[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 (31–40)
Dancing In The MoonlightKing Harvest
King Harvest is a rock band active in France.
They’ve gone on hiatus multiple times, but they’ve continued their career from 1970 to the present.
Their song Dancing in the Moonlight was released in 1972 and is known as one of King Harvest’s signature tracks.
The title means something like “dancing under the moonlight” in Japanese, and the keyboard melody beautifully evokes the night and the moon.
Be sure to check it out!
Can’t Fight the MoonlightLeAnn Rimes
The musical film Coyote Ugly, released in 2000.
One of its soundtrack songs, Can’t Fight the Moonlight, was specially written by LeAnn Rimes.
It’s a love song sung from the perspective of a man who has feelings for a woman.
In the song, the man tries to express his feelings to her, but he hesitates because there’s a more attractive man around.
He even likens this romantic rival—the attractive man—to the moonlight.
Under the cherry MoonPrince
Prince is an artist who has been active for many years thanks to his exceptional guitar skills and uniquely progressive musicality.
Despite his talent, many aspects of his work remain underrated—especially his guitar playing, which hasn’t received the recognition it deserves.
In fact, Rolling Stone ranked him number one on its list of the world’s most underrated guitarists.
One of his moon-themed songs is “Under the Cherry Moon.” With melody alone, it beautifully evokes the moon and the night.
It’s an outstanding track, so be sure to check it out!
Sail To The MoonRadiohead
Radiohead is a legendary band that continues to take on various genres such as alternative rock and experimental rock.
They’re a great band that laid the foundation for today’s alternative rock.
One of their classic songs is “Sail To The Moon.” As the title suggests, it’s themed around the moon, which symbolizes goals and dreams.
It’s a mysterious track that can even sound like a love song.
Be sure to check it out!
Goodnight MoonShivaree
Introducing a song that many of you might relate to: “Goodnight Moon.” It’s a track released by the country band Shivaree.
Set to a smooth, jazz-like sound, it paints a picture of a sleepless night.
The song’s protagonist seems tormented by loneliness and anxiety; in the first half, we hear how surrounding the bed with various things still doesn’t bring any comfort.
In the second half, it portrays how they can’t help but imagine all sorts of terrifying things lurking nearby.
[2026] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Walking On The MoonThe Police
Walking On The Moon, a classic by The Police released in 1979.
Originally a track from their second studio album, Reggatta de Blanc, it was later issued as the second single.
While the melody essentially falls under new wave, it’s also influenced by reggae.
Even with the distinctive reggae-infused arrangement, the way the melody evokes the image of the moon is classic Sting at his best.
Creedence Clearwater RevivaBAD MOON RISING
Creedence Clearwater Revival, known as CCR, possessed a rich musicality rooted in American roots music and achieved major success within a relatively short span of about four years, earning strong support from subsequent musicians.
“Bad Moon Rising,” released in 1969 and sung by John Fogerty—who has continued to thrive as a solo artist well into the 2020s—charted in countries around the world from the time of its release and was included in Rolling Stone’s 2010 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Though its bouncy rhythm, country-tinged, breezy guitar, and cheerful melody give listeners a refreshingly upbeat impression, the song actually portrays the moon as a harbinger of ominous events.
According to Fogerty, who wrote the lyrics and music, he was inspired by the hurricane scene in the 1941 film “The Devil and Daniel Webster,” and the song is said to center on the theme of an eventual apocalypse.
Knowing that might dramatically change the way you hear it, wouldn’t it?
