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 (61–70)
How Deep Is the OceanEric Clapton
Eric Clapton, a singer-songwriter whose exceptional guitar technique has earned him international popularity, is also beloved across generations in Japan.
While his name is widely known, many people might find it hard to recall songs of his that have the sea as their theme.
For those listeners, I recommend How Deep Is the Ocean.
It’s a famous jazz standard that has been covered by many artists, and Clapton’s rendition has a wonderfully mature, soulful vibe—so I’ve chosen to highlight it here!
OceansPearl Jam
It’s a love song written by frontman Eddie Vedder with surfing as its theme, inspired by his relationship with his then-wife Beth Liebling.
Bassist Jeff Ament has said it’s his favorite track from their album Ten.
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.
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.
Oceans AwayARIZONA
This song stands out for its dreamy sound and bittersweet melody.
The lyrics, which overlay the heartache of a long-distance relationship with the feelings of lovers separated by the sea, really resonate.
Through the phrase “beyond the open sea,” it skillfully conveys both the physical and emotional distance from a loved one.
It’s included on A R I Z O N A’s debut album, Gallery, released in May 2017, and is known as one of the band’s signature tracks.
Listening to it at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn can leave you feeling a little wistful.
It’s the perfect song for when you’re thinking of someone far away or longing to reunite with someone special.
Lightning By The SeaBeshken
Lightning By The Sea sings of a unique sensibility toward the ocean with a minimal sound reminiscent of Radiohead.
It’s a track released in 2017 by New York–based artist Beshken, included on the album for time is the longest distance between two people.
Having originally worked as a jazz guitarist and DJed at clubs in Los Angeles, Beshken has crossed a variety of genres.
It’s precisely that background that enables him to blend different styles—like electronics and indie rock—to create a fresh sound, as he does on this track.
PacificElectric Mantis
“Pacific” is a track released in 2015 by Portland-based producer Electric Mantis.
True to an EDM producer’s touch, intricate sounds like snaps and vocal chops dart around like refracted light.
The slightly wobbly synth tones make you feel as if you’re underwater.
It’s a song that lets you savor a pleasant kind of chaos—EDM crafted with a distinctive sonic character.
If that piques your interest, give it a listen.