Nature has always had a special place in human culture and creativity.
Whether it is the awe-inspiring mountains, the tranquility of a flowing river, or the vibrant colors of a sunset, the natural world has inspired poets, painters, and musicians throughout history.
Music, in particular, has a unique ability to capture the essence of nature, and the interplay between melody, rhythm, and lyrics can convey emotions and sensations that words alone cannot express.
These songs celebrate the beauty and majesty of nature and cover a wide range of genres and styles, from classic rock anthems to folk ballads, and from electronic ambient soundscapes to country laments.
Some of them are about specific places or creatures, such as birds, trees, or oceans, while others evoke a more general sense of wonder and awe.
What all these songs have in common, however, is a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world.
They remind us of the fragile balance between human activity and the environment, and they inspire us to connect with nature in a more meaningful way.
So if you’re looking for inspiration, relaxation, or just some good tunes to listen to while you’re outdoors, check out these 33 songs about nature.
They may just help you see the world in a new light, enhance your experience of nature, and help us appreciate its beauty and complexity.
1. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Although was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, this beautiful jazz track was performed by Louis Armstrong and released in 1967.
This amazing song is about the beauty and wonder of the natural world and celebrates the simple joys of everyday life.
This song has become an anthem of hope and positivity and has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials and has also been covered by lots of artists.
Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universal appeal of its message, which encourages us to appreciate the beauty and goodness that surrounds us, even in times of trouble.
2. Mother Nature’s Son – The Beatles
Here we have a folk song by The Beatles for their self-titled 1968 album also popularly known as White Album.
The song depicts pastoral imagery, including references to the sun, wind, rain, and mountains.
Through its lyrics, this song invites listeners to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world and to see ourselves as part of a larger ecosystem.
Mother Nature’s Son has become a beloved Beatles classic and has been covered by many other artists.
3. Earth Song – Michael Jackson
By addressing issues such as pollution, deforestation, animal cruelty, and poverty this song deals with themes of environmentalism and social justice.
Released in the 1995 album HIStory, this track reflects Jackson’s frustration with the lack of action and accountability on environmental and social issues.
This amazing piece sends a message of hope, resilience, and the power of collective action continues to inspire listeners around the world.
In addition, its release coincided with the United Nations’ International Year of Tolerance, and the song has since become an anthem for environmental and social activism.
4. Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
This folk-rock song is about environmental degradation and urban sprawl that was rampant in the 1960s and 70s.
The song expresses Mitchell’s disdain for the destruction of natural habitats and the loss of green space in favor of commercial development.
Released in 1970 on the album Ladies of the Canyon, the song highlights the irony of taking things for granted until they are lost or destroyed.
Over the years, it has become a timeless reminder of the importance of environmental conservation.
5. Sunshine On My Shoulders – John Denver
This John Denver ballad evokes the sense of joy and wonder that comes from basking in the warmth and radiance of the sun. Sunshine On My Shoulders is included on the 1971 album Poems, Prayers & Promises.
The lyrics refer to elements of nature such as rainbows, mountains, and rivers, which the singer compares to the beauty and wonder of his love.
6. Radioactive – Imagine Dragons
Radioactive is a track featured on Imagine Dragons’ 2013 album Night Visions.
The lyrics of the song center around themes of apocalypse, survival, and rebirth, with implicit references to the impact of human activity on the environment.
The song effectively depicts a barren and post-apocalyptic world where the natural environment has been destroyed and replaced with desolate wastelands.
Throughout the track, there is an emphasis on the concept of a new world order where humanity must take responsibility for the environmental consequences of their actions.
7. Earth – Lil Dicky
This rap song satirizes themes about environmentalism.
Released as a single in 2019 and featuring around 30 artists, this track uses humor to encourage listeners to take better care of the planet before it’s too late.
8. Time is Ticking Out – The Cranberries
In this position, we have a melancholic rock song by Irish band The Cranberries, released in 2002 as part of their album Wake Up and Smell the Coffee.
The song reflects on the world’s current state of affairs, with lyrics that express the band’s concerns about environmental destruction and societal issues such as war and violence.
9. Where Have All the Flowers Gone – Pete Seeger
When it comes to classics, this song cannot be missed. Originally written by Pete Seeger in 1955, the song describes the various stages of the war, from recruitment to death and mourning.
This track has been interpreted as a protest against war, with its lyrics serving as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the futility of war.
Besides, it emphasizes the need for people to learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a peaceful future.
10. Don’t Drink the Water – Dave Matthews Band
This fantastic song released in 1998 and included in the album Before These Crowded Streets features the amazing Alanis Morissette vocals.
The track combines rock with influences from African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American music.
The lyrics of the song tell a story about the oppression and violence experienced by Native Americans throughout history, from Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World to modern times.
11. S.O.S (Mother Nature) – will.i.am
12. Mercy Mercy Me – Marvin Gaye
13. (Nothing but) Flowers – Talking Heads
14. Pass It On Down – Alabama
15. Monkey Gone to Heaven – Pixies
16. After the Gold Rush – Neil Young
17. The Landscape Is Changing – Depeche Mode
18. Moon Over Marin – Dead Kennedys
19. Nature’s Way – Spirit
20. Feels Like Summer – Childish Gambino
21. Where Do the Children Play – Cat Stevens
22. Lost in the Wild – Walk The Moon
23. Up From the Skies – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
24. Going Up the Country – Canned Heat
25. Hands Off The Antarctic – Thom Yorke
26. Truth to Power – One Republic
27. Amazonia – Gojira
28. Seminole Wind – John Anderson
29. Eyes Wide Open – Gotye
30. Fall On Me – R.E.M
31. Beds Are Burning – Midnight Oil
32. 4 Minutes – Madonna Ft. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland
33. Take Me Home Country Roads – John Denver
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