61 Best Songs About Nature
Contents
13. “Becoming a Jackal” by Villagers
Song Year: 2010
Villagers, an Irish alternative folk band, released the album Awayland in 2010, and “Becoming A Jackal” was one of their most successful hits. It’s a stripped-back song with minimal production, a solid beat, and soft vocals from frontman Conor O’Brien, who reminds us that violence is often part of nature.
O’Brien sings about being out in nature and encountering a harsher side to the natural environment. Over the chill track, O’Brien details the violent, predatory disposition of the jackal animal.
14. “Tardigrade Song” by Cosmo Sheldrake
Song Year: 2015
Nature enthusiast and experimental folk musician Cosmo Sheldrake dropped “Tardigrade Song” in 2015. It’s a song told from the perspective of a tardigrade, a micro-animal that lives in wet and mossy environments.
Sheldrake sings about living as a tardigrade creature, following their daily activities like creeping over moss or preparing for hibernation.
15. “Blackbird Song” by Lee DeWyze
Song Year: 2014
“Blackbird Song” dropped in 2014 as a feature for the AMC series, The Walking Dead. The song gained streams on YouTube, becoming famous in its own right.
American singer Lee DeWyze wrote this track about changing seasons. He uses the imagery of blackbirds and running rivers to represent the end of an era and the beginning of new times.
16. “100% Sustainable” by MIA
Song Year: 2022
MIA is a British rapper who writes songs about nature and the environment. “100% Sustainable” is the third track off her 2022 album MATA, and the tune uses nature as a metaphor for her lifestyle.
The upbeat track follows MIA as she prepares for the day, describing her habits and how she’s a natural kind of girl. She also raps about how her song is so authentic it’s as if it’s organic.
17. “Rainy Night in Georgia” by Brook Benton
Song Year: 1970
“Rainy Night in Georgia” is a slow-paced track with deep, melodic vocals from Brook Benton. Benton composed the song in 1970 for his project with Atlantic Records, Brook Benton Today.
The singer waxes poetic about a relationship that’s over, describing how the rain outside mimics his feelings.
18. “Sunshine on Leith” by The Proclaimers
Song Year: 1988
The Proclaimers made waves in the 1980s when they helped Scottish pop break into the mainstream with hits like “500 Miles.” However, many people haven’t heard “Sunshine On Leith,” an equally fantastic track about the beautiful seaside borough of Edinburgh.
“Sunshine On Leith” is a song about recovery from heartache and appreciation for the natural surroundings. The singer expresses his love for the sunny skies in light of his sad feelings.
19. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Song Year: 1967
You might have heard “What a Wonderful World,” the classic pop tune from the 1960s. While there have been many recordings, the most famous version is inevitably the Louis Armstrong recording.
“What a Wonderful World” is a song about a deep appreciation for nature and the world around you, and Armstrong comments on the beautiful sky, flowers, and people in his signature raspy voice.
20. “Summer” by Jaden
Song Year: 2021
Jaden is an American singer-songwriter from California, known for being the son of actors Will and Jada Smith. He’s famous in his own right, and “Summer” is one of the hits that shot him to stardom.
“Summer” is a chill pop track about lazy summer days and enjoying your youth. In the song, Jaden sings about his ideal summer, including going for a drive in the nice weather, hanging with friends, and falling in love.
21. “T-Shirt Weather in the Manor” by Kano
Song Year: 2016
Kano expresses an appreciation for nature in “T-Shirt Weather in the Manor,” the second released song from his 2016 album, Made in the Manor.
Nature is usually fickle for Londoners like Kano, who spend many days in the fog and rain. However, Kano celebrates the beauty of a sunny day in this track, rapping about how he feels good when nature smiles brightly upon London.
22. “Let No Man Steal Your Thyme” by Carey Mulligan
Song Year: 2015
“Let No Man Steal Your Thyme” uses nature imagery and wordplay to describe a failed relationship. Singer and actress Carey Mulligan recorded the track in 2015 alongside Welsh actor Michael Sheen.
The song is a traditional British and Irish ballad dating back to the 17th century. It uses flower symbolism, like describing regret as true and embolizing romantic love as a red rose.
23. “Purge The Poison” by Marina
Song Year: 2021
Marina tackles themes of nature and climate problems in “Purge The Poison,” a song from Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, her 2021 album. In the track, Marina talks about environmental issues, saying that the mythical figure of Mother Nature is asking us to protect the planet.
“Purge The Poison” is a pop song with rock elements, and Marina shows off her impressive vocal range and ethereal voice on the track.
24. “Who Loves The Sun” by The Velvet Underground
Song Year: 1970
“Who Loves The Sun” is a breakup song by The Velvet Underground, a folk rock band from New York City. In the track, the singer lists different things in nature, like plants, wind, flowers, and the sun. However, in his heartbreak, he doesn’t love these things anymore.
Despite its sad lyrics, the track has a pleasant sound with Doug Yule’s soothing vocals, an upbeat drum line, and acoustic guitar.
