Astronomy has long captured the imagination of artists and musicians, who have used the vastness of the cosmos as a source of inspiration for their work.
From rock and pop to hip hop and electronic, many genres have embraced the theme of outer space, producing a wealth of songs that explore the mysteries of the universe.
In this article, we will take a look at 20 songs that celebrate the beauty and wonder of astronomy, ranging from classic hits to lesser-known gems.
Whether you’re a die-hard space fan or simply looking for some stellar tunes, these tracks are sure to satisfy your cosmic curiosity.
So sit back, turn up the volume, and let these songs transport you to the final frontier.
Contents
- 1. “Rocket Man” by Elton John
- 2. “Space Truckin'” by Deep Purple
- 3. “Life on the Moon” by David Cook
- 4. “Walking On The Moon” by The Police
- 5. “Spaceman” by The Killers
- 6. “Starlight” by Muse
- 7. “Space is the Place” by Sun Ra
- 8. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
- 9. “When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive
- 10. “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
- 11. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
- 12. “Space” by Murder by Death
- 13. “Out of Space” by The Prodigy
- 14. “Girl From Mars” by Ash
- 15. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
- 16. “Satellite Flight” by Kid Cudi
- 17. “There’s A Star For Everyone” by Aretha Franklin
- 18. “Spaceman” by Babylon Zoo
- 19. “Super Rocket Rumble” by Man Or Astro-Man?
- 20. “We Are All Made Of Stars” by Moby
- Final Thoughts
1. “Rocket Man” by Elton John
This song’s title is a reference to the 1951 science fiction novel “The Rocket Man” by Ray Bradbury, which tells the story of an astronaut who travels to Mars.
“Rocket Man” is a song written and performed by English singer-songwriter Elton John. It was released in 1972 and has since become one of his most popular and enduring hits.
2. “Space Truckin'” by Deep Purple
Although the song’s lyrics reference various planets and galaxies, it is not intended to be a scientifically accurate depiction of astronomy.
Rather, the lyrics were meant to be humorous and tongue-in-cheek, and were inspired by the band’s experiences traveling through different countries on tour.
3. “Life on the Moon” by David Cook
“Life on the Moon” is a song by American singer-songwriter David Cook. In this song, the moon represents a place of escape and freedom from the constraints and problems of life on Earth.
The narrator longs to leave behind his mundane existence and find a new, more fulfilling life on the moon.
4. “Walking On The Moon” by The Police
In the song, Sting sings about the feeling of being in love and the sense of possibility and excitement that it brings.
The lyrics suggest that being in love allows the narrator to feel like he is walking on the moon, disconnected from the daily grind of life and free to explore new heights of emotion and experience.
5. “Spaceman” by The Killers
“Spaceman” is a song about the desire for escape and the search for a sense of purpose and belonging in a world that can sometimes feel confusing and overwhelming.
The lyrics make reference to the idea of a “spaceman” as a metaphor for someone who is out of place or disconnected from their surroundings.
6. “Starlight” by Muse
“Starlight” is a song about the beauty and wonder of the universe, and the sense of connection and hope that it can bring.
It encourages listeners to embrace the moments of beauty and possibility in their lives, even in the face of challenges and difficulties.
7. “Space is the Place” by Sun Ra
Sun Ra’s music was often infused with themes of science fiction and Afrofuturism, and “Space is the Place” is a good example of this.
The song reflects Sun Ra’s belief in the potential for humanity to find a better, more fulfilling way of life by exploring and embracing the vastness of space and the unknown.
8. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
In the context of Frank Sinatra’s version of the song, it is often interpreted as a romantic ballad, with the speaker expressing a desire to be with their loved one and to go to a place where they can be together forever.
The lyrics of the song express a desire to be taken to the moon, which is used as a metaphor for achieving one’s dreams and desires.
9. “When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive
“When the Sun Hits” is a song by the English rock band Slowdive. The sun is used as a metaphor in “When the Sun Hits” to represent the way that memories and emotions can resurface and shape our experiences and feelings. You can stream this on all music platforms.
10. “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a song written by Jim Steinman and recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler. In the song, the eclipse is used as a metaphor for the end of a relationship, with the lyrics describing a feeling of darkness and separation from someone.
The song speaks of the desire to reconnect with the other person and to find a way back to the light and warmth of their love.
11. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
This next song’s lyrics paint a bleak and ominous picture of the dangers of fame and the impermanence of life, using the metaphor of a black hole sun to convey these themes.
Many have interpreted the song’s lyrics as a metaphor for the destructive and consuming nature of fame, with the black hole sun representing the all-consuming attention and scrutiny that celebrities often face.
12. “Space” by Murder by Death
The song’s metaphor of being lost in space could be seen as a metaphor for feeling disconnected and isolated from the world and from oneself, and the desire to find a sense of connection and belonging. This track can be streamed on all music platforms.
13. “Out of Space” by The Prodigy
“Out of Space” is a song by English electronic dance music group The Prodigy. The song was released as a single in 1992 and later appeared on the group’s debut album “Experience.”
The song’s lyrics contain several references to science fiction and outer space. These lines could be interpreted as expressing a desire to escape reality through the use of drugs, or to achieve a state of altered consciousness.
14. “Girl From Mars” by Ash
This song uses the metaphor of the girl being from Mars to describe how different and special she is to the narrator.
The song became a hit for the band, helping to establish Ash as a prominent act in the British indie rock scene.
15. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
This next song reflects the cultural interest in space exploration during the late 1960s. “Space Oddity” became one of Bowie’s most popular and enduring songs, and it helped to establish him as a major figure in the music industry. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in various media,
16. “Satellite Flight” by Kid Cudi
“Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon” is the fourth studio album by American rapper and singer Kid Cudi. The title track, “Satellite Flight,” is the opening track on the album and sets the stage for the rest of the project.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for purpose and meaning in life.
17. “There’s A Star For Everyone” by Aretha Franklin
The song is a ballad that speaks to the idea that everyone has the potential to be a star in their own way. The lyrics suggest that even if someone feels small or insignificant, they have the ability to shine and make a difference in the world.
Aretha Franklin’s powerful vocals bring the message of the song to life, and her interpretation adds depth and emotion to the lyrics.
18. “Spaceman” by Babylon Zoo
The lyrics of “Spaceman” describe a man who is isolated and disconnected from the world around him, feeling like an outsider or a “spaceman.”
The song’s protagonist feels misunderstood and alone, and longs for someone to connect with and understand him. You can stream this track on all music platforms out there.
19. “Super Rocket Rumble” by Man Or Astro-Man?
“Super Rocket Rumble” is largely focused on space travel and science fiction themes, with references to rocket ships, aliens, and intergalactic battles.
The song’s focus on space travel and science fiction themes is likely meant to be interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek homage to classic science fiction films and literature.
20. “We Are All Made Of Stars” by Moby
“We Are All Made of Stars” is a song by American electronic musician Moby. The song features a repetitive, upbeat melody and lyrics that explore themes of connection and unity.
It encourages listeners to recognize the common humanity that we all share, and to embrace the positive qualities that we have in common.
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, there is no shortage of songs that celebrate the beauty and wonder of astronomy.
From classic hits to lesser-known gems, these tracks offer a diverse range of perspectives on the cosmos, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in the vastness of space.
