20 Songs About Light

There is something truly magical about light. It can transform a space and create an entirely new atmosphere. In this article, I will explore how light has been used as a metaphor in music throughout history.

Let’s take a look at 20 songs that deal with this topic. Without further ado, here is the list.

1. “I See the Light” by Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi

First on the list is Jackie Evancho’s rendition of “I See the Light.” This song comes from the 2010 Disney film Tangled.

The lyrics talk about a woman being locked away for so many years and the light she sees is a metaphor for hope. This is a very popular Disney track with over 14 million views.

2. “Shine a Light” by The Rolling Stones

“Shine a Light” is a song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It was originally released on the 1972 album of the same title.

The lyrics talk about how light can be a guide in life, especially during dark times. This track has been covered by many artists over the years.

3. “When the Lights Go Out” by Five

Five is a British boy band that was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “When the Lights Go Out” is one of their most well-known songs.

The lyrics talk about a couple being in love when the lights are out. It amassed over 16 million Youtube streams since it was uploaded.

4. “Everlasting Light” by The Black Keys

“Everlasting Light” is a track off of The Black Keys’ 2010 album “Brothers”. The lyrics talk about how love can be an everlasting light in someone’s life.

This song has a more simplistic approach than the other songs on this list. You can stream it on all major music platforms.

5. “Hunger for the Great Light” by Dave Matthews Band

The next song on the list is “Hunger for the Great Light” by Dave Matthews Band. This track comes from their 2005 album Stand Up.

The lyrics are dark but expressive about being madly in love with someone. It now has over 60k views on Youtube.

6. “Neon Lights” by Demi Lovato

“Neon Lights” is another hit song on the list and it was sung by Demi Lovato. It was released in 2013 as the lead single from her self-titled album, “Demi”.

The lyrics talk about how somebody’s love can be like neon lights. This track had great success on the charts across the globe.

7. “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone

Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” is a classic track that was released back in 1977. The lyrics talk about how somebody’s love has lit up the singer’s life.

This song won a good number of music awards and nominations. You can find this song under her album of the same title.

8. “Lights” by Ellie Goulding

“Lights” is a song by English singer Ellie Goulding. It was released in 2011 as the second single from her album, “Bright Lights”.

The lyrics talk about how somebody’s love is like a guiding light. This track has been streamed millions of times and it’s one of her most successful songs to date.

9. “New Light” by John Mayer

The next song on the list is “New Light” by John Mayer. It was released in 2018 and it’s the lead single from his album, “Sob Rock”.

The lyrics talk about how he wants to be seen in a new light with one more chance. This track has a more upbeat feel to it and it’s one of Mayer’s most popular songs nowadays.

10. “Love Shine A Light” by Katrina & The Waves

“Love Shine A Light” is the next entry on this list and it was sung by Katrina & The Waves. It was released in 1997 as an entry for a song contest representing the UK.

It bagged the first place and was added to their ninth album, “Walk on Water”. It now has over 1.4 million views on Youtube.

11. “Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle is a contemporary Christian singer and her song, “Light of the World” is from her album, “Behold: A Christmas Collection”. The lyrics talk about how Jesus is the light of the world and he will never leave us in darkness. What sets this apart from other songs on the list is its deep religious message.

12. “Leave A Light On” by Belinda Carlisle

“Leave A Light On” is the next song on the list and it was sung by Belinda Carlisle. It was released in 1989 as the second single from her album, “Runaway Horses”.

The lyrics talk about the pain of setting someone free. This track reached over 3 million streams on Youtube.

13. “Green Light” by Lorde

Lorde’s “Green Light” was released in 2017 as the lead single from her album, “Melodrama”. The song talks about waiting for the green light.

It became such a huge hit with over 164 million Youtube views. You can also stream the song on all major music platforms

14. “Dance into the Light” by Phil Collins

“Dance into the Light” is a song by English musician Phil Collins. It was released in 1996 as the lead single from his album, “Dance into the Light”. It is a rock/pop song about living in a world where everybody is just dancing and living life without worries.

15. “See The Light” by Electric Guest

The next song on the list is “See The Light” by Electric Guest. It was released in 2017 for their album, “Plural”.

The lyrics talk about how somebody’s love is like a ray of light that stays and never fades. This track has been streamed over a hundred thousand times on Youtube.

16. “Lighthouse” by Interpol

Interpol is a rock band from New York and their song “Lighthouse” is from their album, “Our Love to Admire”. The lyrics talk about how somebody’s love is like a lighthouse that guides the way.

This track has a more mellow feel to it and it’s one of the band’s most popular songs. It was released in 2007 and it now has over 200k views.

17. “No Light, No Light” by Florence + the Machine

“No Light, No Light” is the next song on the list by Florence + the Machine. It was released in 2012 as the third single from their album, “Ceremonials”.

The lyrics talk about how somebody’s love is like a light that can never be extinguished. This track has been such a huge hit with over 43 million streams.

18. “Light It Up” by Major Lazer & Nyla

The next song is a more upbeat track and it’s called “Light It Up” by Major Lazer & Nyla. It was released in 2015 as the lead single from Major Lazer’s album, “Peace is the Mission”.

The lyrics talk about how somebody’s love is like a fire that can never be put out. This track can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

19. “There’s a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths

“There’s a Light That Never Goes Out” is the next song on the list and it was sung by The Smiths. It was released in 1986 as the fourth single from their album, “The Queen is Dead”. It is a song about hope and has been viewed over 32 million times on Youtube.

20. “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay

The last song on the list is by the British band, Coldplay. “Christmas Lights” was released in 2010 as a non-album single.

The band has over 5 billion total streams on Spotify. This track is also available on all major music platforms.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, these are some of the best songs about light. Each song has its unique take on what it means to have somebody’s love be like a light in your life.

Whether it’s a fire that can never be put out or a lighthouse that guides the way, each of these tracks is sure to bring some light into your life. I hope you enjoyed this list and feel free to share it with your friends!