Like other natural elements, the wind is a common theme musicians use when crafting lyrics. It could be a gentle summer breeze that keeps you cool, representing happiness, or a destructive force that can rip trees from the ground representing the power of love.
In this list, we look at some of the best examples of songs with wind in the title and lyrics. From rock to country, and everything in between, join me on a windy musical journey.
“Candle In The Wind” by Elton John
Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Genre: Pop Rock / Soft Rock
Released: 1974
Candle in the Wind is a moving song that perfectly illustrates how wind can be utilized in the lyrics of a song. It was initially a tribute song to the late Marilyn Monroe and reached number 11 in the UK charts.
It found renewed popularity after the song was reworked as a tribute song for Princess Dianna following her tragic death in 1997. This new version topped charts around the world, going on to sell a staggering 33 million copies.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Fire And Burning
“Wind Of Change” by Scorpions
Album: Crazy World
Genre: Rock
Released: 1991
Few songs throughout history end up so closely tied to the events of the time than this hit song from the West German rock band Scorpions. As the Cold War drew to a close, this song became a representation of the revolutions of the era.
Hauntingly powerful in its lyrical and musical composition, it became a worldwide hit. It reached the top 10 across several European countries and peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity continues today, evidenced by the song hitting one billion views on YouTube.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Hot In The Lyrics
“She’s Like The Wind” by Patrick Swayze ft. Wendy Fraser
Album: Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack from the Vestron Motion Picture
Genre: Soft Rock
Released: 1987
Patrick Swayze was a man of many talents. He was an actor, singer, and dancer and established himself as one of Hollywood’s leading men. This beautiful ballad was released at the height of his popularity in the late 80s.
It was part of the Dirty Dancing movie soundtrack. A film that Swayze also starred in. It reached the top 10 in the US, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Ireland. One of the best songs with the word wind in the lyrics of all time.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Snow In The Title
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Album: Beaches: Original Soundtrack Recording
Genre: Pop
Released: 1989
Speaking of multi-talented performers, Bette Midler is another legend with a career that spans decades. In the late 80s, she was tasked with reviving a song that had already seen three different versions throughout the early 80s.
But as always, Bette Midler’s talent shone through on the new cover of Wind Beneath My Wings. A powerful and pop-infused song that would go on to sell a million copies in the United States alone. It also charted well in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Storm In The Lyrics
“Gust of Wind” by Pharrell Williams
Album: Girl
Genre: Disco / Funk
Released: 2014
You know that magic will follow when Pharell Williams teams up with the legendary French electronic music duo Daft Punk. Gust of Wind is a funk-filled extravaganza that also features lyrics from Daft Punk.
While it might not be as well known as their previous collaboration, Get Lucky, or even the super fun Happy from the same album, it still stands out as an inventive and infectious song that utilizes wind as a metaphor for love.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Lightning In The Lyrics
“Dust In The Wind” by Kansas
Album: Point of Know Return
Genre: Soft Rock
Released: 1978
Sometimes you stumble across a hit without even trying. That’s the story behind Dust In The Wind by American rock band Kansas. They strongly focus on their album projects and never aim to make a hit, preferring to focus on the overall tonality of their releases.
But with the release of their fifth album, they had an unexpected hit on their hands, with this song hitting the top 10 in the United States. It also performed well in Canada but was not as successful internationally.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Weather In The Lyrics
“Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra
Album: Strangers in the Night
Genre: Traditional Pop
Released: 1966
Ol’ Blue Eyes, or the Chairman of the Board as he is sometimes called, is no stranger to hit songs. This single is another example of how Sinatra’s smooth voice could transform a song into an instant success.
It would later be featured in a Simpsons episode, as a closing song on the Netflix series Ozark, and as part of the soundtrack for Blade Runner 2049. A timeless hit that continues to be popular to this day.
“The Wind Blows” by All-American Rejects
Album: When the World Comes Down
Genre: Pop Rock / Power Pop
Released: 2009
Let’s move on to something a little less well-known. The All-American Rejects is a rock band from Oklahoma that has sold over 10 million albums. But despite some decent levels of success, most people won’t be aware of this song.
This more mellow song from the group uses wind as a metaphor for getting through tough times. It’s an excellent song when you are feeling down on your luck and deserves more praise than it receives.
“The Wind” by Zac Brown Band
Album: Uncaged
Genre: Bluegrass / Country / Folk
Released: 2012
This next song from the American country music group Zac Brown Band makes the list due to its superb use of wind as a lyrical hook while weaving an engrossing tale of love and loss. A unique and energetic song that merges both old-style and contemporary country flavors.
The music video is a sight to behold, with ample tongue-in-cheek goodness to keep you invested, including a beer-chugging cyborg. While I might not be the biggest country music fan, this song stands head and shoulders over much of the commercialized country music released today.
“Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross
Album: Christopher Cross
Genre: Pop Rock / Post-Disco
Released: 1980
Christopher Cross knows how to make an entrance. His self-titled debut album won him a Grammy Award, and Ride Like the Wind was the lead single from that album. It was a huge hit reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It offers an entertaining story of a criminal on the run utilizing wind as a metaphor for needing to move quickly. The unique blend of various genres and styles also sets it apart, with a captivating guitar solo to tip it over the edge.
7 Bonus Songs About Wind
“Four Strong Winds” by Neil Young
“Summer Breeze” by Seals & Croft
“The Wind” by Cat Stevens
“Wild is the Wind” by David Bowie
“Ride The Wild Wind” by Queen
“Song of the Wind” by Santana
“The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix
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.
