20 Songs About Nature

Nature has a way of giving us peace and serenity, while also providing a source of life and energy. Music can have a similar effect on our emotions.

Whether it is about appreciating nature or being reflective about our impact on the environment, here are 20 songs that express a deep connection to nature. 

1. “Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock

Going to the mountains is a fun experience that many of us have had. This country song is known to be about a hobo’s experience in the mountains, where he finds the mountains as being a place of paradise. This tune is weirdly catchy, and will definitely put you in a good mood.

2. “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson

Taking care of our planet is important, and this song by the late Michael Jackson is a powerful ballad about just that. The lyrics and Jackson’s emotion-filled voice will give you chills, and make you think about how we all need to do our part in saving nature.

3. “Natural Beauty” by Neil Young

Spending time with nature can make you feel calm and at ease. This song by Neil Young is a beautiful ode to nature, and how it can make us feel. The lyrics are simple yet effective and will leave you feeling refreshed with the breeze and the sun on your face.

4. “Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye

This blues song directly talks about how humanity is destroying nature so badly that it’s hard to accept that the damage has already begun and is continuing.

It’s a sad track, but it’s an important one because it mentions the top two causes of nature’s destruction: oil spills and deforestation. This will make you think carefully about the things we commonly brush off and how much nature really matters.

5. “Big Yellow Taxi” by Counting Crows (featuring Vanessa Carlton)

One of the saddest realities overshadowing nature’s beauty is how often humans drastically alter natural landscapes. This song, which was made popular by the Counting Crows, is a great example of that.

It talks about how we appreciate green landscapes and in turn, change nature’s natural beauty through modernization. The lyrics, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” shows that we destroy nature for our convenience which affects its beauty.

The tone of the track is upbeat, but ironically so, and it will make you consider all the ways we’ve changed our world.

6. “Going Up the Country” by Canned Heat

This rocky blues track tells the man’s journey of “going up the country” to get away from city life. He talks about how the air is cleaner and how he’s leaving his troubles behind.

This is a great track for a road trip or any time you’re feeling stressed out and need a change of scenery. The lyrics are easy to sing along to, and the overall message is one of relaxation and escaping the hustle and bustle.

7. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” by Peter, Paul and Mary

A deeply reflective song about nature, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” asks some tough questions about war and nature.

The lyrics talk about how a place full of life can change into a bare, cold landscape. It’s a somber track, but it will make you think about how humanity has the power to both nurture and destroy nature.

8. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver

This classic track by John Denver is all about the simple pleasures in life, like appreciating nature’s view. The lyrics talk about how he loves being in Colorado and its rocky mountains.

This song will definitely make you want to spend some time outdoors, and it’s a great track for a summer day or a hike through the woods. As a track that has been one of Colorado’s official state songs, it’s no surprise that “Rocky Mountain High” would make this list.

9. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

With a more modern sound, “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons is a song about apocalyptic change. The lyrics talk about how the world is no longer the same.

While this song might not be directly about nature, it’s still a good track for thinking about the ways humanity has changed our planet. It’s an ominous song, but it makes you think about the future of our planet and humanity, and how we can make a difference.

10. “Truth to Power” by OneRepublic

OneRepublic’s “Truth to Power” is a call to arms for a change. Seeing the destruction we’ve caused from nature’s perspective highlights how much damage we’ve done and makes it feel as if only by switching perspectives can we truly understand.

This song is for when you’re feeling motivated to make a change in your life or the world. It’s an empowering track with a great message, and it will give you the push you need to make a difference, especially for nature.

11. “Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles

A more light-hearted song, “Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles is an ode to the simple life with the peacefulness of nature.

This song is perfect for a summer day or anytime you need a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. It’s a great track for when you’re feeling stressed out and need some peace.

12. “Seminole Wind” by John Anderson

This country ballad is about loss, but it’s also about the beauty of nature. The song is a reference to how the Seminole (Native Americans) cried for environmental justice as their land was being destroyed for money.

“Seminole Wind” is a sad song, but it’s also a great track that features nature’s gifts. It’s a great track for when you’re feeling reflective or nostalgic, and it will make you appreciate the beauty of our planet.

13. “Out in the Country” by Three Dog Night

“Out in the Country” is a track that’s all about getting away from the city and enjoying nature. The lyrics talk about how the country air is good for your soul, and how it’s the perfect place to relax and escape the hectic pace of everyday life. This song is for anyone who needs a break and to feel close to nature.

14. “S.O.S (Mother Nature)” by will.i.am

An environmentally cautious track, “S.O.S (Mother Nature)” by will.i.am is a call to action for humanity to save our planet. The lyrics talk about how natural disasters are deadlier than ever, and how it’s already giving us warning signs.

This song is about looking for a catalyst to help prompt change because people are already out of control. We need to be more conscious about the environment, and this song is a great way to start.

15. “(Nothing But) Flowers” by Talking Heads

“(Nothing But) Flowers” by Talking Heads is about a future world where humanity has been destroyed and nature has taken over.

The lyrics discuss the world after an apocalypse, and how nature has reclaimed it with plants and flowers. It’s a great up-tempo track for thinking about the future of our planet. It’s a reminder that nature is beautiful and gives us what we need, but we have to take care of it too.

16. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

A classic track, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong is an ode to the beauty of nature. The lyrics talk about all the wonderful things in the world, and how we should appreciate them.

This song is great if you need a pick-me-up or some positivity in your life. It’s a feel-good track that will make you appreciate all the good things in the world, including nature.

17. “As” by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder’s smooth vocals are gracing this love song about a forever romance as great as nature.

The lyrics “I’ll be loving you until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky” shows the exaggeration of his love but also how sappy and romantic this song is. This track is perfect for a summer night drive or any time you need a love song.

18. “Earth” by Lil Dicky

Collaborating with over 30 artists for a positive message, “Earth” by Lil Dicky is a track about saving and loving the planet.

With references to popular culture and a sense of humor, the lyrics talk about how we need to take care of our planet because it’s the only one we have. This song is for anyone who wants to have fun while also learning about environmentalism.

19. “Aspenglow” by John Denver

An appreciative song about the winter season, “Aspenglow” by John Denver is a beautiful song that can also be used as a Christmas song. 

The lyrics talk about how the beauty of Aspen, Colorado is made even more special by the presence of snow. This song is perfect for anyone who loves the winter season and the beauty of nature.

20. “Don’t Drink the Water” by Dave Matthews Band

“Don’t Drink the Water” by Dave Matthews Band is a harsh reality of how natives were forced to give up their land to colonizers. 

The lyrics discuss the horrendous reality that the water is mixed with blood, and how those in power are fully aware of their cruel actions. This song gives a glimpse into cruel acts of greed among humans, and how nature also falls victim.

Conclusion

Songs about nature hold an important place in our culture and can be used to educate, entertain, and even prompt change. They can be about the beauty of nature, or they can be about the harsh realities we face if we don’t take care of our planet.

Whether you’re looking for a feel-good song or something to raise awareness, these tunes are sure to get you thinking about the world.