19 Songs About Water

Songs about water traverse a wide array of emotions, themes, and genres, offering listeners a deep dive into lyrical currents and melodious flows. From the tranquility of rivers and the vastness of oceans to the symbolism of rain and the mystique of underwater worlds, these tracks by iconic artists like Simon & Garfunkel, TLC, and Bruce Springsteen reflect the myriad ways water inspires music creation.

1. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel is a timeless anthem of comfort and support, portraying the powerful metaphor of a bridge over troubled waters. This symbolizes unwavering support and solace provided to someone facing hardships, embodying a promise of safe passage through difficult times.

2. “Waterfalls” by TLC

“Waterfalls” by TLC uses the compelling metaphor of a waterfall to communicate a cautionary tale about life choices and the consequences that ensue. It encourages listeners to heed the dangers of veering off one’s path and the natural repercussions of actions, like the inevitable flow of a waterfall.

3. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple encapsulates a pivotal moment in rock history, drawing inspiration from real events where a fire devastated a recording studio near Lake Geneva. This story immortalizes the incident in rock music, celebrating the creation born out of unexpected turmoil.

4. “The River” by Bruce Springsteen

“The River” by Bruce Springsteen eloquently uses the imagery of a river to reflect on the flow of life, encompassing dreams and the often stark disappointment that accompanies reality. It narrates the journey of aspirations flowing towards fulfillment, only to confront the harsh landscapes of unmet expectations.

5. “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake

“Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake explores the profound emotional landscape of heartbreak and revenge, using the powerful imagery of wishing for a river of tears from an unfaithful lover. It conveys the deep hurt and desire for retribution through the metaphor of a vast, tearful river.

6. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival delves into the dual symbolic meanings of rain, portraying it as a cleansing force and a herald of change and renewal. It captures the essence of finding hope and new beginnings amidst the storms of life.

7. “River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner

“River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner employs vivid natural imagery to articulate the depth and majesty of profound love. This song compares emotions to the awe-inspiring features of nature, illustrating how deep and towering love can truly be.

8. “Down By The River” by Neil Young

“Down By The River” by Neil Young weaves a story of conflict and resolution set against the backdrop of a river, symbolizing the constant ebbs and flows of life. It captures the essence of confronting challenges and finding peace beside the ever-moving waters of existence.

9. “The River of Dreams” by Billy Joel

“The River of Dreams” by Billy Joel is a reflective piece that dives into the searching and aspiration inherent in the journey of life, symbolized by a river of dreams. It highlights the quest for meaning and fulfillment that flows through the human spirit.

10. “Purple Rain” by Prince

“Purple Rain” by Prince uses the imagery of purple rain as a multifaceted metaphor for change, transformation, and the intricate layers of love. This song captures the longing for a profound shift, reflecting the complexities and desires of the heart in the face of change.

11. “Drink The Water” by Jack Johnson

“Drink The Water” by Jack Johnson delves into the process of confrontation and reflection, using the simple act of drinking water as an analogy for facing one’s fears and reflecting on personal growth. It encapsulates the journey towards self-understanding through the metaphor of life-sustaining water.

12. “The Water is Wide” by Eva Cassidy

“The Water is Wide” by Eva Cassidy explores themes of distance and longing, with water acting as a symbol for the vast emotional spaces that can exist between people. It beautifully conveys the feeling of being separated by circumstances as insurmountable as the width of water.

13. “Moon River” by Andy Williams

“Moon River” by Andy Williams embodies a timeless message of hope and adventure, likening the pursuit of dreams to a serene journey down a moonlit river. It encapsulates the enduring human spirit of exploration and the eternal optimism in chasing one’s dreams.

14. “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish

“Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish captures the profound depth and vulnerability of emotion through its powerful use of oceanic imagery. This breakout song conveys a deep sense of exposure and the overwhelming nature of raw, unguarded feelings, akin to the vastness of the ocean.

15. “River” by Joni Mitchell

“River” by Joni Mitchell navigates through the use of a river as a poignant metaphor for the yearning to escape regret and embrace a fresh start. It beautifully conveys the longing for a means to wash away past mistakes and move forward with life.

16. “Rain” by The Beatles

“Rain” by The Beatles delves into the interplay between perception and reality, utilizing the metaphor of rain to illustrate how outlooks can alter one’s experience of the world. This song reflects on the simple, yet profound, idea that our perception shapes our reality, even in something as ubiquitous as rain.

17. “Sail On” by The Commodores

“Sail On” by The Commodores explores the themes of release and moving on, with the imagery of sailing on water serving as a metaphor for life’s journey. It captures the essence of leaving behind the past and navigating towards new horizons, embodying the courage it takes to set sail into the unknown.

18. “Water Under the Bridge” by Adele

“Water Under the Bridge” by Adele utilizes the metaphor of water under the bridge to eloquently express the themes of forgiveness and the letting go of past relationships. It symbolizes the flow of time and emotions, moving beyond old conflicts and towards a place of understanding and resolution.

19. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison

“Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison embarks on a figurative journey through life and into the realms of the unknown, with water symbolism serving as the navigator through this mystical voyage. It evokes a sense of exploration and wonder as it delves into the depths of existence and the enigmatic paths we tread.