Throughout all of history, the sky has played a pivotal role in our experience of the world. From gazing up at the night sky with amazement at the stars to anxiously watching storm clouds roll in, the sky can be a powerful emotional metaphor.
Musicians throughout the decades have latched onto this symbolism as a lyrical hook to great effect. In this list, we look at the best songs about the sky from a diverse range of artists and genres. Enjoy!
“Midnight Sky” by Miley Cyrus
Album: Plastic Hearts
Genre: Disco / Pop / Electropop
Released: 2020
Miley Cyrus continues to evolve and develop over the span of her career. This song from her seventh studio album is a perfect example of her exploring and expanding on her musical style and is a fantastic song with sky in the lyrics.
It’s upbeat and full of disco and synthpop vibes that blazes through with an energetic edge. It’s also an excellent example of her unique voice that effortlessly combines pop and rock sensibilities. It also reached double platinum in the United States and the U.K.
Similar Playlist: Winter Playlist
“To the Sky” by Owl City
Album: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
Genre: Pop
Released: 2010
The American electronic music project Owl City has a particular knack for creating catchy and uplifting tunes. This song is no exception, with a powerful and fun message of chasing your dreams by using flying through the sky as a metaphor for achieving your goals.
The song was from the 2010 film Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, based on the popular book series by Kathryn Lasky. If you want some inspiring music in your life, this bubbly Pop song is the perfect choice.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Sunset In The Lyrics
“Light Up The Sky” by The Afters
Album: Light Up the Sky
Genre: Pop Rock
Released: 2010
Speaking of inspirational and uplifting songs, this Pop Rock hit from American band The Afters is another perfect song to bring your spirits up. While it might be a Christian Pop song, it still offers a neutral enough message that anyone can enjoy.
The song was a hit on the US Christian Music charts and was also featured on an episode of the MTV show The Hills. The album was also successful and peaked at number 10 on the Christian Albums charts solidifying their place as one of the most popular Christian Pop Rock bands in the U.S.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Stars In The Sky
“The Sky Is Crying” by Gary B.B. Coleman
Album: Too Much Weekend
Genre: Blues
Released: 1992
After a couple of uplifting jams, let’s bring the energy down a bit with this ultra-smooth Blues classic. This song was initially released in 1959, but I’ve chosen to showcase this fantastic rendition by Gary B.B. Coleman.
The song oozes soul and character. It also proved popular and led to the original achieving recognition as a Blues Standards, a distinction reserved for only the most widely performed and recorded songs. A well-deserved accolade.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Clouds In The Lyrics
“The Sky Is A Neighborhood” by Foo Fighters
Album: Concrete and Gold
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2017
Are you feeling nice and calm after that previous song? Strap yourself in because it’s time to ramp things back up again with this punchy alternative rock song from the legendary American rock band Foo Fighters.
The song manages to weave some subtle lyrics that reference the political divide in the U.S. as well as the fate of our planet. The song was a hit with fans and climbed to the number 1 position on the U.S. Rock Airplay chart.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Spring In The Title
“Sky’s the Limit” by The Notorious B.I.G.
Album: Life After Death
Genre: East Coast Hip Hop
Released: 1997
Next on our list of the best songs about the sky is this chilled-out release from The Notorious B.I.G. Silky smooth hip-hop delivery blends with a soul-infused chorus that never outstays its welcome.
The song peaked at number 26 on the U.S. Billboard charts and sold half a million copies. It also went as high as number 11 in Canada. The Notorious B.I.G. has an extensive list of great songs, but there is something uniquely smooth and refined about this one. I could listen to this on repeat for hours.
“Dancing In The Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
Album: Work of Heart
Genre: Pop
Released: 2016
I love a great unlikely success story. Dani & Lizzy are a Canadian duo that shot to prominence thanks to a touching rendition of this song they posted on YouTube. From there, they picked up a recording deal, and the rest is history.
The song covers the difficult topic of dealing with the loss of loved ones, but it doesn’t dwell on sadness and instead is a powerful message of hope and celebration. Outstanding vocal performance and a captivating composition that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
“Till The Sky Falls Down” by Dash Berlin
Album: The New Daylight
Genre: Dance / Electronic
Released: 2009
Next on this list is a personal favorite hit from Dutch electronic music duo Dash Berlin. This song catapulted the duo to success in 2007 and is now regarded as a vocal trance anthem, ranking at number 24 on the Trance Top 1000.
It’s a perfect blend of emotionally charged lyrics and uplifting beats that utilizes a simultaneously somber and uplifting hook. Layer some delectable piano and a sweeping build, and it’s no wonder it became a club anthem.
“Look At The Sky” by Porter Robinson
Album: Nurture
Genre: Synthpop
Released: 2021
Let’s stay on the electronic music theme with this synthpop release from American music producer Porter Robinson. It’s the fourth single from his second album and utilizes the sky perfectly as a central narrative theme.
It’s a joyful song that tackles how it feels to be feeling a little blue but finding that moment within yourself to look up and believe you can overcome that feeling. It’s uplifting and wonderfully composed. A banger from an artist that seems to keep getting better and better with each release.
“Cranes In The Sky” by Solange
Album: A Seat at the Table
Genre: R&B / Soul
Released: 2016
The final song on our list of the best songs about the sky is this soulful single from the ultra-talented Solange, who, despite having Beyoncé as her sister, has forged her own stellar music career.
This soul ballad is an illustration of her songwriting skills and also a testament to her fantastic voice. It sold half a million copies in the United States and was the lead single from her third album. A soulful and captivating masterpiece that also won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance.
8 Bonus Songs About The Sky
“Keep Your Head to the Sky” by Earth Wind & Fire
“Sky” by Playboi Carti
“A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
“It Came Out of the Sky” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Lucy in the Sky” with Diamonds by The Beatles
“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
“Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder
“Sky Full Of Song” by Florence + The Machine
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
