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 (31–40)
Summer FeelingsLennon Stella feat. Charlie Puth
Here’s the perfect summer anthem echoing along a sun-drenched beachside.
This collaboration between Canada’s Lennon Stella and America’s Charlie Puth instantly transports listeners into a summer world with its crystal-clear melodies and comfortable rhythms.
Released in May 2020, the track garnered attention as the lead single from the official soundtrack of the animated film SCOOB!.
Its pop sound, skillfully infused with electro-funk elements, is ideal for relaxing by the seaside or enjoying a fun drive with friends.
It’s recommended as a BGM for making summer memories or for bringing a refreshing breeze into your everyday life.
Sail On, SailorThe Beach Boys
A positive message that says “No matter what you go through, you must not stop moving forward,” likened to a sailor in Sail On, Sailor.
It’s a hidden gem by The Beach Boys, and among their songs it carries a strong, serious rock element.
It’s included on the 1973 album Holland.
The lyrics center on a certain sailor as the protagonist, singing about how life at sea is anything but easy.
Living on unstable waves made him want to quit many times, yet he can’t.
The protagonist’s resolve—deciding, “All I can do now is keep moving forward”—is striking.
The instability of the waves is a metaphor for life.
It’s a song where the sea teaches you how to live.
The WaveR3HAB x Lia Marie Johnson
This is a track produced by R3hab, released in 2018 and featuring Lea Marie Johnson from Hawaii.
He originally specialized in hard-hitting EDM and was a pioneer of bounce, known for its up-and-down energy and roots in Melbourne, but he incorporated the 2018 trend of mid-tempo bass music.
The sound, which creates a big build-up and showcases the vocals and lead synth, is also widely used in dance-pop that charts on the US rankings.
OceanKultur
A sea-themed track released in 2018 by German producer Kultur, who has drawn attention from media like Hypetrak and Majestic Casual and earned support from young people worldwide.
Its sound, which seems ahead of the electronic music scene, has inspired not only listeners but many producers as well.
On The SeaBeach House
Beach House is the musical duo consisting of Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally.
When talking about songs of the sea, their “On the Sea” is essential.
This track portrays the ocean’s grandeur, strength, and gentleness.
It tenderly sings of how the sea belongs to no one, is equal to everyone, and is a friend to us humans.
It also seems perfect as background music for relaxing by the seaside, and is recommended for times when you feel lonely and want to be soothed.
Classic Western songs about the sea: Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Redondo BeachPatti Smith
A song Patti Smith wrote in the early 1970s after an argument with her sister Linda.
On stage, Patti would introduce it by saying, “Redondo Beach is a beach where women love other women,” before performing it.
Many people interpret it as a lament for a lesbian who died by suicide.
Octopus’s GardenThe Beatles
Octopus’s Garden, a Beatles track from the classic album Abbey Road.
The real charm of this song lies, above all, in the fact that Ringo Starr—the band’s drummer—wrote it and sings it, don’t you think? When it comes to “the sea” and the Beatles, Yellow Submarine also comes to mind, and that’s another very famous piece.
Its comical lyrics, inspired by an octopus living in the ocean, are especially striking! The pastoral, pleasantly soothing melody brings a sense of peace to the heart.
With playful sounds like fuzz guitar and bubbly deep-sea noises woven in, it’s a song you can enjoy almost like a children’s tune!