20 Songs About The Environment

Songs about the environment resonate with urgent messages and soulful reflections on our planet’s health and beauty. From Michael Jackson’s pleading tones to Neil Young’s call for natural preservation, these tracks span genres and generations, capturing the essence of environmental advocacy through melody and lyrics.

1. “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson

“Earth Song” by Michael Jackson stands as a profound anthem against environmental degradation, touching the hearts of listeners with its potent message and emotional depth. Michael Jackson’s emotive plea for change, set against the backdrop of haunting melodies, illuminates the dire consequences of humanity’s actions on the planet, urging us all to reflect and act before it’s too late.

2. “Natural Beauty” by Neil Young

“Natural Beauty” by Neil Young captivates with its heartfelt celebration of the Earth’s unspoiled landscapes, reminding us of the serene beauty that exists beyond the reach of human impact. Neil Young’s gentle melodies and reflective lyrics serve as a poignant call to preserve the precious natural world we often take for granted, highlighting the intrinsic value of our planet’s untouched wonders.

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

“S.O.S. (Mother Nature)” by will.i.am brings an urgent message to the forefront of pop culture, addressing the critical need to save our environment from further damage. Through catchy beats and compelling lyrics, will.i.am sheds light on the pressing issues of climate change, crafting a call to action that encourages listeners to become stewards of the Earth.

4. “Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye

“Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye serves as a timeless reflection on the Earth’s woes, from pollution to the overarching effects of environmental neglect. Marvin Gaye’s soulful voice and poignant lyrics not only earned a permanent place in musical history but also heightened environmental awareness, urging generations to heed the call for a healthier planet.

5. “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell

“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell is an iconic commentary on the consequences of urbanization, poignantly capturing the irony of losing natural spaces to the concrete sprawl. Joni Mitchell’s catchy tune and memorable chorus, “They paved paradise to put up a parking lot,” have left a lasting mark on cultural consciousness, reminding us of the value of preserving natural beauty amidst the rush towards modernization.

6. “The 3 R’s” by Jack Johnson

“The 3 R’s” by Jack Johnson turns the crucial environmental principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle into a catchy, fun, and memorable tune that resonates with listeners of all ages. Jack Johnson’s laid-back style and educational lyrics make learning about recycling and conservation an enjoyable experience, encouraging positive habits that can make a significant difference in protecting our planet.

7. “Don’t Go Near The Water” by Johnny Cash

“Don’t Go Near The Water” by Johnny Cash is a lesser-known gem in his discography that delivers a stern warning about the dangers of contaminating our water sources. Through his distinctive baritone, Johnny Cash highlights the critical issue of water pollution, urging listeners to protect this vital resource for future generations.

8. “Blackened” by Metallica

“Blackened” by Metallica offers a thrash metal perspective on the devastation of the planet, combining aggressive riffs with lyrics that paint a somber picture of environmental destruction. Metallica’s powerful call to awareness through this gripping track challenges listeners to confront the harsh realities of our impact on Earth, urging action before it’s too late.

9. “Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino

“Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino artfully represents the impacts of climate change through its thoughtful lyrics and an accompanying music video rich in symbolism. This song highlights the issue of global warming with Childish Gambino’s smooth flow over a mellow beat, offering a poignant reflection on how the changing climate affects our world and our future.

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

“Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles stands as a serene ode to nature’s simplicity, showcasing the band’s ability to capture the essence of peace and reflection through music. This track, celebrated for its gentle melodies and harmonious lyrics, invites listeners to appreciate the quiet beauty of the natural world, echoing The Beatles’ deep respect for Mother Nature’s work.

11. “After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young

“After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young serves as a prophecy on the environmental and technological future, embedding a narrative that is both hopeful and cautionary within its lyrics. Neil Young’s poignant reflections on environmental warnings blend with vivid imagery of a world facing the consequences of its actions, urging listeners to consider a path towards redemption and sustainability.

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

“Out in the Country” by Three Dog Night captures the profound appreciation for nature’s serenity as an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. This song celebrates the tranquility of nature, inviting listeners to find peace and rejuvenation amidst the greenery and open skies, away from the chaos of the city.

13. “Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock

“Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock paints a whimsical picture of a hobo’s utopian paradise, rich with lush natural imagery and a stark contrast to the realities of environmental degradation. Through captivating lyrics, Harry McClintock invites listeners into a fantastical world where nature thrives untouched by human harm, offering a poignant reminder of the environments we ought to preserve and cherish.

14. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons dives into themes of revolution and the environmental aftermath in a world described as “waking up to ash and dust.” This track uses its powerful beats and haunting lyrics to paint a vivid picture of a post-apocalyptic world, highlighting the stark consequences of neglecting our environment and the resilience required to rebuild and renew.

15. “The Trees” by Rush

“The Trees” by Rush stands as an allegorical masterpiece, using the struggle among a forest’s trees as a metaphor for human conflicts over space and resources. Through this nature allegory, Rush cleverly critiques societal dynamics and the ongoing battle for equity, all within the context of an imaginative narrative that highlights the natural world’s complex interrelations.

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

“(Nothing But) Flowers” by Talking Heads offers a unique and ironic take on humanity’s conflicted desires, longing for the conveniences of modern life in a world where nature has reclaimed civilization. This song uses wit and vibrant imagery to highlight the paradoxical relationship humans have with the environment, showcasing the Talking Heads’ genius in reflecting on reclaimed nature with a mix of nostalgia and critique.

17. “Paradise” by John Prine

“Paradise” by John Prine reflects on the heart-wrenching effects of coal mining on his childhood home in Kentucky, touching on broader environmental implications. Through his evocative storytelling and rich folk melodies, John Prine mourns the environmental loss of a cherished place, drawing attention to the destructive impact of industrial activities on natural landscapes and communities.

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

“Don’t Drink the Water” by Dave Matthews Band delivers a powerful message about the environmental impacts of colonialism and the sacredness of water. Through poignant lyrics and compelling melodies, the song addresses land rights and pollution, emphasizing the struggle for natural resources and the importance of protecting our planet’s most vital elements.

19. “Last Great American Whale” by Lou Reed

“Last Great American Whale” by Lou Reed offers a compelling analysis through the lens of storytelling, focusing on an American whale’s tale to touch upon themes of environmental protection and societal apathy. This song masterfully weaves a narrative that highlights the brink of extinction faced by majestic creatures, underlining Lou Reed’s critique of indifference and calling for a more conscientious engagement with our natural world.

20. “Amazonia” by Gojira

“Amazonia” by Gojira is a heavy metal protest anthem that delves into the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and its devastating impact on indigenous communities. Through thundering drums and fierce guitar riffs, Gojira highlights the urgent issues of deforestation and indigenous rights, using their music as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness and advocating for the preservation of one of the Earth’s most vital ecosystems.