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The moon, Earth’s celestial companion, has captivated humanity since the dawn of time. This luminous orb, hanging in the night sky, has served as a muse for countless creative endeavors. From the poetic verses of Shakespeare and Wordsworth to the evocative brushstrokes of Van Gogh and Magritte, the moon’s ethereal glow has illuminated artistic minds for centuries. It’s no surprise then, that the world of music is also richly adorned with Songs About The Moon. Artists across genres, from The Beatles with their whimsical “Mr. Moonlight” and The Rolling Stones‘ bluesy “Moon Is Up,” to the sonic explorations of Pink Floyd in “The Dark Side Of the Moon,” have turned to lunar themes for inspiration.
The moon’s influence extends beyond rock and pop. It has graced evergreen classics like “Fly Me To The Moon,” inspired comedic tunes like Laurel And Hardy’s “Lazy Moon” and The Stargazers’ 60s hit “I See the Moon,” and even fueled political commentary in Gil Scott-Heron’s poignant “Whitey On The Moon.” Instrumental pieces, such as Enya’s “Moon Shepherdess,” further demonstrate the moon’s versatile appeal. Ballads often employ lunar imagery to convey profound emotions, emphasizing their vastness and depth. In 1960, jazz vocalist Mel Tormé dedicated an entire album to lunar-themed songs, Swingin’ On The Moon, showcasing the breadth of the moon’s musical magnetism.
Black Eyes Peas
Black Eyes PeasThe Carpenters, known for their harmonious pop, even ventured into interstellar communication with their 1976 track, “Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft,” a song envisioning telepathic messages to extraterrestrial visitors. The isolation of space travel profoundly impacted artists like David Bowie, leading to the creation of “Space Oddity,” and Elton John and Bernie Taupin, who gifted us the introspective “Rocket Man.”
As we commemorate the anniversary of the monumental Moon landing of July 20, 1969, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate these sonic explorations of our celestial neighbor. Join us as we journey through a curated selection of 20 of the best songs about the moon and space travel. While some beloved tunes, like Simon And Garfunkel’s “Song About The Moon,” may have narrowly missed our list, we encourage you to share your own lunar favorites in the comments below.
20: “The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress” (Glen Campbell, 1974)
Jimmy Webb, a songwriting titan of Americana, penned “The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress,” a lyrical masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the moon’s dual nature. The song’s opening lines, “Though she looks as warm as gold/The Moon’s a harsh mistress/The Moon can be so cold,” reveal a profound understanding of the celestial body’s alluring yet unforgiving character. Webb’s evocative lyrics have resonated with numerous artists, leading to covers by luminaries like Judy Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Joan Baez, and Joe Cocker. However, the definitive rendition remains Glen Campbell‘s 1974 version, featured on his album Reunion: The Songs Of Jimmy Webb. Campbell’s warm vocals and gentle delivery perfectly complement the song’s reflective mood, solidifying its place as a classic moon song.
Glen Campbell performing “The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress”, a classic song reflecting the moon’s complex nature.
19: “Moon At The Window” (Joni Mitchell, 1983)
Joni Mitchell, a musical innovator known for her genre-bending explorations, described “Moon At The Window” as her deepest foray into jazz. While some critics labeled it “eccentric,” Mitchell felt she had pushed harmonic boundaries beyond conventional jazz structures. The track is enriched by Wayne Shorter’s intimate soprano saxophone, adding a layer of sophisticated improvisation. The song’s title draws inspiration from the Zen poetry of Ryoken, specifically the verse, “The thief left it behind: the moon at my window,” hinting at themes of unexpected beauty and tranquility found in unexpected places. “Moon At The Window” graced Mitchell’s 1983 album, Wild Things Run Fast, showcasing her continued artistic evolution and willingness to experiment with moon-themed songs.
Joni Mitchell during the “Wild Things Run Fast” era, featuring her jazz-infused moon song “Moon At The Window”.
18: “Once In A Very Blue Moon” (Nanci Griffith, 1984)
Pat Algar, a respected figure in country music songwriting, has penned hits for The Everly Brothers, Garth Brooks, and Crystal Gayle. Among his most endearing compositions is “Once In A Very Blue Moon,” which became a signature song for Nanci Griffith. The track served as the title track for her 1984 album and later inspired the name of her orchestra, demonstrating its profound impact on her career. “Once In A Very Blue Moon” has also been interpreted by Mary Black and Dolly Parton, further cementing its status as a beloved country moon song.
The moon holds a special place in country music, inspiring a constellation of related tunes. Notable examples include Hank Williams’ lonesome “Howlin’ At The Moon,” Lyle Lovett’s wistful “Moon On My Shoulder,” Patty Griffin’s evocative “Moon Song,” and Dar Williams’ gentle “Calling The Moon.” These songs highlight the moon’s resonance with themes of longing, reflection, and the vastness of human emotion, common threads in country music narratives and songs about the moon.
Nanci Griffith performing “Once In A Very Blue Moon”, a seminal country song inspired by the rare celestial event.
17: “Drunk On The Moon” (Tom Waits, 1974)
Tom Waits, a master of atmospheric storytelling and unconventional melodies, has explored lunar themes in several songs, including the melancholic “Grapefruit Moon.” However, “Drunk On The Moon,” from his 1974 album The Heart Of Saturday Night, stands out as a particularly captivating moon-inspired song. The track’s jazzy, late-night ambiance, complete with inventive lyrics like “The Moon’s a silver slipper/It’s pouring champagne stars,” creates a vivid and intoxicating soundscape. Tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb’s exceptional playing, reminiscent of his work with jazz legends like Louie Bellson, Chet Baker, and Count Basie, further enriches the song’s musical texture. “Drunk On The Moon” was inspired by The Terminal bar in Denver, Colorado, capturing the bar’s unique atmosphere and the surreal imagery it evoked. Waits himself described the song’s muse as “a muscatel moon,” emphasizing its hazy, dreamlike quality and solidifying its place amongst unique songs about the moon.
Tom Waits in 1974, during the “The Heart Of Saturday Night” period, which featured his jazzy moon song “Drunk On The Moon”.
16: “Shame On The Moon” (Bob Seger, 1982)
“Shame On The Moon” initially emerged from the creative mind of Rodney Crowell, who recorded the first version with harmony vocals by his then-wife, Rosanne Cash. However, the song reached its zenith of popularity when Detroit rock icon Bob Seger and his Silver Bullet Band reimagined it. Released as the lead single from his 1982 album The Distance, “Shame On The Moon” became a massive hit, showcasing Seger’s ability to blend rock sensibilities with country-tinged storytelling. The track features a standout piano solo by Little Feat’s Bill Payne, adding a sparkling instrumental layer. Seger himself lauded the song as “like a cowboy song” and praised its flawless execution, highlighting it as “the best and tightest track on the album.” Despite initial reservations about its fit on a “real rock album,” Capitol Records recognized its broad appeal, and “Shame On The Moon” became a defining hit for Seger and a prominent example of moon songs crossing genre boundaries.
Bob Seger performing “Shame On The Moon”, a hit song that bridged rock and country genres with lunar themes.
15: “An Ending (Ascent)” (Brian Eno, 1983)
Brian Eno, a pioneer of ambient music, crafted the landmark album Apollo: Atmospheres And Soundtracks, a sonic exploration of space and the lunar landscape. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, this seminal album is being reissued with an additional album of new recordings, underscoring its enduring influence. Originally released in 1983, the tracks from Apollo have transcended their initial purpose, finding their way into numerous films, television shows, and commercials, becoming synonymous with cinematic and atmospheric soundscapes. “An Ending (Ascent),” perhaps the album’s most recognizable piece, achieved further prominence when it was used during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, soundtracking a moment of global unity and aspiration. Among the new tracks on the 2019 reissue is “Under The Moon,” a composition by Roger Eno, further expanding the lunar soundscape of this iconic album and adding to the collection of instrumental songs about the moon.
Brian Eno in 1983, the year his ambient masterpiece “Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks” was released, featuring “An Ending (Ascent)”.
14: “Moonlight Serenade” (Glenn Miller, 1939)
Glenn Miller’s timeless swing ballad “Moonlight Serenade” reached its 80th anniversary in April 2019, a testament to its enduring appeal. The bandleader’s signature tune is instantly recognizable, its melody weaving a spell of romance and nostalgia. While initially instrumental, Mitchell Parish later penned lyrics – “I stand at your gate/And the song that I sing is of moonlight” – adding a vocal dimension to the classic. Frank Sinatra himself recorded these lyrics for his album Moonlight Sinatra in 1965, a full collection of moon-inspired songs, further highlighting the tune’s lunar connection. However, it is the instrumental version of Miller’s masterpiece that continues to resonate most powerfully, its melody evoking moonlit nights and graceful dances.
“Moonlight Serenade” has inspired countless jazz musicians to explore lunar themes in their own work. Notable examples include Duke Ellington’s atmospheric “Moon Mist,” Miles Davis’ dreamy “Moon Dreams,” Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson’s collaborative “Moon Song,” and Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt’s enchanting “Moonglow.” These instrumental pieces demonstrate the moon’s capacity to evoke a spectrum of emotions and moods, solidifying its place as a recurring motif in jazz and instrumental songs about the moon.
Glenn Miller conducting his orchestra for “Moonlight Serenade”, an iconic instrumental jazz piece with a strong lunar association.
13: “Pink Moon” (Nick Drake, 1972)
Nick Drake, a singer-songwriter known for his introspective and melancholic style, created “Pink Moon,” the title track of his 1972 album. Drake himself played acoustic guitar and the minimalist piano solo on the track, his delicate performance contrasting with the unsettling darkness of his lyrics: “Saw it written and I saw it say/Pink moon is on its way/And none of you stand so tall/Pink moon gonna get ye all.” This concise, two-minute gem was written during a period of depression for Drake, while living in a small London flat. The “pink moon,” or blood moon, has long been associated with ominous portents, dating back to The Book Of Revelation, and Drake’s lyrics seem to echo this sense of foreboding, hinting at dark times ahead. Interestingly, the “pink moon” imagery also inspired Sidney Bechet’s passionate and expansive solo on “Blood On The Moon,” composed spontaneously in the studio. “Pink Moon” remains a haunting and enigmatic entry in the realm of songs about the moon, reflecting Drake’s unique artistic vision and personal struggles.
Nick Drake in 1972, during the “Pink Moon” album period, a song marked by minimalist style and dark lunar imagery.
12: “Walking On the Moon” (The Police, 1979)
Sting‘s infectious song “Walking On the Moon,” reportedly conceived as a riff during a drunken night in Munich, swiftly ascended to No.1 in December 1979, becoming one of The Police‘s signature hits. The single’s success was amplified by its memorable music video, filmed at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida just months prior to its release. The video cleverly interweaves footage of The Police miming the track amidst spacecraft displays with genuine NASA footage, creating a playful and visually engaging experience that perfectly complemented the song’s lunar theme. Stewart Copeland’s percussive ingenuity even extended to playing drumsticks on a Saturn V moon rocket within the video. Adding a contemporary twist, a reimagined version of “Walking On The Moon” appears on Sting’s My Songs album, described by the singer as “reconstructed” versions of his hits “with a contemporary focus,” demonstrating the song’s lasting appeal and its continued evolution as a prominent song about the moon.
The Police filming the music video for “Walking On The Moon” at Kennedy Space Center, incorporating spacecraft imagery for their lunar-themed hit.
11: “Man On The Moon” (R.E.M., 1992)
“Man On The Moon,” featured on R.E.M.’s acclaimed eighth album, Automatic For The People, became a massive hit in 1992 and remains one of their most enduringly popular songs. Uniquely within this list of songs about the moon, “Man On The Moon” directly addresses the conspiracy theories surrounding the 1969 moon landing, questioning the veracity of this historical event. Mike Mills, credited as a co-writer, explained that the song’s lyrics deliberately referenced Andy Kaufman, the enigmatic comedian known for blurring the lines between reality and performance, due to similar conspiracy theories surrounding Kaufman’s supposed faked death. Mills elaborated in 2018, stating, “He’s the perfect ghost to lead you through this tour of questioning things. Did the Moon landing really happen? Is Elvis really dead? Kaufman was kind of an ephemeral figure at that point, so he was the perfect guy to tie all this stuff together as you journey through childhood and touchstones of life.” “Man On The Moon” thus transcends a simple moon song, becoming a broader reflection on skepticism, cultural myths, and the nature of truth itself.
R.E.M. performing “Man On The Moon”, a song that explores moon landing conspiracy theories and cultural skepticism.
10: “Moondance” (Van Morrison, 1970)
While Van Morrison’s effervescent lyrics for “Moondance” – “Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love” – are undeniably catchy and memorable, they were actually crafted after the Belfast singer had already composed the song’s music. In a 1973 interview, Van Morrison revealed his songwriting process for “Moondance”: “With ‘Moondance,’ I wrote the melody first. I played the melody on a soprano sax and knew I had a song, so I wrote lyrics to go with the melody. For me, ‘Moondance’ is a sophisticated song. Frank Sinatra wouldn’t be out of place singing that.” Interestingly, for the recording, Morrison, known for his saxophone prowess, delegated saxophone duties to the late Jack Schroer. “Moondance” stands as a testament to Morrison’s musical sophistication and his ability to create timeless songs about the moon that evoke romance and elegance.
Van Morrison in 1970, during the “Moondance” album release, featuring his sophisticated and romantic moon-inspired song.
9: “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” (Elvis Presley, 1954)
Bill Monroe, the “father of bluegrass,” originally recorded “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” in 1946 as a slow waltz. However, eight years later, a young Elvis Presley, in the early days of his career at Sun Studios, was playfully jamming with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black during a studio break. Moore recounted the spontaneous genesis of Presley’s iconic rendition: “We’re taking a little break and Bill starts beating on the bass and singing ‘Blue Moon Of Kentucky,’ mocking Bill Monroe, singing the high falsetto voice. Elvis joins in with him, starts playing and singing along with him.” Producer Sam Phillips recognized the raw energy and potential of their impromptu interpretation and encouraged them to record it as an upbeat, blues-infused tune. “Blue Moon Of Kentucky,” released as a 7” single on July 19, 1954 – a mere 12 days after its recording – became an instant hit, catapulting Presley to early fame and transforming a bluegrass waltz into a rockabilly classic and a significant moon song in music history.
Elvis Presley performing “Blue Moon of Kentucky” in 1954, transforming a bluegrass waltz into a rockabilly hit.
8: “Moonshadow” (Cat Stevens, 1970)
Cat Stevens, known for his evocative imagery and introspective lyrics, considered “Moonshadow” his personal favorite among his vast catalog of songs. Released as a single in September 1970, preceding his album Teaser And The Firecat, “Moonshadow” is a song brimming with optimism and wonder. Stevens, who grew up in the brightly lit Holborn area of central London, explained that a holiday experience inspired this song of hope: “In the West End of London there were bright lights, so I never got to see the Moon on its own in the dark, there were always streetlamps. So there I was on the edge of the water on a beautiful night with the Moon glowing, and suddenly I looked down and saw my shadow. I thought that was so cool, I’d never seen it before.” “Moonshadow” captures that moment of simple yet profound joy and discovery, transforming a personal experience into a universally resonant moon song.
Cat Stevens in 1970, during the “Teaser and the Firecat” album period, featuring his hopeful moon song “Moonshadow”.
7: “Moon River” (Sarah Vaughan, 1963)
Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer’s exquisitely romantic song “Moon River” will forever be intertwined with Audrey Hepburn’s iconic performance in the 1961 film Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The Oscar and Grammy-winning song has been covered by a constellation of musical giants, including Judy Garland, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, and Amy Winehouse, each bringing their unique vocal stylings to the timeless melody. Sarah Vaughan’s 1963 rendition, featured on the Verve Records album Sarah Vaughan Sings The Mancini Songbook, stands out as a particularly sublime interpretation, showcasing her unparalleled vocal control and emotional depth. For a compelling male vocal version, Louis Armstrong’s later-career interpretation on the album Hello, Dolly! is deeply moving, complemented by his characteristically sweet trumpet solo. Dizzy Gillespie’s instrumental jazz version further demonstrates the song’s versatility and enduring appeal. Frank Ocean’s fine 2018 rendition underscores “Moon River”‘s continued relevance and its status as one of the most beloved songs about the moon, transcending generations and genres.
Sarah Vaughan singing “Moon River” in 1963, a classic rendition of the beloved and romantic moon-themed song.
6: “How High The Moon” (Les Paul And Mary Ford, 1951)
The jazz standard “How High The Moon” originated as a composition by Morgan Lewis with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton for the 1940 Broadway drama Two For The Show. Benny Goodman recorded the first instrumental version, but the definitive rendition emerged from the husband-and-wife duo Les Paul and Mary Ford for Capitol Records in January 1951. Their recording dominated the Billboard chart for nine weeks, reaching No.1 and showcasing Paul’s innovative and vibrant guitar style, which profoundly influenced generations of guitarists. “How High The Moon” has since become one of the most covered jazz standards, spanning diverse genres and styles, with notable versions by Chet Baker (jazz), Marvin Gaye (soul), Gloria Gaynor (disco), and Emmylou Harris (country). Its enduring popularity solidifies its place as a cornerstone of jazz and a celebrated song about the moon.
Les Paul and Mary Ford performing “How High The Moon”, their definitive version of the jazz standard that topped charts in 1951.
5: “Bad Moon Rising” (Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1969)
While the moon is often associated with romance and mystery, it can also symbolize foreboding and impending doom. Author Christopher Isherwood, working as a scriptwriter in Hollywood in the 1930s, captured this darker lunar aspect in a line for the 1941 Ingrid Bergman thriller Rage In Heaven: “The Moon. It’s staring at me, like a great eye.” This sense of lunar unease inspired John Fogerty to compose “Bad Moon Rising,” drawing inspiration from another bleak Hollywood film, The Devil And Daniel Webster. Fogerty’s lyrics evoke a sense of impending apocalypse, describing “the apocalypse that was going to be visited upon us.” “Bad Moon Rising” is aptly featured on the soundtrack of the comedy-horror film An American Werewolf In London (1981) and has been covered by artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Emmylou Harris, further emphasizing its potent and unsettling imagery and its place as a prominent song about the moon with darker themes.
Creedence Clearwater Revival performing “Bad Moon Rising”, a song that uses the moon as a symbol of impending doom and apocalypse.
4: “Blue Moon” (Billie Holiday, 1952)
“Blue Moon” originated within the MGM soundtrack songwriting system, with Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart crafting the final version for the Clark Gable film Manhattan Melodrama. The song’s poignant lyrics – “Blue moon/You saw me standing alone/Without a dream in my heart/Without a love of my own” – are perfectly crafted for vocal interpretation, lending themselves to a wide range of emotional expressions. Billie Holiday’s 1952 rendition for Verve, backed by jazz luminaries like Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, and Oscar Peterson, is widely considered one of the finest versions, showcasing her unparalleled ability to convey vulnerability and longing. “Blue Moon” is a song of such enduring quality that numerous artists have delivered exceptional interpretations, including Elvis Presley, Mel Tormé, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dean Martin. The more recent Beck song, also titled “Blue Moon,” subtly nods to the Rodgers and Hart classic by sharing the same title, further highlighting the original’s lasting impact and its status as a definitive song about the moon and loneliness.
Billie Holiday singing “Blue Moon”, her iconic rendition of the Rodgers and Hart classic about lunar loneliness.
3: “Fly Me To The Moon” (Frank Sinatra, 1964)
When songwriter Bart Howard first penned the lyrics for his magnificent standard “Fly Me To The Moon,” he initially titled it simply “In Other Words.” The song’s enduring appeal has resulted in countless brilliant versions, making it nearly impossible to definitively choose the “best.” However, among the most celebrated interpretations are those by Doris Day, Anita O’Day, Astrud Gilberto, Nat “King” Cole, and Julie London, each adding their unique vocal texture to the timeless melody. Frank Sinatra’s 1964 recording, however, remains arguably the most famous and iconic rendition. Sinatra’s version achieved a unique distinction when it was played during the Apollo 10 mission, orbiting the Moon in May 1969. Rumor has it that it was also the first music ever heard on the Moon itself, supposedly played on a portable cassette player by Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin after he stepped onto the lunar surface, although Aldrin himself later expressed uncertainty about this detail. Regardless, “Fly Me To The Moon” remains indelibly linked to space exploration and is perhaps the quintessential song about the moon, embodying dreams of reaching for the stars.
Frank Sinatra singing “Fly Me To The Moon”, his iconic version of the song that became associated with space exploration.
2: “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time)” (Elton John, 1972)
Elton John openly acknowledged being “blown away” by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” citing it as a major source of inspiration. Thus, when Bernie Taupin presented him with lyrics for his own interstellar travel song, partly inspired by a short story in Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man, John enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to record “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time).” John even enlisted Bowie’s producer, former Decca Records executive Gus Dudgeon, to helm the production, adding a further layer of connection to Bowie’s space-themed masterpiece. In 2016, following Bowie’s passing, John paid tribute by performing an instrumental version of “Space Oddity,” seamlessly transitioning into his own hit “Rocket Man,” underscoring the artistic link between the two space songs. “Rocket Man,” downloaded nearly half a million times, further cemented its cultural impact by lending its name to the hit 2019 biopic about Elton John’s life, solidifying its status as a defining song about space and lunar aspirations.
Elton John performing “Rocket Man”, his iconic song inspired by space travel and David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”.
1: “Space Oddity” (David Bowie, 1969)
“Space Oddity” was strategically released as a single on July 11, 1969, a mere five days before the Apollo 11 launch and nine days before Neil Armstrong’s historic first steps on the Moon. David Bowie’s primary inspiration was Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey, and his song is imbued with an eerie, melancholic atmosphere, narrating the story of Major Tom, an astronaut adrift in space. The lyrics, “Here am I floating round my tin can/Far above the Moon/Planet Earth is blue/And there’s nothing I can do,” poignantly capture the isolation and existential contemplation of space exploration.
Ironically, the BBC actually played “Space Oddity” during its coverage of the Apollo launch, seemingly oblivious to the song’s potentially unsettling lyrical content. Bowie later remarked, “I’m sure the BBC really weren’t listening to the lyric at all. It wasn’t a pleasant thing to juxtapose against a moon landing. Of course, I was overjoyed that they did.” Bowie revisited his Major Tom character in later songs like “Ashes To Ashes” and “Hallo Spaceboy,” further developing the narrative arc of his space-faring alter ego. “Space Oddity” remains the quintessential song about space, a haunting and evocative masterpiece that perfectly captures the wonder and isolation of venturing beyond Earth and exploring the vast unknown, making it the top song about the moon on our list.
David Bowie as Major Tom for “Space Oddity”, his groundbreaking and melancholic song about lunar isolation and space exploration.
