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 (91–100)
OceansPETIT BISCUIT
Petit Biscuit has been active as a rising star in the French pop scene since his high school days.
“Oceans” is a romantic track that makes you feel as if you’re gazing at a shimmering sea under a sky full of stars.
The song was originally released in 2015, but the version introduced here is the new one released in 2017.
Compared to the original, you can tell the sound design is more minimal and tight.
The dynamics are also more pronounced than in the original, which makes it all the more uplifting.
Ocean of Thought (feat. machinedrum)TPOLM
A sea-themed track released in 2016 on Ninja Tune, the cult label and hotbed of cutting-edge talent.
It’s a song by TPOLM, an alias of Travis Stewart that drew attention from underground music freaks.
With gentle distortion, melodies evoking the tropics, and skillful use of wave samples, it’s exquisite electronica that conjures the feel of summer.
ToesZac Brown Band
A tropical track created by Zac Brown together with bassist John Driskell Hopkins, Wyatt Durrette, and Shawn Mullins.
The song was inspired by a vacation in Key West, Florida, celebrating Durrette’s 30th birthday.
CHILDREN OF THE SEABlack Sabbath
A song with a mystical theme, said to be one of the most enigmatic lyrics in Black Sabbath’s catalog.
It was written by Ronnie James Dio, who became the new lead singer after Ozzy Osbourne’s departure.
It is included on the 1980 album Heaven and Hell.
CarusoLucio Dalla
Not only in Italy but around the world, the masterpiece “Caruso” has received extraordinarily high acclaim.
Composed in 1986 by Italian pop singer Lucio Dalla, the song tells the life story of the great tenor Enrico Caruso—hence the title “Caruso.” It portrays the romance of Caruso’s final years, depicting him, afflicted by illness, gazing out over the sea of Sorrento as he reflects on his life.
Both the melody and the lyrics are so accomplished that it’s no exaggeration to call them perfect.
For the record, I’ve listened to thousands of songs from more than 50 countries, and this is the one I find most sublime and magnificent.
Be sure to give it a listen!
Remember (Walking in the Sand)The Shangri- Las
This song, which sings about young love, became The Shangri-Las’ first national hit single.
Aerosmith covered the song in 1979 together with The Shangri-Las’ lead singer, Mary Weiss.
Louie LouieThe Kingsmen
A cover version of a song written in 1955 by R&B singer Richard Berry.
It was released in 1964.
It is the only song with Jack Ely on lead vocals.
It is also known for being performed in concerts by many bands from the Pacific Northwest of the United States.