Like other elements of nature, water is a powerful metaphorical tool musicians use to express various emotions and events. It can symbolize cleansing and rejuvenation but also more somber topics like depression and anxiety.
This list looks at a range of songs that use water in the title and lyrics. It features incredible songs from mega-talented singers and songwriters from across the world and spans multiple decades and various genres.
“Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne
Album: Head Above Water
Genre: Pop Rock
Released: 2018
After a difficult battle with Lyme disease, Avril Lavigne returned with her sixth studio album bearing the same title as this song. It’s a powerful pop-rock ballad with a perfectly executed combination of piano, strings, drums, and synths.
With uplifting and inspiring lyrics, this song sold one million copies in the United States and peaked at number 64 on the charts. It helped drive sales of the album, which reached number 13 on the album charts in the United States and cracked the top 10 in the UK.
Similar Playlist: Songs About The Ocean
“Cold Water” by Major Lazer ft. Justin Bieber and MØ
Album: Major Lazer Essentials
Genre: Electropop
Released: 2016
Electronic dance music DJ trio Major Lazer in tandem with megastar Justin Bieber and Danish singer MØ released this smash hit in 2016. It went on to hit quadruple platinum in the United States and nearly reached the number 1 position on the charts.
Despite its references to cold water, it is a breezy summer-infused song that never lets its electronic elements run rampant in your head. It was also a hit worldwide and topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Italy, the UK, and many more.
Similar Playlist: River Songs
“Waterfalls” by TLC
Album: CrazySexyCool
Genre: R&B
Released: 1995
R&B legends TLC are perhaps best known for this smooth and groovy song from their second album. It was an epic success, scoring the group four MTV Video Music Awards and hitting number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Despite its soulful vibe, it tackles some difficult subjects and reflects some of the hot topics of the mid-90s. It also famously shares the same opening line from the Paul McCartney song Waterfalls, released in 1980, but that is where the similarities end.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Mountain In The Lyrics
“Water Water” by Empress Of
Album: Me
Genre: Synth-Pop
Released: 2015
Next on our list is this song with water in the title. It’s a genre-bending masterpiece from the Honduran-American singer, songwriter, record producer, and musician. It also established her as a rising star.
While it was released as a single, it didn’t manage to crack the charts but has since clocked up over one million views on YouTube. If you like experimental electronic music, this trippy song is a must-listen.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Forests
“Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” by Coldplay
Album: Mylo Xyloto
Genre: Arena Rock
Released: 2011
Let’s switch gears from emerging talent to a superstar British rock group. Coldplay is no stranger to commercial success. This anthemic release from their fifth studio album joins their ever-growing list of worldwide hits.
It peaked at number six on the UK charts and went as high as number fourteen on the US Billboard Hot 100. It’s an infectious, sweeping rock tune that oozes joy and a sense of celebration. Pure fun from an ultra-talented group.
Similar Playlist: Island Songs
“Water Under the Bridge” by Adele
Album: 25
Genre: Pop / Soul
Released: 2016
Speaking of English megastars, Adele is a household name globally thanks to a string of spectacular albums and an unmistakable voice. This song from her third studio album stands out as a fantastic song with water in the lyrics.
Weaving a tale of forgiveness and putting everything you have into making a relationship successful. I was a successful release reaching the top 10 in several countries and peaking at number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Similar Playlist: Desert Songs
“Water Runs Dry” by Boyz II Men
Album: II
Genre: R&B
Released: 1995
Boyz II Men were at the height of their popularity in 1995 when this single was released from their second studio album. With several hits under their belt, there was no stopping this super smooth R&B group.
The single was a commercial success and reached the number 2 position on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Worldwide, it reached number 4 in Canada and the top 40 in Australia and the UK. Another wonderfully soulful release from one of the greatest R&B groups of all time.
“Rushing Water” by Sting
Album: The Bridge
Genre: Pop Rock
Released: 2021
Sting, as part of the band The Police, is one of the world’s best-selling music artists. But his solo career is also legendary, with over a dozen albums spanning from the 80s to today.
This song from his The Bridge album shows that he still has what it takes as a singer-songwriter. If anything, the passage of time has helped to further sculpt and define his abilities and add nuance and depth to his fantastic voice.
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
Album: Machine Head
Genre: Hard Rock
Released: 1973
From the moment this song begins, you’ll be faced with one of the most incredible guitar riffs of all time. Wonderfully grinding its way to the forefront before the drums kick in to take it to a new level.
Add to the epic hard rock vibe are the intriguing lyrics documenting a real-life story from when the band recorded their sixth album Machine Head in Switzerland. The song was popular in the United States and sold one million copies.
“Underwater” by MIKA
Album: The Origin Of Love
Genre: Pop
Released: 2012
MIKA exploded onto the music scene in 2007 and was named one of the predicted breakthrough artists based on a BBC poll. The hype was warranted as he went on to release a string of fantastic singles.
This awesome song was a part of his third album and went on to perform well in Belgium, Italy, and France. Featuring a wonderfully entrancing and captivating music video, it has become a sleeper hit for the talented artist.
“Down By the Water” by PJ Harvey
Album: To Bring You My Love
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 1995
PJ Harvey is another supremely talented singer-songwriter and musician from England with a career spanning multiple decades. This song departed from her usual style, but its uniqueness won her ample praise from critics and fans.
It was the lead single from her third album and helped her break into the US market. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks, and the music video was a staple on MTV. A fantastic song from a unique and creative musician.
“Walk On Water” by Eminem
Album: Revival
Genre: Hip Hop
Released: 2017
Eminem is one of the greatest rappers of all time who emerged from the rap and hip-hop explosion of the 90s. His talent as a hip-hop artist is undeniable, but he is also one of the most controversial hip-hop artists, with several feuds and multiple legal battles.
This song from his ninth studio album was the lead single and featured Beyoncé. It was a commercial success reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, and it broke into the top ten in Australia, Ireland, Scotland, and the UK.
“Down to the Waterline” by Dire Straits
Album: Dire Straits
Genre: Rock
Released: 1978
Dire Straits managed to secure a record deal thanks to this song which was part of their demo tape. Some music critics hail it as their best song, but most people will likely be more familiar with their other hit, Sultans of Swing.
Their debut album that featured this song was a huge success and cemented them as one of the best new rock groups to emerge in the late 70s. It has since gone on to sell over 2 million copies in the United States and is a staple of rock radio stations.
“Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood
Album: Greatest Hits: Decade #1
Genre: Country
Released: 2014
Jumping forward to a more recent release, this song from Carrie Underwood was a smash hit that earned her a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance. It is no surprise considering the powerful vocal performance in the song.
The song went on to sell over one million copies and reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its theme of baptism also made it a massive hit among Christians and secured the top spot in the Christian music charts for 26 weeks.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
Album: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Genre: Pop Rock / Folk Rock
Released: 1970
Bridge Over Troubled Water is another award-winning song with water in the title. It picked up five awards at the 1971 Grammy Awards and was the second single from the album of the same name. The album also went on to win a Grammy Award that year.
It was a massive hit for the pair, reaching the number one position in the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand. It also reached the top 10 in several other countries. With sales exceeding one million in the US alone, it has become one of the defining songs of their illustrious career.
“Black Water” by Of Monsters and Men
Album: Beneath The Skin
Genre: Alternative / Indie
Released: 2015
Icelandic indie folk band Of Monsters and Men knows how to evoke powerful imagery with their songs, and this haunting song is a perfect representation. It comes from their second studio album that reached number 3 on the US Billboard 200 Album Chart.
The song’s lyrics utilize water as a metaphor for dealing with the difficulties of depression and loneliness and how it can feel all-consuming. It’s a powerful and moving song that has received over 6 million views on YouTube.
“Don’t Drink the Water” by Dave Matthews Band
Album: Before These Crowded Streets
Genre: Rock
Released: 1998
Don’t Drink the Water is another song that tackles some difficult subject matter, notably the mistreatment of Native Americans and the apartheid in South Africa. The song also features Alanis Morissette providing a guest vocal appearance.
The song was released as part of their third studio album. It reached number 3 on the Canadian Alternative 30 chart and number 4 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. A fantastic song from a talented band that is still making new music.
20 Bonus Songs About Water
“Water” by Beyonce, Pharrell Williams & Salatiel
“Don’t Go Near the Water” by The Beach Boys
“Water” by Kehlani
“Drink The Water” by Jack Johnson
“I Can Walk On Water” by Basshunter
“New World Water” by Mos Def
“Oily Water” by Blur
“Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin
“Water” by The Who
“Go Into the Water” by Dethlok
“Water” by Brad Paisley
“Rock Me on the Water” by Jackson Browne
“Water Fountain” by Alec Benjamin
“Black Water” by Doobie Brothers
“When the Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin
“Dirty Water” by The Standells
“Candle on the Water” by Helen Reddy
“Muckalee Creek Water” by Luke Bryan
“Something In The Water” by Brooke Fraser
“Water No Get Enemy” by Fela Kuti
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.
