[2025] 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.
- [Moon Songs Special] Famous songs about the moon. Songs you’ll want to listen to under a full moon or in the moonlight.
- [Night Songs] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP you’ll want to listen to at nighttime.
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
- Classic Western songs about the sea: recommended popular tracks
- Songs of the constellations: classic and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the night sky
[2025] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
Talking to the MoonBruno Mars
When it comes to Bruno Mars’s moon-themed songs, the famous one is Moonshine, known for its melody that evokes 80s disco music.
That track is, of course, wonderful, but if you want to enjoy a more mellow side of his music, I recommend Talking to the Moon.
It portrays the feelings of a man after a breakup, and its melody is R&B crafted in a style close to country and pop.
The lyrics are very heartrending, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well!
This is How We Walk on the MoonArthur Russell
A song by American musician Arthur Russell that depicts walking on the moon as a metaphor for life.
It is included on the album “Another Thought,” released in February 1993.
Characterized by soft synthesizer tones and abstract lyrics, it’s a track that highlights Russell’s delicate sensibility.
Incorporating elements of post-disco and the avant-garde, it reflects his unique musicality cultivated in the New York music scene.
As symbolized by the lyric “moving upward step by step,” it conveys the importance of small advances in life.
It’s a heartfelt piece you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night while gazing up at the moon.
To the MoonPhora
The song released in August 2017 by American rapper Phora is an emotionally rich work themed around love and vulnerability.
It portrays a woman who fears love due to past hurt and a man who wants to support her, expressing a desire for the two of them to go far together.
Released as the lead single from the album “Yours Truly Forever,” the track is a romantic, melodic R&B piece.
Phora’s emotive vocals and lyrics that dream of an escape with a loved one leave a strong impression, and this work—depicting the complexities of romance and the process of accepting new love—is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Shame on the MoonRodney Crowell
The songs of Rodney Crowell, a singer-songwriter who represents the American country music scene, are masterpieces that depict a heart swaying under the moonlight.
Released in 1981, this work poetically expresses self-reflection and inner conflict, resonating deeply with listeners.
Set to a blend of country and rock, the lyrics look back on past actions and carry a universal theme that anyone can relate to.
It was later covered by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, capturing the hearts of even more listeners.
Give it a listen on nights when you want to face yourself under the moonlight.
MoonlightXXXTentacion
Here’s an introduction to “MOONLIGHT,” which portrays moonlight from a fresh perspective.
The track was created by the rapper XXXTentacion.
Before achieving success as an artist, he led a tumultuous life, and this piece compares his past and present.
In it, his current shining success is likened to a spotlight, while the darker days he endured are compared to moonlight.
By the way, the song features a lot of slang, so if you’re curious, it’s worth looking them up.
Freezing MoonMayhem
Black metal that alternates between ferocious sound and slick, sludgy slow passages—one of the bands that defines that scene is Mayhem.
The song I want to introduce as a perfect encapsulation of their appeal is “Freezing Moon.” It crafts a dark atmosphere that depicts a moon encased in ice and surrounding darkness.
Give it a listen while paying attention to the ultra-slow vocals delivered with harsh growls and the deft guitar work.
It’s a bit eerie, but it’s addictively compelling.
[2025] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
What’s next to the moonAC/DC
“What’s Next to the Moon,” included on AC/DC’s 1978 album Powerage, is a song created by AC/DC’s lead guitarist Angus Young.
It’s said that when he put on a new set of strings and casually jammed to test the feel, the arrangement he came up with was so good that it was adopted for the track almost exactly as is.
Despite being a song themed around the moon, it features a bright—if not fiery—melody.