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 (71–80)
Come Sail AwayStyx
The sea has many different faces—sometimes calm, sometimes rough, right? “Styx” likens the sea to the journey of making dreams come true.
It’s a song by the rock band Styx.
The intro, composed of piano and synthesizer, carries a somewhat lonely mood.
Pay attention to how it gradually builds in intensity from there.
By the way, the single and album versions have different melodies, so it’s fun to compare them.
SeasideThe Kooks
Many of you have probably been on a date to the seaside.
That’s where “Seaside” comes in.
It’s a track by the British rock band The Kooks, included on their album Inside In/Inside Out.
The song portrays a man’s nervousness as he invites someone to the sea, along with the honest feelings beneath it.
The gentle guitar tones add a touch of loneliness and languor.
Give it a listen while recalling your own experiences or the sweltering heat of summer.
Bones in the OceanThe Longest Johns
Known as a sea shanty steeped in melancholy, this piece is both the first EP and the signature work of The Longest Johns.
Released in May 2013, its lyrics are striking for mirroring sailors’ inner struggles and sense of loss with the stillness of the deep sea.
The ocean is portrayed as the eternal resting place for fallen comrades, becoming a symbol of the boundary between the living and the dead.
The Longest Johns are known for giving traditional sea songs a modern twist, and this track exemplifies that hallmark.
Singing of the bones that sleep on the quiet seabed, this song is best enjoyed alone on a calm night.
Classic Western songs about the sea: Recommended popular tracks (81–90)
OceansColdplay
A sad, dazzling acoustic ballad about lost love.
It’s a track from their sixth album, Ghost Stories, released in 2013.
The album explores the impact of love on both the past and the future, and it drew attention for coinciding with the breakdown of lead singer Chris Martin’s relationship with his wife, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Beach BabyFirst Class
A song written by John Carter and his wife and collaborator, Gillian Shakespeare.
This track, the band’s only substantial hit, was released in 1974.
After success in the UK and the US, it also became a hit in Canada, reaching No.
1 on the charts.
Sea CruiseFrankie Ford
A cover version of a song written by popular New Orleans pianist Huey “Piano” Smith.
Some of the lyrics were rewritten by Frankie Ford.
It was released in 1959 and became a hit.
UnderwaterKidswaste
This is a track released in 2015 by Kidswaste, a promising young producer from France.
Known for his electronica, his track-making brims with a unique worldview that has been drawing attention.
The soft guitar tones and tuned vocal samples evoke a summery feel.
As the title suggests, the atmosphere makes you feel as if you’re underwater, which is lovely.