[2026] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks
The moon we see when we look up at the sky is both familiar and endlessly mysterious—a presence that never ceases to fascinate us.
Shaped by the influence of sunlight into forms like the full moon and new moon, the “moon” enchants and bewilders those who behold it.
It’s only natural that artists with keen sensitivity would choose it as a theme for their songs.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic Western songs themed around that captivating moon.
From tracks that sing directly about the moon to songs that use the moon or moonlight as a metaphor, enjoy a diverse lineup of pieces spanning eras and genres.
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[2026] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
This is How We Walk on the MoonArthur Russell
A song by American musician Arthur Russell that depicts walking on the moon as a metaphor for life.
It is included on the album “Another Thought,” released in February 1993.
Characterized by soft synthesizer tones and abstract lyrics, it’s a track that highlights Russell’s delicate sensibility.
Incorporating elements of post-disco and the avant-garde, it reflects his unique musicality cultivated in the New York music scene.
As symbolized by the lyric “moving upward step by step,” it conveys the importance of small advances in life.
It’s a heartfelt piece you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night while gazing up at the moon.
Canyon MoonHarry Styles
Let me introduce Canyon Moon, a song that will warm your heart when you listen to it.
It’s a track by Harry Styles, one of the United Kingdom’s representative singers.
The title literally means “the moon over the canyon.” In the song, a man looks back on a memory of watching the moon with someone special in a canyon.
It seems he is now apart from that important person, yet the overall mood is more joyful than sorrowful.
It’s also fun to imagine whether that special someone is a lover, a child, or perhaps a friend.
Moonlight ShadowMike Oldfield ft. Maggie Reilly
A signature work by Mike Oldfield, weaving a sorrowful tale bathed in mysterious moonlight.
Released in May 1983 by the UK-born artist, the song became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on charts across Europe.
Maggie Reilly’s clear, translucent vocals seem to gently recount a tragedy that unfolded under the moonlight.
The grief and sense of loss of a woman who lost her beloved on a night echoing with gunshots are expressed through the dreamy melody and the timbre of synthesizers.
A moving masterpiece that offers solace to those mourning the loss of a loved one.
To the MoonPhora
The song released in August 2017 by American rapper Phora is an emotionally rich work themed around love and vulnerability.
It portrays a woman who fears love due to past hurt and a man who wants to support her, expressing a desire for the two of them to go far together.
Released as the lead single from the album “Yours Truly Forever,” the track is a romantic, melodic R&B piece.
Phora’s emotive vocals and lyrics that dream of an escape with a loved one leave a strong impression, and this work—depicting the complexities of romance and the process of accepting new love—is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
What’s next to the moonAC/DC
“What’s Next to the Moon,” included on AC/DC’s 1978 album Powerage, is a song created by AC/DC’s lead guitarist Angus Young.
It’s said that when he put on a new set of strings and casually jammed to test the feel, the arrangement he came up with was so good that it was adopted for the track almost exactly as is.
Despite being a song themed around the moon, it features a bright—if not fiery—melody.
Talking to the MoonBruno Mars
When it comes to Bruno Mars’s moon-themed songs, the famous one is Moonshine, known for its melody that evokes 80s disco music.
That track is, of course, wonderful, but if you want to enjoy a more mellow side of his music, I recommend Talking to the Moon.
It portrays the feelings of a man after a breakup, and its melody is R&B crafted in a style close to country and pop.
The lyrics are very heartrending, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well!
[2026] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
MoonlightXXXTentacion
Here’s an introduction to “MOONLIGHT,” which portrays moonlight from a fresh perspective.
The track was created by the rapper XXXTentacion.
Before achieving success as an artist, he led a tumultuous life, and this piece compares his past and present.
In it, his current shining success is likened to a spotlight, while the darker days he endured are compared to moonlight.
By the way, the song features a lot of slang, so if you’re curious, it’s worth looking them up.