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!
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Classic Western songs about the sea: Recommended popular tracks (71–80)
Under The BoardwalkThe Drifters
A song written by Arthur Resnick and Kenny Young.
On the morning of May 20, 1964, when the recording session was scheduled, lead vocalist Rudy Lewis passed away, so the session was rescheduled for the following day and Johnny Moore was brought in as the vocalist.
The song has been covered by many artists, including the Rolling Stones and the Jackson 5.
The SeaMorcheeba
The British singer Morcheeba.
Since her debut in 1995, she has been a legendary presence leading the soul music scene.
Her song “The Sea” is, as the title suggests, themed around the ocean.
It meticulously depicts coastal scenes—flocks of seagulls, a cold wind—and shapes them into a piece that evokes a sense of emptiness in the heart.
Close your eyes and listen carefully, and let your imagination wander over the landscapes Morcheeba is singing about.
Sittin’ On the Dock of the BayOtis Redding
Mr.
Redding died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, one month before the song was released on January 8, 1968.
It was three days after he recorded the track.
This became his biggest hit and the first posthumous No.
1 hit in the United States.
The song was also very popular among U.S.
soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Classic Western songs about the sea: Recommended popular tracks (81–90)
A Drop In The OceanRon Pope
It’s a heart-stirring masterpiece where sorrow and hope intertwine.
Using the sea symbolically, it expresses the transience of love.
The metaphor of “a drop in the ocean” represents the smallness of a relationship within a vast world, leaving a poignant aftertaste.
Released in July 2008, this song greatly propelled Ron Pope’s career.
It appears on the albums Daylight and Whatever It Takes, and has been featured in TV dramas such as The Vampire Diaries.
It’s a song that empathizes with those who sense the end of a relationship yet can’t let go of hope.
Perfect for when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.
Come Sail AwayStyx
The sea has many different faces—sometimes calm, sometimes rough, right? “Styx” likens the sea to the journey of making dreams come true.
It’s a song by the rock band Styx.
The intro, composed of piano and synthesizer, carries a somewhat lonely mood.
Pay attention to how it gradually builds in intensity from there.
By the way, the single and album versions have different melodies, so it’s fun to compare them.
SeasideThe Kooks
Many of you have probably been on a date to the seaside.
That’s where “Seaside” comes in.
It’s a track by the British rock band The Kooks, included on their album Inside In/Inside Out.
The song portrays a man’s nervousness as he invites someone to the sea, along with the honest feelings beneath it.
The gentle guitar tones add a touch of loneliness and languor.
Give it a listen while recalling your own experiences or the sweltering heat of summer.
Bones in the OceanThe Longest Johns
Known as a sea shanty steeped in melancholy, this piece is both the first EP and the signature work of The Longest Johns.
Released in May 2013, its lyrics are striking for mirroring sailors’ inner struggles and sense of loss with the stillness of the deep sea.
The ocean is portrayed as the eternal resting place for fallen comrades, becoming a symbol of the boundary between the living and the dead.
The Longest Johns are known for giving traditional sea songs a modern twist, and this track exemplifies that hallmark.
Singing of the bones that sleep on the quiet seabed, this song is best enjoyed alone on a calm night.