61 Best Songs About Nature
Contents
37. “Cold Blow and the Rainy Night” by Planxty
Song Year: 1974
“Cold Blow and the Rainy Night” is an Irish folk song released in 1974. It’s by Planxty, a prolific band famous for covering traditional tunes.
The song originates in Irish folk music, but Plantxy’s version is the most famous. It’s about the harshness of nature, and the singer, enduring cold and rain, begs someone to let him inside.
38. “Constellations” by The Oh Hellos
Song Year: 2021
The Oh Hellos is a modern folk band, a sibling duo from San Marcos, Texas. The group often writes songs about nature, and “Constellations” is one of their best tracks about the natural environment.
“Constellations” speaks to a deep appreciation for the big skies of central Texas, where you can see thousands of stars with the naked eye.
39. “Bloom” by Troye Sivan
Song Year: 2018
“Bloom” is a smooth, synthetic pop track by Troye Sivan, a former YouTuber from Australia. The singer says being in a relationship with him is like stepping into a garden, abundant with beautiful things like fountains and flowers.
Sivan also compares himself to a blooming flower, saying he’ll open up and share himself with his lover.
40. “Natural Beauty” by Neil Young
Song Year: 1992
Neil Young sings about the frailty of nature in “Natural Beauty.” The track is the tenth song from Harvest Moon, his 1992 album that deals with nature themes and symbolism.
Young mourns the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and other natural wonders in the song. Over an acoustic folk track with harmonica and guitar, the Canadian-American singer wishes the world’s natural beauty could stay preserved for eternity.
41. “The River” by Bruce Springsteen
Song Year: 1980
“The River” is a classic song by Bruce Springsteen. It’s a slow-paced track that dropped in 1980 as part of his lengthy album, also called The River.
The song is about Springsteen’s early life, growing up close to nature in the beachside town of Freehold, a rural mill town in New Jersey. Springsteen tells the story of his sister and her first love, describing scenes at the river and the green fields.
42. “The Woods” by Hollow Coves
Song Year: 2014
“The Woods” describes the wilder side of nature. It’s the leading track from the Drifting project, a 2014 EP by Hollow Coves. The Australian-based band consists of two folk musicians from Brisbane and their tunes like “The Woods” feature acoustic guitar and soft vocals.
The singer discusses how nature can be an escape from intense schedules and a busy lifestyle. “The Woods” is about leaving life behind for a while as you soak in the beauty of the forests and hills.
43. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” by Peter, Paul & Mary
Song Year: 1962
American folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary sing about the loss of nature in “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” The song is the final single of their 1962 debut album, titled after the name of their band.
The melancholy tune is a mournful homage to times past, and Mary Travers sings about changing times and seasons with her male counterparts providing background vocals.
44. “Rejoice in the Sun” by Joan Baez
Song Year: 1972
Folk artist Joan Baez has legendary status in the music industry, and she’s been producing hit tracks for over half a century. This short tune is a lesser-known track, but no less well-written than any of her other iconic songs.
Baez wrote “Rejoice in the Sun” for the environmental fantasy film “Silent Running,” which came out in 1972. Following the film’s themes, the song “Rejoice in the Sun” is about the danger of environmental degradation and the loss of natural resources.
45. “Where Do The Children Play” by Cat Stevens
Song Year: 1970
Cat Stevens worries about the future of nature in “Where Do The Children Play,” the first track on his album, Tea for the Tillerman.
In a time of increasing awareness of nature, Cat Stevens was an activist in the movement to preserve our natural resources.
In the song, Stevens acknowledges humankind’s need for constant change. However, he warns that some changes can be harmful, such as the destruction of nature.
46. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver
Song Year: 1972
Nature lover John Denver wrote this song about the Colorado high country. On a trip with friends one summer, he felt inspired after seeing the incredible Perseid Meteor Shower.
Denver speaks to an experience many of us have with nature. He describes feeling at home in the natural environment and experiencing awe at the beauty in front of us.
47. “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan
Song Year: 1963
Bob Dylan used nature as a metaphor for a human-made disaster in this 1963 track. In light of World War II, the world lived in an ever-increasing awareness of nuclear weapons, and Bob Dylan addresses the issue in this song, titled “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.”
The song likens a nuclear apocalypse to a massive rainstorm. Dylan also expresses his concern for nuclear power and the destruction of nature.
48. “Nature’s Way” by Spirit
Song Year: 1970
“Nature’s Way” is a song by Spirit, an American psychedelic rock band from Los Angeles. Hot off the heels of their groundbreaking single “I Got a Line On You,” Spirit released Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus, their fourth album and only record to achieve gold status.
The track is about having what some people call a gut feeling. Spirit sings about knowing something’s wrong based on your instinct, which comes from nature.
