[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 (51–60)
Mr MoonlightThe Beatles
This “Mr.
Moonlight” is a song released in 1962 by R&B singer Piano Red under the name Dr.
Feelgood & the Interns, but you might be more familiar with the Beatles’ cover version in the video.
Apparently, the Beatles were so busy at the time that they couldn’t devote enough time to songwriting and didn’t have enough original material for the album, so they included cover songs—and this was one of them.
John Lennon’s shout at the beginning of the track is cool and unforgettable.
Four Out Of FiveArctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys are a rock band representing Sheffield, England.
When they debuted, their high level of talent led people to expect them to be the successors to Oasis.
One of their songs with the moon as its theme is Four Out Of Five.
The interesting aspect of this track is how a love song rephrases one’s room as the moon.
Beyond its wonderful melody, that kind of lyrical trickiness earned it a nomination for Best Rock Performance at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Half MoonJanis Joplin
Janis Joplin, a star who made her mark on the rock scene.
From her album “JANIS,” let’s take a look at “Half Moon.” This song compares the presence that brings her happiness to various things—specifically mountains, clouds, and the half moon—to convey its greatness.
At first listen, the lyrics feel fresh and breezy, but there’s actually another side to them.
That’s because “Half Moon,” which is also the title, can refer to a certain item as well.
An Ending (Ascent)Brian Eno
Brian Eno, the British musician who produced many masterpieces that have gone down in music history as a pioneering figure of so-called ambient music.
The somewhat mysterious music Eno creates feels as if it contains a truly cosmic world, and the piece introduced here, “An Ending (Ascent),” is a quintessential masterpiece themed around the moon and outer space.
The album that includes this track, Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks, was released in 1983 and was created as the soundtrack to the feature-length documentary For All Mankind, which depicts the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing.
In 2019, an extended remastered edition of the album was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing.
Why not listen to the track on its own or the album as a whole and imagine the distant world of the moon? As an aside, “An Ending (Ascent)” was also used in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics—a testament to its musical significance.
[2026] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks (61–70)
Fly Me to the MoonFrank Sinatra
As songs themed around the moon go, this is surely one of the most famous in the world.
Known in Japan by the title “Take Me to the Moon,” “Fly Me to the Moon” was written and composed in 1954 by American songwriter Bart Howard.
Interestingly, its original title was “In Other Words,” and it was set in 3/4 time—quite different from the version widely known today.
A later version retitled “Fly Me to the Moon” was released, and it went on to become a classic standard, endlessly covered by many artists and etched into music history.
It was also used as the ending theme for the TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which is likely where many people first encountered the song.
This time, we’re highlighting the rendition recorded by the legendary jazz singer Frank Sinatra, which became a major hit in 1964.
Considering the historical context—NASA’s Apollo program was underway in the 1960s, making the moon feel like a “distant yet close” presence—the song’s success could be seen as almost inevitable.
Blue MoonBillie Holiday
Known as a jazz standard that sings of the moon’s allure shining in the night sky, this song is elevated into a deeper, more refined work by Billie Holiday’s glamorous voice.
Released by the American singer in January 1956, it features a gentle melody that seems to comfort lonely hearts and lyrics that portray love illuminated by moonlight.
Holiday’s expressively nuanced vocals stir emotions that resonate deeply with listeners.
Beloved by many music fans, it remains a perfect track for a nighttime drive or a quiet late-night moment.
Moonlight DriveDoors
The Doors were a rock band fronted by the globally acclaimed charismatic vocalist Jim Morrison.
With signature songs like “Light My Fire” and “Hello, I Love You,” their total record sales exceed 100 million copies.
This song of theirs themed around the moon is “Moonlight Drive.” It’s included on their second album, STRANGE DAYS.
Although it didn’t become a major hit, it’s a memorable track among Doors fans, as it was the song that sparked the formation of the band.