical nightlife. The chorus, “I’m drunk on the moon,” serves as a metaphor for the intoxicating allure of the night, with the moon described as a “silver slipper” pouring “champagne stars.” The saxophone, a recurring motif in the song, adds a soulful, melancholic undertone to the lively atmosphere, capturing the essence of a city that never sleeps.

12. “Song About the Moon” by Paul Simon

“Song About the Moon” is a track from Paul Simon’s 1983 album Hearts and Bones. The song offers a meta-commentary on songwriting itself, using the moon as a central metaphor. Simon advises aspiring songwriters to think about the moon when writing about the heart, as it symbolizes longing and emotional depth. The lyrics include lines like “If you want to write a song about the moon, walk along the craters in the afternoon,” which evoke the moon’s mysterious and inspirational qualities. The song blends folk and rock elements, with Simon’s reflective lyrics and melodic sensibility creating a contemplative atmosphere. The track is both a literal and figurative exploration of the creative process.

13. “Moon Is Up” by The Rolling Stones

“Moon Is Up” is a song from The Rolling Stones’ 1994 album Voodoo Lounge. The track delves into themes of separation, longing, and the inevitable cycles of life. The lyrics juxtapose the sun and the moon, symbolizing opposing forces or states of being that cannot coexist. Lines like “The moon is up, the sky is black, I’ll sail away and won’t come back” highlight the sense of emotional desolation and yearning. The song is notable for its experimental production, including Charlie Watts playing drums using a trash can, which adds a unique texture to the track. The cyclical nature of the sun setting and the moon rising serves as a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of personal loss and separation.

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.