As someone who has always been captivated by the gentle whispers and powerful gusts of the wind, I’ve found that music often mirrors the complex emotions these natural forces evoke. Whether it’s the soothing rustle of leaves on a breezy afternoon or the exhilarating rush of a stormy night, wind has a unique way of stirring our senses and inspiring creativity.
Here, I’ve curated a list of 15 songs that beautifully capture the essence of wind and windy days. Each track offers a different perspective, inviting us to explore the multifaceted relationship between music and the ever-changing air around us.
Contents
- 1. “Ride The Wild Wind” By Queen
- 2. “Candle In The Wind” By Elton John
- 3. “The Wind Cries Mary” By Jimi Hendrix
- 4. “She’s Like The Wind” By Patrick Swayze Ft. Wendy Fraser
- 5. “Blowin’ In The Wind” By Peter, Paul, and Mary
- 6. “Dust In The Wind” By Kansas
- 7. “Wind Beneath My Wings” By Bette Midler
- 8. “The Wind” By Zac Brown Band
- 9. “Against The Wind” By Bob Seger
- 10. “Summer Wind” By Frank Sinatra
- 11. “The Wind Blows” By All-American Rejects
- 12. “Wind Of Change” By Scorpions
- 13. “Summer Breeze” By Seals and Crofts
- 14. “The Wind” By Cat Stevens
- 15. “Hasten Down The Wind” By Warren Zevon
1. “Ride The Wild Wind” By Queen
“Ride the Wild Wind” is a song by the British rock band Queen, featured on their 1991 album Innuendo. Written by drummer Roger Taylor, the song is a high-energy anthem that encourages listeners to embrace life fully and take risks. The lyrics convey a sense of adventure and freedom, urging people to live passionately and not be constrained by fear. The song features a fast tempo, powerful drums, and a rhythmic bass line, creating the sensation of speed and excitement. Freddie Mercury’s dynamic vocals add to the song’s intensity, making it a memorable track that captures the spirit of living on the edge.
2. “Candle In The Wind” By Elton John
Originally released in 1973, “Candle in the Wind” was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. The song reflects on the fleeting nature of fame and the pressures faced by celebrities. The lyrics “Goodbye, Norma Jeane” refer to Monroe’s real name, highlighting her vulnerability and the tragic end to her life. The song uses the metaphor of a candle in the wind to describe Monroe’s brief but impactful existence. It was later re-recorded in 1997 as a tribute to Princess Diana, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. This version, known as “Candle in the Wind 1997,” featured revised lyrics and was performed at Diana’s funeral.
3. “The Wind Cries Mary” By Jimi Hendrix
“The Wind Cries Mary” is a rock ballad written by Jimi Hendrix and released in 1967. The song was inspired by an argument Hendrix had with his girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham, whose middle name was Mary. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, reflecting on themes of loss and reconciliation. The song’s melancholic tone is enhanced by Hendrix’s soulful guitar work and evocative imagery, such as “a broom is drearily sweeping up the broken pieces of yesterday’s life.” The wind in the song serves as a metaphor for change and the passage of time, whispering the name “Mary” as a reminder of past sorrows and hopes.
4. “She’s Like The Wind” By Patrick Swayze Ft. Wendy Fraser
“She’s Like The Wind” is a romantic ballad co-written and performed by actor Patrick Swayze, featuring vocals by Wendy Fraser. The song was included in the soundtrack of the 1987 film Dirty Dancing. It describes a love interest who is as elusive and untouchable as the wind. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and admiration, with Swayze singing about his feelings of inadequacy and the pain of unrequited love. The song’s soft rock style, combined with Swayze’s heartfelt delivery, made it a hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a timeless love song associated with the iconic film.
5. “Blowin’ In The Wind” By Peter, Paul, and Mary
“Blowin’ in the Wind” is a folk song written by Bob Dylan and famously performed by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Released in 1963, the song quickly became an anthem for the civil rights movement. The lyrics pose a series of rhetorical questions about peace, war, and freedom, emphasizing the elusive nature of answers to these profound issues. The refrain, “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind,” suggests that the solutions are out there, but not easily grasped. The song’s simplicity, combined with its powerful message, has made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
6. “Dust In The Wind” By Kansas
“Dust in the Wind” is a song by the American rock band Kansas, released in 1977 on their album Point of Know Return. Written by Kerry Livgren, the song is a contemplative ballad that reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of human endeavors. The lyrics, “All we are is dust in the wind,” convey a sense of existential melancholy, suggesting that material possessions and achievements are ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. The acoustic guitar melody and haunting vocals add to the song’s introspective mood, making it a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence.
7. “Wind Beneath My Wings” By Bette Midler
“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a song performed by Bette Midler, famously featured in the 1988 film Beaches. Written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley, the song expresses deep gratitude and admiration for someone who has provided unwavering support and inspiration. The lyrics, “Did you ever know that you’re my hero? You’re everything I wish I could be,” highlight the theme of selflessness and the impact of having a supportive figure in one’s life. The song’s emotional delivery and heartfelt message have made it a popular choice for tributes and ceremonies, symbolizing the strength and encouragement provided by loved ones.
8. “The Wind” By Zac Brown Band
“The Wind” is a song by the Zac Brown Band, featured on their 2012 album Uncaged. The song is an upbeat, bluegrass-infused track that reflects on the restless and unpredictable nature of both the wind and love. The lyrics describe a longing for a lost love and the hope for reconciliation, with the wind serving as a metaphor for the singer’s emotions and the passage of time. The energetic tempo and lively instrumentation create a sense of movement and urgency, capturing the essence of life’s ups and downs and the enduring hope for second chances.
9. “Against The Wind” By Bob Seger
“Against the Wind” is a reflective ballad by Bob Seger, released in 1980 as the title track of his eleventh studio album. The song explores themes of aging, resilience, and the passage of time. Seger uses the metaphor of running against the wind to symbolize life’s struggles and the challenges of maintaining integrity and direction amidst adversity. The lyrics recount youthful experiences, the loss of simplicity, and the wisdom gained over time. The song’s mellow, mid-tempo arrangement, featuring piano and backing vocals by Eagles’ Glenn Frey, complements its introspective tone. “Against the Wind” became one of Seger’s most iconic tracks, resonating with listeners for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth.
10. “Summer Wind” By Frank Sinatra
“Summer Wind” is a classic song performed by Frank Sinatra, released in 1966 on his album Strangers in the Night. The song, originally a German tune titled “Der Sommerwind,” was adapted into English by Johnny Mercer. It nostalgically reflects on a fleeting summer romance, with the summer wind symbolizing the ephemeral nature of love and the passage of time. Sinatra’s smooth vocals and the song’s laid-back orchestration evoke a sense of wistful longing and bittersweet memories. The imagery of the wind blowing in from across the sea adds a dreamy, romantic quality, making it a timeless favorite for its evocative portrayal of love and loss.
11. “The Wind Blows” By All-American Rejects
“The Wind Blows” is a song by the American rock band All-American Rejects, featured on their 2008 album When the World Comes Down. The song deals with themes of heartbreak and moving on, using the wind as a metaphor for change and the inevitability of life’s transitions. The lyrics describe the end of a relationship and the emotional turbulence that follows, with the wind representing the forces that push and pull us through life’s ups and downs. The song’s melodic structure, combined with its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, captures the sense of loss and the hope for new beginnings.
12. “Wind Of Change” By Scorpions
“Wind of Change” is a power ballad by the German rock band Scorpions, released in 1990 on their album Crazy World. Written by lead vocalist Klaus Meine, the song became an anthem for the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. The lyrics reflect a sense of optimism and hope for a better future, with the wind symbolizing the sweeping changes occurring in Europe at the time. The song’s iconic whistling intro and its heartfelt message of peace and unity resonated globally, making it one of the band’s most successful and enduring hits. “Wind of Change” captures a historic moment of transformation and the collective yearning for freedom and progress.
13. “Summer Breeze” By Seals and Crofts
“Summer Breeze” is a soft rock song by the American duo Seals and Crofts, released in 1972 as the title track of their fourth studio album. The song captures the essence of a tranquil, idyllic summer day, using the imagery of a gentle summer breeze to evoke feelings of peace and contentment. The lyrics describe a man coming home from work to the comforting sights and sounds of his home, including the smell of jasmine and the sound of his dog barking. The song’s refrain, “Summer breeze makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind,” highlights the nostalgic and soothing effect of the summer breeze, symbolizing the simple pleasures and relaxation of summer.
14. “The Wind” By Cat Stevens
“The Wind” is a contemplative song by Cat Stevens, released in 1971 on his album Teaser and the Firecat. The song reflects on the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of life, using the wind as a metaphor for the forces that guide us through our journey. The lyrics suggest a sense of surrender and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty and going with the flow. With its gentle acoustic guitar and introspective lyrics, “The Wind” conveys a message of peace and the wisdom of letting go, encouraging listeners to trust in the natural course of life and the changes it brings.
15. “Hasten Down The Wind” By Warren Zevon
“Hasten Down the Wind” is a poignant song by Warren Zevon, featured on his 1976 self-titled album. The song delves into the complexities of a turbulent relationship, where the protagonist acknowledges the need to let go of a partner who desires freedom. The lyrics “She thinks she needs to be free” and “He only has half of her heart” reflect the emotional struggle and the realization that the relationship is no longer fulfilling. The phrase “hasten down the wind” suggests a sense of urgency to move on and let go, capturing the bittersweet nature of love and the inevitability of change. Zevon’s evocative storytelling and melancholic melody make this song a powerful exploration of love and loss.
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.