From the warmth of the sun to the twinkling of stars, light has long been a source of inspiration for artists and musicians.
Light has the power to lift our spirits, bring hope, and create beauty so, in this article, we’ve compiled a list of 19 songs that celebrate the power of light.
From classic rock songs to contemporary pop tracks, this topic has been covered by a wide range of genres throughout the decades.
Some of them use light as a metaphor for love, while others draw inspiration from natural light sources.
Besides, the light might evoke the idea of hope and optimism but some others refer to light as a symbol for overcoming adversity and finding joy in difficult times.
If you’re a fan of upbeat anthems or ballads, you’ll find something to love on this list.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something upbeat and energetic or something more reflective and introspective, this list of 19 songs about light has something for everyone.
Sit down, turn up the volume and let the light shine in.
1. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
To begin with, we have a song that up to this time has been in everyone’s ears.
Released in late 2019, the Canadian singer The Weeknd remained a whole year on the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in history.
From the album After Hours, this catchy, danceable song shows in its lyrics how uneasy the narrator feels when is not with his lady. In the end, Blinding Lights describes the feeling of being in love and the desire to be with someone even when it’s difficult or dangerous.
2. Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
What can be said about this song that hasn’t been said before?
In the year 1969, The Beatles released their studio album Abbey Road. In this song, we cannot find the word “light” in the title but evokes feelings of joy and happiness.
Here Comes The Sun has an optimistic and bright tone that will make instantly happy anyone who listens to it.
This track is one of the most popular songs of the Beatles and still nowadays is loved by bunches of fans.
3. Shine A Light – The Rolling Stones
In 1972 the famous British group The Rolling Stones published their album Exile on Main St. and this song takes part in it.
This bluesy, rock and roll track is about feeling lost and the desire of coming back home.
Nowadays is a classic from the band and sends a message of perseverance and facing adversity.
4. Everlasting Light – The Black Keys
The American band The Black Keys has its own bluesy, rock and roll tone and this track is no exception.
Everlasting Light opens up the 2010 album Brothers and although the title of the song seems quite literal, it might refer to many things.
The lyrics suggest that the narrator is enlightened by someone he is in love with and this light is the source of hope and happiness.
Likewise, some others interpret that the lyrics have a religious meaning.
5. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out – The Smiths
The English band The Smiths released this track as a b-side of the single Bigmouth Strikes Again in 1986 but was later included in the album The World Won’t Listen in early 1987.
The song is a love ballad that describes a couple who are happy and near when they are together, and the narrator wishes to be in a car crash with his partner so they can be “together forever.”
6. Lights – Ellie Goulding
In 2011 Ellie Goulding released Lights, a song included in the album Bright Lights which resembles her childhood memories.
This upbeat song is related to Ellie’s fear of the dark, which forces her to sleep without turning the lights off.
7. Beginning to See the Light – The Velvet Underground
This American group is probably best known thanks to the popular Andy Warhol illustration.
Beginning to See the Light was included in the 1969 album The Velvet Underground and this track tells about the personal growth of the narrator celebrating the sense of liberation and enlightenment that comes from finding happiness and fulfillment.
8. In The Light – Led Zeppelin
This is one of those atmospheric, slow songs that Led Zeppelin made us accustomed to.
Taking part in the album Physical Graffiti, written by Robert Plant this track was released in 1975.
As it was common at that time, the song offers a psychedelic, spiritual journey in the search for enlightenment, including several references to eastern religious and philosophical concepts such as karma.
Throughout the different sections of the song, the group shows their musical virtuosity and connection which makes the track a memorable piece.
9. Ray of Light – Madonna
The Queen of Pop makes her appearance on this list with the song Ray of Light released as the lead single from her seventh studio album of the same name in 1998.
This energetic track is a fast-paced, upbeat dance song that features Madonna’s vigorous vocals and meaningful lyrics.
The song describes the feeling of being reborn and finding new meaning and purpose in life, and the title of it refers to this sense of enlightenment and renewal.
In the song, the narrator sees herself as a “ray of light” that shines bright and guides others toward happiness.
10. Red Light – U2
Although this song got the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2005, Red Light was released in the 2004 album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
This track is about finding a new way in life and the “red light” may refer to guidance to follow.
Besides, the lyrics depict a lost person who is at a crossroads or turning point in life, so this red light may be a decision that the narrator must make.
In short, a redemption song that also explores the themes of loss and love.
11. One More Light – Linkin Park
Linkin Park was one of the groups that forged the 2000s nu-metal sound but in 2017 they published a more pop-influenced album: One More Light. Adopting the title of the album, this song touches on the topics of loss, grief, and hope.
This track focuses on the feeling of losing someone close and the sense of hope and resilience that comes from remembering and honoring their memory.
After the painful loss of lead singer Chester Bennington, this song feels like an ode or tribute to his memory.
12. Green Light – Lorde
13. Blinded By The Light – Bruce Springsteen
14. No Light, No Light – Florence And The Machine
15. New Light – John Mayer
16. Hit The Lights – Metallica
17. Long As I Can See The Light – Creedence Clearwater Revival
18. The Inner Light – The Beatles
19. Light Switch – Charlie Puth
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