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Classic Western songs about the sea: recommended popular tracks

The sea, so beloved that it’s often called the “mother ocean,” can at times be terrifying as well—it’s a vast presence in our lives.

From the cheerful image of summer vacations to the fierce waves that evoke the harshness of winter, the sea has long been a source of inspiration and a theme for many artists.

In this article, we’ve picked out famous hits, popular tracks, and hidden gems in Western music that center on the theme of the sea!

You’ll find not only songs that sing directly about the ocean, but also tracks about passionate seaside romances and songs that use the sea as a metaphor—we’ve researched from a wide range of angles, so you just might discover an unexpected classic.

Enjoy!

Classic Western songs about the sea: Recommended popular tracks (71–80)

Walk On The OceanToad The Wet Sprocket

Toad The Wet Sprocket – Walk On The Ocean
Walk On The OceanToad The Wet Sprocket

A song composed by the band’s guitarist, Todd Nichols.

With a songwriting style reminiscent of Nirvana, the crafted lyrics’ “sea” is said to be a metaphor for heaven.

Released in 1992, the track was also used in the film Jobs.

Oceans AwayARIZONA

A R I Z O N A – Oceans Away [Official Video]
Oceans AwayARIZONA

This song stands out for its dreamy sound and bittersweet melody.

The lyrics, which overlay the heartache of a long-distance relationship with the feelings of lovers separated by the sea, really resonate.

Through the phrase “beyond the open sea,” it skillfully conveys both the physical and emotional distance from a loved one.

It’s included on A R I Z O N A’s debut album, Gallery, released in May 2017, and is known as one of the band’s signature tracks.

Listening to it at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn can leave you feeling a little wistful.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re thinking of someone far away or longing to reunite with someone special.

OceansColdplay

A sad, dazzling acoustic ballad about lost love.

It’s a track from their sixth album, Ghost Stories, released in 2013.

The album explores the impact of love on both the past and the future, and it drew attention for coinciding with the breakdown of lead singer Chris Martin’s relationship with his wife, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Oceans AwayElton John

Oceans Away by Elton John, a legendary British singer-songwriter, is a song about a man reflecting on the soldiers he once fought alongside who now sleep across the sea.

It appears on the 2013 album The Diving Board and was produced by Grammy-winning T Bone Burnett.

The song’s lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime lyricist since his debut, inspired by thoughts of his own father’s past.

Bernie’s father fought as a soldier in World War II.

The lyrics portray a man remembering his former comrades who fought far from home, lost their lives, and now rest in the lands where they fell.

It is a requiem that honors dear friends who found eternal rest beyond the ocean.

Beach BabyFirst Class

First Class – Beach Baby (1974) HQ 0815007
Beach BabyFirst Class

A song written by John Carter and his wife and collaborator, Gillian Shakespeare.

This track, the band’s only substantial hit, was released in 1974.

After success in the UK and the US, it also became a hit in Canada, reaching No.

1 on the charts.

UnderwaterKidswaste

This is a track released in 2015 by Kidswaste, a promising young producer from France.

Known for his electronica, his track-making brims with a unique worldview that has been drawing attention.

The soft guitar tones and tuned vocal samples evoke a summery feel.

As the title suggests, the atmosphere makes you feel as if you’re underwater, which is lovely.

OceanMartin Garrix feat. Khalid

Martin Garrix feat. Khalid – Ocean (Official Video)
OceanMartin Garrix feat. Khalid

Ocean, a song that sings of “absolute love.” It’s a dream collaboration between Dutch DJ Martin Garrix and Khalid, the charismatic singer who’s a mainstay in the EDM world! The track unfolds around Khalid’s rich, resonant vocals.

With a calm, steady beat, mood-setting guitar, and strings, the production pursues a flowing beauty rather than a big “hype” moment.

Its romantic message—“Even if a vast ocean separates our love, we won’t be torn apart”—is delivered in a sweet vocal, making it a perfect recommendation for couples in long-distance relationships across countries.