[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 (41–50)
What a Little Moonlight Can DoBillie Holiday
A jazz classic that sings of a moon’s magical power.
Recorded by America’s legendary singer Billie Holiday in July 1935, this piece is regarded as a signature work from the early part of her career.
Set to a lively tempo and bright melody, the lyrics vividly capture the thrill of falling in love under the moonlight.
Holiday’s characteristically expressive vocals further enhance the moon’s allure.
Covered by many artists, it remains beloved today as a jazz standard.
A perfect recommendation for a romantic night.
[2025] Classic Western songs about the moon: Recommended popular tracks (51–60)
moonBjörk
Björk, an artist from Iceland, is so acclaimed that she has been nominated for the Grammy Awards 14 times, and she enjoys great popularity as a representative artist of Iceland.
She has also influenced Japanese artists; the singer UA has openly said she was strongly inspired by her.
One of Björk’s masterpieces, Moon, is a work themed around the moon.
It is an exquisitely crafted song in which the harp cycles are altered at intervals that correspond to the lunar phases.
MoonlightGrace VanderWaal
Let me introduce “Moonlight,” a song filled with a gentle message.
It’s a track sung by singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal.
In the song, she tells a girl dancing under the moonlight that it’s okay to be her true self.
The moonlight can also be read as a metaphor for the spotlight or being in the public eye.
In any case, it feels like listening will put you at ease.
By the way, one of the music videos for this song was filmed in Tokyo.
You can enjoy the beautiful cityscape and the moonlight, so be sure to check it out.
Goodnight MoonShivaree
Introducing a song that many of you might relate to: “Goodnight Moon.” It’s a track released by the country band Shivaree.
Set to a smooth, jazz-like sound, it paints a picture of a sleepless night.
The song’s protagonist seems tormented by loneliness and anxiety; in the first half, we hear how surrounding the bed with various things still doesn’t bring any comfort.
In the second half, it portrays how they can’t help but imagine all sorts of terrifying things lurking nearby.
Culver MoonJackson Browne
This song by Jackson Browne, created with deep affection for Culver City, appears on his album “Looking East,” released in January 1996.
Browne, an American artist, gently sings of the charm of a small town nestled in a corner of Los Angeles, illuminated by the moonlight.
The bonds of the community and the cityscape are beautifully conveyed through his warm vocals and melodic arrangement, stirring a sense of nostalgia in listeners.
It’s a track you’ll want to play during a quiet moment spent with someone special, gazing up at the night sky.
Pink MoonNick Drake
Nick Drake, a singer-songwriter who died suddenly at the young age of 26 and could be called the Van Gogh of the music world.
His lyrics are written in very abstract terms, and there have been various speculations about the meaning of this song.
Let me share one interpretation.
It is said that “Pink Moon” may signify death.
Perhaps the reddish moon looked to Nick as if it were stained with blood.
It is also known as a moon seen in April and, in the spiritual realm, is said to represent a “new birth.” He may have been contemplating a “death for the sake of being reborn.” After the album that includes this song, Nick passed away.
Though his works were little known during his lifetime, they came to be recognized worldwide after his death.
Shoot the MoonNorah Jones
Nora Jones is a singer-songwriter with a healing voice.
Her soft, jazz-tinged songs, sung in a wistful, husky tone, are something only she can express.
One of her classic songs about the moon is “Shoot the Moon.” It’s a song about a love that didn’t come true.
The title phrase “shoot the moon” is an idiom meaning to aim impossibly high.
It’s a track that lingers on the loneliness of a love that reached too high and fell short.
The song is included on her debut album, Come Away With Me, released in 2002.