20 Songs About Tides

There’s something about the ebb and flow of the tides that just seem so inspiring. The ocean’s ever-changing landscape has captured the imaginations of artists, who have used it as a metaphor for love, life, and loss. Here are some of our favorite songs about tides.

1. “The Tide” by Niall Horan

Starting off the list is Niall Horan’s “The Tide.” The track is from his debut solo album Flicker and it’s a gorgeous acoustic ballad about the cyclical nature of life.

In the song, Horan reflects on a past relationship and how it ended up not working out. He compares the relationship to the tides, which eventually come back in again no matter how hard you try to keep them out.

2. “And The Tide Rushes In” by The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues is a classic rock band that was formed in the 1960s. “And The Tide Rushes In” is a track from their 1970 album A Question of Balance.

The song is about how the tide can both give and take away. It’s a metaphor for how life can be full of ups and downs, sometimes you’re on top of the world and other times you’re struggling to keep your head above water.

3. “Tide Turns” by Phish

“Tide Turns” is a song by the American rock band Phish. It’s a slower, more introspective track that reflects on how life is constantly changing and how we must flow with the tide.

It was released in 2016 as part of their 2016-06-29: Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA, USA album.

4. “High Tide Or Low Tide” by Bob Marley & The Wailers

Up next is a reggae classic by Bob Marley & The Wailers. “High Tide Or Low Tide” is a love song about how no matter what happens in life, the person you love will always be there for you.

It’s a beautiful and simple song that is perfect for relaxing.  You can find it on the album Catch a Fire released in 2015.

5. “Ebb Tide” by The Righteous Brothers

“Ebb Tide” is a 1965 ballad by The Righteous Brothers. It’s a slow and haunting song about lost love. The lyrics talk about how the tide can both give and take away, just like love.

This song is perfect for anyone who’s feeling a little bit nostalgic about a past relationship. You can find it on the Back To Back album.

6. “Just As The Tide Was Flowing” by 10,000 Maniacs

If your husband works on a boat or you’re just really into maritime history, this song is for you. “Just As The Tide Was Flowing” is a pretty and mellow song about, you guessed it, tides.

It’s from 10,000 Maniacs’ The Wishing Chair album. You can stream this track on all music platforms out there.

7. “Dark Moon, High Tide” by Afro Celt Sound System

Next on the list is “Dark Moon, High Tide” by Afro Celt Sound System. This song is a mix of traditional Irish folk music and modern electronic beats.

The lyrics are about a woman who’s waiting for her lover to come back to her. She’s standing on the shore, looking out at the dark sea and wondering if he’ll ever return to her.

8. “Vanishing Tide” by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez

This next song is about watching the tide go out, and how that can be a metaphor for life. The lyrics talk about how things change, and how sometimes it can be hard to see those changes happening.

But ultimately, everything is temporary and the tide will always come back in.  It was released in 2016 as part of their Blind Worms, Pious Swine album.

9. “Awaken the Tides” by Malefice

Malefice’s Awaken the Tides is about, well, awakening the tides. The song is about rising up and taking control of your life. It’s about fighting against the odds and never giving up.

The lyrics are empowering and motivational, and the song is sure to get you pumped up. You can find it on the Awaken the Tides album released in 2011.

10. “Riptide” by Vance Joy

Next on the list is Riptide by Vance Joy. This song is a bit different from the others on this list, in that it’s not explicitly about tides. But the metaphor of the tide is used throughout the song, and it’s a beautiful analogy for life.

The lyrics talk about how life can be hard, but if you ride the waves then eventually you’ll make it to shore.  The song was released in 2013 as part of Vance Joy’s album, God Loves You When You’re Dancing.

11. “Tides” by Gone West

“Tides” by Gone West is a song about, you guessed it, tides. But it’s also about so much more. The lyrics talk about how the tide can be both a force of destruction and a force of life.

It’s about how the tides can take us away from the people we love, but also bring us back to them. You can find it on the Canyons album released in 2020.

12. “The Tide Is High” by Blondie

Blondie is a new wave band that formed in the early 1970s, and “The Tide Is High” is one of their most popular songs.

The song is about a woman who is struggling to keep her head above water, but she’s determined to fight against the tide. The lyrics are empowering and uplifting, and the song is sure to get you dancing.

13. “Slowing the Tides” by Manu Katché

From his self-titled album, Manu Katché’s “Slowing the Tides” is a beautiful, ethereal song that reflects on the natural forces that shape our world.

But despite the heavy subject matter, the song is ultimately an uplifting ode to the wonder of nature. It was released in 2011 and can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

14. “God of Ocean Tides” by Counting Crows

Next on the list is “God of Ocean Tides” by Counting Crows. This song is off their 2014 album, Somewhere Under Wonderland, and it’s a gorgeous ballad about loss and longing. The lyrics are evocative and it’s one of those songs that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.

15. “Black Tide” by Dirty Three

Dirty Three is a band known for its dark and atmospheric music, and “Black Tide” is no exception. This song is off their 1998 album Ocean Songs, and it’s a haunting ode to the power of the sea.

The builds to a crescendo that will leave you feeling all kinds of emotions. You can stream this track on all music platforms out there.

16. “Tides” by Jack & Jack

The next song is “Tides” by Jack & Jack. This upbeat track is all about riding the waves of life and letting go of your fears. It’s a feel-good song that will get you moving, and it’s perfect for any summer playlist. “Tides” was released in 2014 as part of the album of the same title.

17. “Tides (Preview)” by Ed Sheeran

By the one and only Ed Sheeran, this song is a ballad about the ever-changing tides of life and love.

The lyrics talk about how the singer has been through many ups and downs, but he’s still standing strong. Despite the many changes in his life, he remains hopeful. It was released in 2021 for his = (Preview) album.

18. “Ships + Tides” by OneRepublic

Next on the list is “Ships + Tides” by OneRepublic. This song is also about the ever-changing tides of life but from a different perspective.

The lyrics talk about how the singer is constantly moving and changing, but he’s still the same person at heart. It was released in 2021 as part of their album, Human.

19. “Time and Tide” by Paul Grabowsky and Paul Kelly

Released in 2020, “Time and Tide” is a duet between Paul Grabowsky and Paul Kelly. The song is about how the tide of time never stops for anyone.

It talks about how we all have to keep moving forward, no matter what happens. You can find it on the Please Leave Your Light On album which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

20. “High Tide in a Sea of Blood” by Lock Up

Wrapping up the list is “High Tide in a Sea of Blood” by Lock Up. This song is a metal song about how the tide can be both good and bad. It can bring life or death, depending on what side you’re on. The song was released in 2002 as part of their Hate Breeds Suffering album.

Final Thoughts

As the water ebbs and flows, so does life. The tides are a metaphor for the ceaseless movement of time, and the way that our lives are constantly in flux.

These songs about tides capture that feeling of change and motion which reminds us that no matter what the tide brings, we’ll always be able to weather the storm.