Listening to songs about nature can be just as soothing as walking outdoors. From songs about wildlife and landscapes to tunes about taking care of natural areas for the next generation, we’ve got a round-up of the best songs about nature to add to your listening list.
1. “The Moss” by Cosmo Sheldrake
Song Year: 2014
Do you want to learn more about our natural world? We suggest listening to Cosmo Sheldrake. He’s an English artist that sings about everything from swamps to fungi, using recordings from nature.
“The Moss,” one of Sheldrake’s top songs, combines legends with facts, and the singer describes the life of moss alongside classic myths. On the funky indie track, Sheldrake sings about worms, mountains, swallows, leaves, and other features in the natural environment around him.
2. “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
Song Year: 1994
Tom Petty represents the natural environment of his beloved Santa Barbara in his 1994 track, “Wildflowers.” It’s the titular first track of his album Wildflowers and describes the free feeling one can get in nature.
The singer drew inspiration from his city to describe the flowers and the sea, and Petty encourages his listeners to go out and enjoy nature.
3. “The Bug Collector” by Haley Heynderickx
Song Year: 2018
For better or worse, we often share our lives and houses with bugs. Portland-based artist Haley Heynderickx describes this experience in “The Bug Collector,” the second track from her 2018 indie-folk album, I Need to Start a Garden.
Follow Heynderickx as she tells you about all the bugs she meets in her home, from centipedes in the bedroom to praying mantises in the bathroom.
4. “In the Woods Somewhere” by Hozier
Song Year: 2014
Irish musician Hozier is famous for his songs about nature. “In the Woods Somewhere,” a hit from his first album, Hozier, is a nature song that follows a man lost in the woods.
The chill folk track has a stripped-back sound, melancholy guitar, and Hozier’s defining powerful voice. His lyrics describe the haunting glow of the moon, the darkness of the night, and the wounded fox he stumbles upon.
5. “In The Pines” by Nirvana
Song Year: 1994
“In The Pines” is an Appalachian folk tune originating in the 1870s. The song lives on through many different covers and editions, including being famously referenced in Francine Toon’s novel, “Pine.”
Notably, the grunge band Nirvana covered the track on MTV Unplugged in New York, a 1994 album and the last singer Kurt Cobain recorded before his passing. The haunting song is about a girl who spent the night in a pine forest, describing the cold night and blowing wind of the natural environment.
6. “Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMMiXjwhODU
Song Year: 1968
“Mother Nature’s Son” is a relaxing folk track from The White Album, a famous 1968 compilation from The Beatles. It’s by Paul McCartney, who wrote the song after traveling to India.
McCartney sings about growing up in touch with nature. Then, he describes reconnecting with nature as an adult, loving the flowers, sun, and rushing rivers.
7. “Out In The Country” by Three Dog Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5EZy3ZnLDs
Song Year: 1970
“Out In The Country” is a track about escaping to nature to find peace. It dropped in 1970, at the height of the folk movement.
American band Three Dog Night wrote the track for their album, It Ain’t Easy, describing the feelings of getting in touch with nature and breathing the fresh outdoor air.
8. “Nature Feels” by Frank Ocean
Song Year: 2011
“Nature Feels” is the 14th track from the mixtape Nostalgia Ultra. It’s by American avant-garde artist Frank Ocean and features nature imagery in its lyrics.
The song has a smooth, upbeat feel and choral vocals, and Ocean sings about being out in nature with his lover, spending time together among the cherry trees and the rich oxygen.
9. “Weeds or Wildflowers” by Parsonsfield
Song Year: 2013
Listen to “Weed or Wildflowers,” a 2013 track by Parsonfield. It debuted as the first track from their studio album, Poor Old Shine.
The multi-genre band lends their talents to this folk-inspired track about the passing of days. The singers conclude that even though we’ll one day be gone, the weeds and wildflowers will still be around.
10. “In a Week” by Hozier
Song Year: 2014
In “In a Week,” the 7th track of his debut album Hozier, Andrew Hozier-Byrne shares two sides of nature, the beautiful and the morbid.
The Irish singer describes a haunting scene of decay and death in the depths of a forest in the wilderness. Accompanying the song is a gentle folk track with dark melodies.
11. “Waterfalls” by Death Cab For Cutie
Song Year: 2020
“Waterfalls” is a song by Death Cab For Cutie, an indie rock band from Washington. The track came out in December 2020 as part of their EP, Georgia.
Using nature imagery and evocative lyrics, “Waterfalls” is a warning tale that advises young listeners. Lead singer Ben Gibbard sings about avoiding dangerous situations, likening them to waterfalls.
12. “Scarborough Fair / Canticle” by Simon & Garfunkel
Song Year: 1966
Classic folk-rock pair Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel released this iconic tune in 1966. The track covers an old English folk song, and nature themes run throughout the piece.
The song is a ballad and follows the story of a man who lost his lover. He weaves lyrics about herbs, flowers, sparrows, and the weather, describing the past relationship.
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.
25. “Mother Nature” by Jahmiel
Song Year: 2023
Jamaican artist Jahmiel sings about nature in this 2023 track. It dropped in April as a standalone single, and the upbeat song features production from Patriotz Muzik.
Jahmiel describes his perfect day, including waking up with the sun, chilling on the mountain, and spending time with the birds. He prefers to stay in touch with nature rather than live a busy social life.
26. “Dust Bowl Dance” by Mumford & Sons
Song Year: 2009
British rock group Mumford & Sons wrote this song depicting the fallout from a natural disaster. The Dust Bowl, a successive period of dust storms in the 1930s, ravaged North America and destroyed many farming industries.
The Mumford & Sons song is about the aftermath of the dust storms, and the lyrics follow a young man unsure of his future.
27. “Let The Rain” by Sara Bareilles
Song Year: 2010
Check out “Let The Rain,” a 2010 indie track by Sara Bareilles, a singer from Eureka, California. Bareilles sees the rain as an unstoppable force that pours on her city, just like the influence of celebrities.
In the soft acoustic track, Bareilles sings about her desires, wanting to influence the environment around her like the rain.
28. “Weeds” by Marina
Song Year: 2015
Marina likens a past relationship to plant growth in her 2015 hit, “Weeds.” It was the tenth track released off Froot, the Welsh singer’s third album.
“Weeds” is a pop song with a peppy electro beat, and Marina’s bright, girlish vocalizations contrasted with her more mature deep tones. In the track, she describes unwanted feelings as weeds.
29. “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” by The Walker Brothers
Song Year: 1966
For an oldies tune about nature, check out “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” by the Walker Brothers. It came out in 1966 and is a pop hit with an orchestral track.
The wildly popular song shot to the UK’s top spot and number 13 on the US charts, gaining the Walker Brothers international fame. Originally by Frankie Valli, the track is about how the singer feels nature has turned its back on him. He sings that the sun and moon might as well have disappeared as his lover leaves him.
30. “Solar Power” by Lorde
Song Year: 2021
Nature can lift our spirits, as Lorde sings about in “Solar Power.” The New Zealand singer is from the sunny suburb of Auckland, Takapuna, a beachside town, and she grew up spending time in nature.
Lorde’s track, the titular song from the 2021 studio album Solar Power, has a clean pop production and lyrics about having a good time in nature.
31. “Man of the Woods” by Justin Timberlake
Song Year: 2018
Pop singer Justin Timberlake gets rural in “Man of the Woods,” a 2018 song about appreciating nature. It’s from his hit album of the same name and features production from the Neptunes.
Timberlake tells us of his origins in the forested city of Memphis, Tennessee, and his pride in being from the Southern US.
32. “Ivy” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2020
“Ivy” is a melancholy song about a forbidden relationship. Taylor Swift, a country pop artist from Pennsylvania, uses her poetic talents to weave nature imagery into her music.
The soft tune has a country beat and an acoustic sound, and Swift sings about fields of clover, changing seasons, and late-night meetups under a crescent moon.
33. “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean
Song Year: 2017
Frank Ocean describes the natural beauty of a morning sky in “Pink + White.” The third track on his highly acclaimed studio album, Blonde, “Pink + White,” is a song about going with the flow and managing life’s difficulties.
With a smooth production and vocals from Beyonce, Ocean sings about how we can’t change the color of the sky or difficulties in our life. Ocean prefers to leave things out of our control in nature’s hands.
34. “Pompeii” by Bastille
Song Year: 2013
Bastille sings about a natural disaster in “Pompeii,” a historical song about the fall of a city. Pompeii disappeared under ash and soot after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79, and the natural catastrophe would go down in history.
“Pompeii” was Bastille’s first hit back in 2013, gaining traction in the alternative rock genre and staying on the Billboard charts for over 50 weeks.
35. “Strangers By Nature” by Adele
Song Year: 2021
Listen to Adele sing about nature in her rich, powerful voice. This 2021 track was off her iconic album 30, and “Strangers By Nature” is one of the strongest songs on the project.
In the slow piano track, she sings about the death of her marriage and other relationships. She says the men all feel like strangers and that their natural differences lead them apart logically.
36. “Waves of Nature” by Willow
Song Year: 2015
Willow frequently sings about nature, and “Waves of Nature” is a great example. The Los Angeles-based alt-singer describes art, creativity, and the natural world in the 2015 track.
“Waves of Nature” is from Willow’s debut studio album, Ardipithecus, which deals with themes of nature and the human experience. This song has an electro-pop background and Willow’s signature wailing vocals.
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh5H-haT2vQ
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.
49. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1969
“Here Comes the Sun” is one of the most famous songs about nature. It’s by the Beatles, the iconic British boy band hailing from Liverpool.
This song will add an upbeat feeling to your day and make you want to go out in nature. It’s about looking forward to the sun coming up after a dark period, like a long English winter.
50. “Chilling in a Quiet Park Outside the City” by Cat Paw
Song Year: 2019
Are you looking for an atmospheric song about nature? Consider listening to “Chilling in a Quiet Park Outside the City,” a chill track by Cat Paw.
The song uses computer-produced beats, resulting in a soft electric track. It also has a piano riff, spoken-word vocals, and bird sounds that make you feel like you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon.
51. “Nature Boy” by David Bowie
Song Year: 2001
English glam rock icon David Bowie lent his voice to the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. The romantic drama film, set at the turn of the 20th century, features songs from several top artists, from Elton John to The Police.
Bowie’s addition to the album was called “Nature Boy,” and it’s a cover by Nat King Cole. Perhaps inspired by the French novel The Little Prince, “Nature Boy” follows a wandering child experiencing life and nature.
The song features slow, prolonged vocals from Bowie in front of an orchestral track.
52. “Northern Lights” by Cider Sky
Song Year: 2011
“Northern Lights” is a song about a natural wonder. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a light phenomenon that appears in the sky near the Arctic Circle.
Los Angeles music duo Cider Sky wrote the song in 2011 for the Twilight: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 movie soundtrack. The alternative indie track features vocals from both members and is about how love is as beautiful as the northern lights.
53. “Nature Song” by Shanin Blake
Song Year: 2022
“Nature Song” is a pop track about wanting to be wild and free. It’s by Shanin Blake, a social media influencer and founder of Slothy Records.
Blake shares her desire to get in touch with nature on the track, singing about climbing mountains, running through forests, and dancing by the moonlight.
54. “Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino
Song Year: 2018
Singer and actor Donald Glover, often known as Childish Gambino, frequently works symbolism in his songs. In 2018, he released “Feels Like Summer,” a summer hit famous for its accompanying music video.
In the video, an animated Gambino walks through a neighborhood, meeting other celebrities and enjoying the summer weather. If you read the lyrics, you’ll also notice his double meaning in the verses, discussing climate issues and the need to care for nature.
55. “Call of the Wild” by Chris LeDoux
Song Year: 1983
Country Music Award winner Chris LeDoux wrote this song about nature in 1983. He had yet to make it in the music industry and self-released the track alongside the album Thirty Dollar Cowboy.
LeDoux sings about a man who’s feeling the pull of nature. The man is in a tiring office job and longs to see the mountains, open skies, and wildlife.
56. “Keep Texas Beautiful” by Jerry Jeff Walker
Song Year: 1994
If you’ve ever driven through Texas, you probably are familiar with the title of this song. Throughout the Southern US state, you can spot highway signs that say Keep Texas Beautiful, reminding visitors to abstain from littering.
Outlaw country music artist Jerry Jeff Walker references these signs in his 1994 song, “Keep Texas Beautiful.” It’s a gentle reminder to take care of nature and preserve the miles of endless beauty in Texas.
57. “SOS (Mother Nature)” by will.i.am
Song Year: 2007
American rapper and music producer will.i.am address global catastrophes in his track, “SOS (Mother Nature). The song is about preserving nature for the beauty and health of the plant and us, the citizens.
The song features will.i.am rapping and singing over a piano track.
58. “Gone Green” by Brad Paisley
Song Year: 2014
Prolific country artist Brad Paisley wrote this song about nature in 2014. It has a traditional country production with a mandolin, fiddle, and harmonica.
Paisley sings about how we need to take responsibility for nature, participating in little actions like saving gasoline that can make the world greener.
59. “(Nothing But) Flowers” by Talking Heads
Song Year: 1988
The song “(Nothing But) Flowers” imagines a world after the existence of modern civilization.
The groovy rock track is the fifth song from the album Naked, and the tune describes a utopian garden with waterfalls, mountains, and plant life, with a notable absence of factories, pollution, and modern conveniences.
60. “Tinseltown in the Rain” by The Blue Nile
Song Year: 1984
“Tinseltown in the Rain” is about nature in an urban environment. The Scottish band, familiar with the rain in their home city of Glasgow, imagines a Hollywood coated in rainstorms.
The track uses classic Scottish 80s production, with a synthesizer, piano, and bright vocals.
61. “Why’d You Want to Live Here” by Death Cab For Cutie
Song Year: 2001
Death Cab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard mourns a city without nature in “Why’d You Want to Live Here.” The 2001 track is about Los Angeles, the busy concrete jungle in Southern California.
The band is from the lush, nature-filled state of Washington, and they visited Los Angeles for performances in the late 1990s. The city was a far cry from their native green forests, and they felt suffocated by the pollution and lack of sky, feeling homesick for pure air and scenes of nature.
Top Songs About Nature, Final Thoughts
Listening to the best songs about nature is a fantastic way to add peace and calm to your playlist. Ground yourself in nature with these songs during your busy day, or play these tunes on a relaxing walk in nature.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best songs about nature. While you’re here, feel free to check out some of our other posts, including our list of the best songs of all time and songs about heat.