[2025] Classic Western songs about the moon: recommended popular tracks

MoonlightJuice WRLD

Juice WRLD “Moonlight” (Official Audio)

Juice WRLD, a rapper who left behind numerous classic tracks.

One of the songs included on his EP “JuiceWrld999” is “Moonlight.” It’s a track that portrays a man confessing his love to a woman under the moonlight.

Listening to the first half, the man gives off a wild impression, but you come to realize he simply wants to express his feelings honestly.

That contrast is a big part of the song’s appeal.

Another highlight is the variety of moon-related situations that appear throughout the lyrics.

Moon RiverAndy Williams

Moon River – Andy Williams

Here is the song that Audrey Hepburn performed in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, in which she starred.

Her whispery singing in the 1961 release is lovely, and I also highly recommend the video version by Andy Williams, which became a huge hit the following year, in 1962.

With lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Henry Mancini—two towering masters—the song was crafted to suit Audrey, simple yet evocative, with a cinematic sense of drama.

The Killing MoonEcho & the Bunnymen

Echo & The Bunnymen – The Killing Moon (Official Music Video)

Have you found yourself curious after listening to CHVRCHES’ The Killing Moon, released exclusively on Amazon in August 2021 by the hugely popular electropop group from Scotland? The track is actually a cover of a classic song released in 1984 by the British post-punk/neo-psychedelic band Echo & the Bunnymen.

It’s also included on the album Ocean Rain, released the same year, and together with the song itself, it’s regarded as one of Echo & the Bunnymen’s signature works.

The original is quintessentially neo-psychedelic, featuring a softly floating soundscape and a beautiful melody that is introspective and melancholic—qualities that have earned it many devoted fans, including the aforementioned CHVRCHES.

According to vocalist Ian McCulloch, who handled the songwriting, the chord progression is based on David Bowie’s classic Space Oddity, but reversed.

The lyrics, sprinkled with imagery of fate and celestial bodies, employ many abstract expressions and invite multiple interpretations, so be sure to check a Japanese translation as you listen.

Moon at the windowJoni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell – Moon At The Window – Live on KCRW 1994

Joni Mitchell, who has released many moving lyrics and songs as a singer-songwriter, has created numerous works that touch the heart.

This track, included on an album released in the 1980s, stands out for its relaxed guitar and Joni’s conversational singing voice.

The Moon and the SkySade

Sade – The Moon and the Sky (Live 2011)

Let me introduce a heartbreak song about the moon, “The Moon and the Sky.” It’s a track by the British band Sade, included as the first song on the album Soldier of Love.

The lyrics express sorrow from a woman’s perspective after a man breaks his promise.

Listen for the beautiful metaphor that likens the woman to the night sky and the man to the moon.

Though the theme is bittersweet, the song’s beauty stands out even more.

Mr. MoonJamiroquai

Jamiroquai – Mr. Moon

Jamiroquai, an acid jazz artist who is hugely popular in Japan as well, scored a massive hit worldwide with Virtual Insanity, which also became a big success in Japan.

Their moon-themed song Mr.

Moon is a great example.

As the title suggests, it’s a track centered around the moon, and the melody has that instantly recognizable Jamiroquai character.

It’s a masterpiece that highlights their sophisticated voicing techniques.

Be sure to check it out!

MoondanceVan Morrison

Van Morrison – Moondance

A romantic song sung by Van Morrison.

This track, titled Moondance—also the name of the album released in 1970—is also known for being covered later by Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Bublé in 2003.