15 Songs About The Sky

As someone who has always been captivated by the sky, I find myself constantly inspired by its ever-changing beauty and mystery. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of a sunset, the soft glow of dawn, or the dramatic presence of storm clouds, the sky has a way of evoking deep emotions and sparking creativity. It’s no wonder that countless artists, poets, and musicians have turned to the sky as a muse. 

In this playlist, I’m excited to share a collection of 20 songs that celebrate the sky in all its forms. Each track not only captures the essence of this vast expanse above us but also invites us to reflect on our own experiences and feelings associated with it.

1. “Light Up The Sky” by The Afters

“Light Up The Sky” by The Afters is a song that explores themes of divine presence and guidance. The lyrics convey a message of hope and reassurance, suggesting that God is always with us, especially during challenging times. The song draws inspiration from biblical stories, such as God guiding the Israelites with a pillar of fire, and personal experiences of feeling lost but finding a path through divine intervention. The imagery of the sky lighting up serves as a metaphor for clarity and direction in life’s darkest moments, reminding listeners of God’s constant presence and the promise of a new day with each sunrise.

2. “Sky” by Sonique

Sonique’s “Sky” is a vibrant anthem of freedom and self-discovery. The song expresses a sense of liberation and the exhilaration of reaching one’s full potential. The lyrics celebrate breaking free from past constraints and embracing new opportunities, symbolized by the desire to “touch the sky” and “fly so high.” Additionally, the song explores themes of love and emotional connection, portraying these feelings as integral to personal fulfillment and happiness. The repetition of these desires emphasizes their significance to the singer’s journey, making “Sky” a powerful call for empowerment and personal growth.

3. “See The Sky About To Rain” by Neil Young

“See The Sky About To Rain” by Neil Young is a contemplative song that captures the anticipation of an impending storm. The lyrics paint a picture of a rural landscape with broken clouds and a train whistle warning of the approaching rain. The song doesn’t focus on the storm itself but rather on the moments leading up to it, evoking feelings of melancholy and introspection. Recorded for the album On the Beach in 1974, the song features a haunting organ and pedal steel guitar, enhancing its evocative atmosphere. It reflects Neil Young’s signature style of blending folk and rock elements with introspective lyrics.

4. “Wheel In The Sky” by Journey

“Wheel In The Sky” by Journey is a hard rock song that captures the restless and uncertain life on the road. The lyrics describe a narrator longing to return home and reconnect with a loved one while reflecting on the passage of time. The “wheel in the sky” serves as a metaphor for the relentless and ever-turning nature of life and time. Written by Robert Fleischman, Neal Schon, and Diane Valory, the song was part of Journey’s fourth studio album, Infinity, and marked a shift towards a more mainstream rock sound with Steve Perry as the lead vocalist. The song’s philosophical lyrics and anthemic sound helped propel Journey into the limelight.

5. “Midnight Sky” by Miley Cyrus

“Midnight Sky” by Miley Cyrus is a disco-inspired pop song that marks a significant moment of personal liberation and self-assertion for the artist. Released in 2020, the song reflects Miley’s journey of independence following her divorce from Liam Hemsworth. The lyrics, such as “I was born to run, I don’t belong to anyone,” emphasize her newfound freedom and self-confidence. The “midnight sky” serves as a metaphor for the path she is taking, one filled with self-discovery and empowerment. The song also touches on themes of self-acceptance and the creation of one’s own reality, particularly relevant in the context of societal and personal upheavals during the quarantine period.

6. “Blue Sky” by Hale

“Blue Sky” by Hale is an uplifting song that centers on themes of hope and resilience. The lyrics encourage listeners to look beyond their current struggles and find solace in the promise of a better tomorrow. The “blue sky” symbolizes a future filled with potential and positivity, even when faced with challenges. The song’s chorus, “There’s a blue sky waiting tomorrow,” serves as a reminder that difficult times are temporary and that brighter days are ahead. This message of enduring hope and optimism makes “Blue Sky” an inspirational anthem for those going through tough times.

7. “Blue Clear Sky” by George Strait

“Blue Clear Sky” by George Strait is a country song about the unexpected nature of love. Inspired by a line from the movie Forrest Gump, the song’s title and lyrics describe how love can appear suddenly and out of the blue. The phrase “blue clear sky” captures this element of surprise and the clarity that love brings. The song became a hit, resonating with listeners who appreciate its message of hope and the serendipitous nature of romance. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody further enhance its appeal, making it a memorable entry in George Strait’s extensive catalog.

8. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles

“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles is a psychedelic rock song from their iconic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song was inspired by a drawing by John Lennon’s son, Julian, and features vivid, surreal imagery reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Despite persistent rumors that the song is about LSD, Lennon repeatedly stated that it was purely inspired by his son’s artwork. The song’s whimsical lyrics and innovative musical arrangement, including the use of a Lowrey organ and tambura, create an ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere. It remains one of The Beatles’ most celebrated and analyzed songs, symbolizing the experimental spirit of the 1960s.

9. “October Skies” by Mumford & Sons

“October Skies” by Mumford & Sons is a reflective and atmospheric song from their 2018 album Delta. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, capturing the fleeting beauty of autumn and the emotions tied to memories of a past relationship. The imagery of “October skies” serves as a poignant backdrop for the song’s themes of change and the passage of time. The song’s melancholic tone is complemented by its rich instrumentation, featuring the band’s signature blend of folk and rock elements. The silver light and silhouette mentioned in the lyrics add to the song’s ethereal quality, making it a fitting tribute to the transient beauty of the sky in October.

10. “Cranes in the Sky” by Solange

“Cranes in the Sky” by Solange is a soulful ballad from her critically acclaimed 2016 album A Seat at the Table. The song explores the singer’s attempts to cope with emotional pain and the various ways she tries to distract herself from it. The “cranes in the sky” metaphorically represent the heavy, intrusive thoughts and feelings that loom over her, much like the physical cranes that disrupt the skyline of a rapidly developing city. The song’s minimalist production, co-produced by Raphael Saadiq, allows Solange’s poignant lyrics and emotive vocals to take center stage. “Cranes in the Sky” received widespread acclaim and won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance, solidifying its place as a powerful anthem of introspection and healing4.

11. “The Big Sky” by Kate Bush

“The Big Sky” by Kate Bush is an art rock song from her 1985 album Hounds of Love. Released as a single in 1986, the song reminisces about the simple joys of childhood, such as spending time gazing at the sky and watching clouds. The lyrics reflect a yearning for the innocence and wonder of youth, a time when the world seemed full of endless possibilities. The song’s dynamic arrangement, featuring Bush’s distinctive vocals and a mix of electronic and traditional instruments, captures the expansive and ever-changing nature of the sky. “The Big Sky” was accompanied by a music video directed by Bush herself and was nominated for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

12. “Letters from the Sky” by Civil Twilight

“Letters from the Sky” by Civil Twilight is a hauntingly beautiful song from their 2009 self-titled debut album. The lyrics are imbued with themes of hope, love, and spiritual longing, often interpreted as referencing the Second Coming of Christ and the promise of reunion with loved ones. The “letters from the sky” symbolize messages of hope and freedom, suggesting a divine intervention or a significant change on the horizon. The song’s ethereal soundscape, characterized by its emotive vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, creates a sense of both melancholy and upliftment. It has resonated with listeners for its poignant exploration of loss, faith, and the enduring power of love.

13. “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay

“A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay is an uplifting anthem from their 2014 album Ghost Stories. The song is a blend of rock and electronic dance music, co-produced by the band and Avicii. It uses cosmic metaphors to express profound love and devotion, portraying the beloved as a “sky full of stars” that illuminates and guides the singer’s path. The lyrics convey themes of admiration, reverence, and unwavering commitment, highlighting the beloved’s beauty and the light they bring into the singer’s life. The song’s euphoric and danceable nature, combined with heartfelt lyrics, makes it a celebration of all-consuming love that shines even in the darkest times.

14. “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum

“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum is a classic rock song released in 1969, known for its distinctive blend of gospel and rock elements. Despite Greenbaum being Jewish, the song makes several references to Jesus and the afterlife, inspired by Greenbaum’s fascination with gospel music and Western movies. The lyrics speak of a positive spiritual realm beyond earthly existence, symbolized by the “spirit in the sky,” and emphasize the importance of having a friend in Jesus to guide one to this heavenly place. The song’s unique sound, featuring a fuzz-tone guitar and gospel-style backing vocals, contributed to its widespread success, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in several other countries. It has since become a staple in popular culture, featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.

15. “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra

“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is an iconic pop-rock song from their 1977 album Out of the Blue. Written and produced by Jeff Lynne, the song is part of the “Concerto for a Rainy Day” suite and celebrates the end of a period of rain and the arrival of clear, sunny skies. The upbeat and infectious rhythm, combined with its optimistic lyrics, has made it one of ELO’s most beloved tracks. The song features a distinctive use of a fire extinguisher for percussion and a heavily vocoded voice in the outro. “Mr. Blue Sky” has been widely used in films, TV shows, and commercials, and is often considered ELO’s signature song. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its joyful and uplifting vibe, which captures the essence of a beautiful, clear day.

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.