Light is the source of life and creation. It holds out a promise of hope, renewal, progress, and change. It can bring joy, inspiration, comfort, and enlighten our souls at any moment.
Just as light can illuminate or be blinding for those who see it differently, music also has different meanings to different people. The songs we share in this list are all about light, good light, bad light, the light we all want to see, and the awkward intersection of those two realities.
Best Songs About Light
Lighthouse – Interpol
The best way to describe Lighthouse is “a little bit rockin’ and a little bit sad.” The New Yorker’s A.V. Club said the lyrics are “at once silly and philosophical” and that the composition shows an “intimate knowledge of how to use strings” to “maximize its emotional impact.”
The track was written by Nick Thorburn and Daniel Kessler, who also produced it. This song is one of the best in Interpol’s catalog, and it’s no wonder the band didn’t include it on their self-titled album. The song perfectly embodies the theme of light, as a lighthouse symbolizes guidance in storms and distress. Whether for us or others, a lighthouse is a beacon that helps us find our way in times of trouble.
Light & Shade – Andrew Bird
Lyrically, Light & Shade is about light. It’s about the effects light has on our emotions and how we choose to control them. But it’s also about what we can’t control and don’t want to.
It’s an exceptionally catchy tune with a steady flow of energy that carries throughout the entire track, but what makes it stand out above all else is Andrew Bird’s great voice. He is known for his unique voice and exceptional whistling ability, but he also has a wide range. You can hear the different tones of emotion as he sings through the different verses, which ties everything together beautifully.
Light It Up – Major Lazer & Nyla
Reggae and EDM have always had a close relationship, but Major Lazer took it to another level with this massive hit. It combines elements from both genres into a jam that will get anyone moving. The lyrics talk about the power of light, love, and friendship. It’s no surprise that it’s been featured in numerous commercials. This song is perfect for getting you in the mood for summer and the beach because it has a fun vibe, yet it still manages to make you want to dance.
Lightning Bolt – Jake Bugg
The song was inspired by the album cover of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. It talks about the eternal struggle between man and his greatest enemy, the sun. The lyrics describe how there is no glory in death or even in being eaten by lightning and that there is a “way out of this mess.”
It’s a song about the good things in life—love, friendship, laughter—and how they are all more important than anything else. The song has a very similar hook to Bruno Mars’ Grenade. Both songs have defeated death, both express the theme of overcoming fear, and both have simple but powerful melodies.
Lose – Lucinda Williams
“Lose” was written after Williams’ mother passed away in 2007. The song took on a new meaning for her when she heard about the death of Nicole Kidman’s mother, Catherine, and country singer Alison Krauss’ mother, Karen. She auctioned the song to benefit multiple charities, including “Music for Relief,” which works with musicians to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina, and a campaign by Crime Stoppers of Arizona, which seeks to reduce violent crime in the Phoenix area.
Lose Yourself – Eminem
“Lose Yourself” was written by Canadian rapper Eminem in reaction to his ex-wife, Kim Mathers, threatening to take their daughter, Hailie Jade Mathers. The track was included on the soundtrack for the 2005 film 8 Mile and was released as a single in 2006. “Lose” received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song that year. The song’s music video has been recognized with four awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video, and in 2010 it was listed on Complex’s “100 Best Eminem Songs” list.
Goin’ Down – Bob Seger
For Seger fans who were bummed out about the absence of a Springsteen-Esque “like a rock” chant on his comeback hit “Like a Rock,” here’s a tune from 1979 to quell your appetite. “Goin’ Down” is filled with rock-inspired lyrics and an unforgettable chorus. On the album that it’s from, Night Moves, “Goin’ Down” was immediately recognized as one of Seger’s best songs, and in 2000 it made to Rolling Stone’s list of Best Songs of the ’80s.
All of Me – John Legend
“All of Me” was written by John Legend, Ari Levine, and Gregory “Hopsin” Harris, who are also the song’s producers. The song made its debut when Legend performed it during a set at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. It was released in June 2013 on iTunes and Apple Music, with a portion of the proceeds going to Save the Children. It is one of the best because it’s so powerful and touching.
The fact that it’s a duet should also please any girl with a crush on John Legend. The lyrics are simple but make for an incredibly powerful message. It’s about learning to be more than just your worst self and realizing that you’re enough because of all of you.
Light – Coldplay
“Light” is the third track from Coldplay’s fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, recorded in 2011. The band played it for the first time at a secret gig in London before releasing it as a single in 2012. “Light” was well received by critics as a standout track from Mylo Xyloto, and many praised the use of sarcasm in the lyrics. The official music video for “Light” premiered on YouTube in October 2012 and features an orchestra made up of fans.
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 song, “Go Your Own Way,” was written by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks and recorded in sessions for their album Rumours. The song was originally intended for Glyn Johns, the record’s producer, who made alterations and then gave the song to Buckingham and Nicks to re-record.
The lead single from Rumours was chosen by Nicks herself over other suggestions because she felt it would be the best representation of the album. “Go Your Own Way” peaked at number three and remains one of their biggest hits. It is one of the best because it’s a classic love song that you can’t help but belt out whenever it comes on the radio.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these songs about light are some of the best. These songs are ones that you can listen to repeatedly, and they’ll always be your favorite because they’re just so beautiful. Good luck, and keep on singing!
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.
