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!
- [2025] Iconic songs and love songs themed around or set by the sea and sandy beaches — sea songs
- [2025] Classic Western songs about the moon: recommended popular tracks
- Song of the Wind: Masterpieces themed around wind. Popular songs [2025]
- Songs of the constellations: classic and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the night sky
- Classic Japanese songs about Earth: songs that include the word “Earth” in their lyrics
- [Sunflower Songs] A selection of classic and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer
Classic Western songs about the sea. Recommended popular tracks (91–100)
Sittin’ On the Dock of the BayOtis Redding
Mr.
Redding died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, one month before the song was released on January 8, 1968.
It was three days after he recorded the track.
This became his biggest hit and the first posthumous No.
1 hit in the United States.
The song was also very popular among U.
S.
soldiers during the Vietnam War.
OceansSeafret
Many songs have been created that compare the sea to something else.
Among them, the one I’d like to introduce for its particularly romantic use of metaphor is “Oceans.” It’s a track released by the UK music duo Seafret.
The song portrays the emotional distance from an unrequited love as an ocean, and also sings of feelings that cannot be brought to the surface as if they lie beneath the water.
Coupled with the gentle vocals, it’s a song that will leave your chest aching when you listen.
Torna a SurrientoLuciano Pavarotti
A representative song of the canzone, “Torna a Surriento.” When you think of canzone, you imagine pieces composed long ago that are still being sung today, right? And indeed, many canzoni were written hundreds of years ago, just as that image suggests.
But this song is different.
Surprisingly, it was composed in 1902 for Giuseppe Zanardelli, the prime minister at the time, when he visited Sorrento—the very setting of the piece.
It’s relatively new, isn’t it? The lyrics depict a love story themed around the sea of Sorrento.
This time, I’ve chosen Luciano Pavarotti’s version!
Under The BoardwalkThe Drifters
A song written by Arthur Resnick and Kenny Young.
On the morning of May 20, 1964, when the recording session was scheduled, lead vocalist Rudy Lewis passed away, so the session was rescheduled for the following day and Johnny Moore was brought in as the vocalist.
The song has been covered by many artists, including the Rolling Stones and the Jackson 5.
ToesZac Brown Band
A tropical track created by Zac Brown together with bassist John Driskell Hopkins, Wyatt Durrette, and Shawn Mullins.
The song was inspired by a vacation in Key West, Florida, celebrating Durrette’s 30th birthday.
Remember (Walking in the Sand)The Shangri- Las
This song, which sings about young love, became The Shangri-Las’ first national hit single.
Aerosmith covered the song in 1979 together with The Shangri-Las’ lead singer, Mary Weiss.
Louie LouieThe Kingsmen
A cover version of a song written in 1955 by R&B singer Richard Berry.
It was released in 1964.
It is the only song with Jack Ely on lead vocals.
It is also known for being performed in concerts by many bands from the Pacific Northwest of the United States.