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 (21–30)
SUMMER PARADISE feat. Taka from ONE OK ROCKSimple Plan
An open, summery pop-punk number set against a seaside backdrop has come to life through a collaboration between Canada’s Simple Plan and Taka from Japan’s ONE OK ROCK.
Released first in Japan in March 2013 as a special version of a track from the 2011 album “Get Your Heart On!,” the song charms with a breezy sound that weaves in elements of reggae and ska punk.
Inspired by vocalist Pierre Bouvier’s love of surfing, the track centers on themes of relaxed moments by the ocean and summertime memories—making it a perfect fit for summer drives, beach trips, and festivals.
Edge of the OceanStick Figure
Stick Figure, a reggae-dub band from the United States, was formed in 2005 by Scott Woodruff.
With a DIY spirit and an inventive sound, they have secured a solid place in today’s reggae scene.
The ballad featured on their 2022 album “Wisdom” carries themes of fresh starts and hope, marked by a gentle rhythm, soothing melodies, and lyrics that symbolize new beginnings.
The music video, filmed in April 2023 on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, visually conveys the song’s theme of harmony with nature through stunning views of the Nā Pali Coast.
Fusing reggae, dub, and electronica in a distinctly Stick Figure style, this track is perfect for relaxing by the ocean or for anyone embarking on a new chapter in life.
The OceanLed Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin, a rock band that represents the UK.
They were a band that enjoyed immense support in the 1970s and have influenced many rock bands.
Their song “The Ocean” is famous as a piece themed around the sea, released in 1973 and achieving international success.
Though abstract, the lyrics are highly energetic, singing out to the ocean and reveling in its joy.
The melody is exhilarating as well, making it a must-listen for rock fans!
Only the OceanJack Johnson
Jack Johnson, known for his relaxed, laid-back style, is also popular in Japan.
In “Only the Ocean,” the vibe is chill yet tinged with a bit of blue.
The lyrics are beautifully crafted, as if personifying the ocean.
It’s seaside music overflowing with organic vibrations: soft guitar tones that melt into natural landscapes of sea, mountains, earth, and sky, and a gentle, natural melody like a hummed tune.
It’s a song you’ll want to escape the cluttered city for and listen to slowly in the relaxed countryside.
Blue Ocean FloorJustin Timberlake
Blue Ocean Floor features uniquely floating lyrics and sound that feel like drifting in the sea.
It’s included on American singer Justin Timberlake’s third album, The 20/20 Experience, released in 2013.
The album was a hit not only in the U.
S.
and the U.
K.
but also in Japan.
It’s the perfect track when you want to sink into a calm mood, as if you were in the dark ocean.
Behind the SeaPanic! At The Disco
Emerging during the emo boom of the 2000s and now continuing as Brendon Urie’s solo project, Panic! At The Disco released this track on their 2008 album Pretty.
Odd.
Unusually, instead of the usual vocalist, guitarist Ryan Ross takes the lead vocals on this song.
Blending a folk-pop sound with a psychedelic atmosphere, it shows strong influences from The Beatles and The Beach Boys, and features abstract, ocean-themed lyrics that leave a lasting impression.
Portraying the sea as a symbol of creativity, its poetic expression makes it a deeply resonant ballad—perfect for quietly listening by the seaside at dusk.
augustTaylor Swift
This is a gem of a ballad by Taylor Swift, the world-renowned American singer-songwriter, depicting a bittersweet love in August that signals the end of summer.
Included on the album Folklore, the song was crafted as part of a fictional love triangle, delicately voicing the feelings of a young woman who surrenders herself to a summer romance only to be abandoned in the end.
Its sound blends dream pop and soft rock, layered with reverb-drenched, ethereal tones that evoke the sensation of summer memories washing over like waves.
Released in July 2020, the track reached No.
23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It’s a song you’ll want to play as summer fades, perfect for those who wish to linger in memories of love.