“Heaven Is a Place on Earth” – Belinda Carlisle
This is one of the most iconic love songs of all time. Belinda Carlisle’s sultry voice mixes with the perfect beats to create one of the best pop songs about heaven that no one can resist singing along to. This 1987 song has all the hallmarks of a classic 80s ballad with a little twist from the angels.
Carlisle takes the concept of heaven and applies it to unending love, saying that when she is with her beloved, she is in heaven. The song has a strong beat and memorable lyrics to sing along to any time someone feels the love.
“Locked Out of Heaven” – Bruno Mars
Released in 2012, Locked Out of Heaven is one of the more recent pop songs about heaven on this list. Bruno Mars lends his crooning voice to this song that combines reggae, pop, and rock music. Mars sings about feeling locked out of heaven because he is enamored with a woman.
People have been jamming to this modern classic since it came out, and it’s still played on the radio today. It helped catapult Bruno Mars to the stardom he enjoys today.
“Letter to Heaven” – Dolly Parton
“Letter to Heaven” is one of the saddest and most touching old songs about heaven. Dolly Parton recorded it in 1963 on an album with fellow country singer Faye Tucker. This joint album came out four years before Parton’s first solo album that launched her into fame. Decades later, people appreciate this underrated classic from her early days.
In this haunting song, Parton sings about a grandfather writing a letter to both his daughter and granddaughter, who are in heaven. This song will make almost anyone cry, but the beauty of Parton’s voice will transport you.
“Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton
For the best performed heartbreaking songs about heaven and angels, look no further than this 1992 Eric Clapton masterpiece. Clapton wrote it about his son, who died in a tragic accident the year before. The emotion in Clapton’s voice is palpable, and his haunting guitar playing is unforgettable.
Clapton’s lyrics speak directly to his son in heaven, asking him if he will remember him when they meet again. It’s hard to listen to this song without shedding a few tears, but the raw emotion shows how powerful a musician he is.
“Heaven” – Beyonce
Beyonce is a musician talented enough to make any listener feel like they are in heaven just listening to her sing. This track from her self-titled 2013 album is no different. “Heaven” is different from Beyonce’s typical pop and R&B combination. This is a beautiful piano ballad with a gospel influence.
There has been much speculation about the song lyrics’ origins. Beyonce eventually revealed she drew inspiration from her mother, Tina, who lost her best friend.
“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” – Justin Moore
This track by Justin Moore is one of the best songs about heaven in country music. It was originally recorded by Rhett Atkins but did not hit the charts. Justin Moore covered the song in 2011 on his album Outlaws Like Me, and it was an instant success.
The song combines a heartfelt message that is both sad and hopeful with a memorable beat. The lyrics speak of a man wishing to spend a day in heaven with the people he is missing and wonders what his children would think about their ancestors.
“Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zepplin
Among the rock songs about heaven, this is an absolute classic by one of the most famous rock bands of all time. The English rock band released this track in 1971, and it became an instant smash hit. The song is now considered one of the best rock songs of all time.
Robert Plant wrote the lyrics to be abstract on purpose. He wanted people to have their interpretations of the song and take meaning from it based on their experiences.
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
This incredibly famous and well-loved song was written by Bob Dylan and recorded in 1973 for the soundtrack to the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. It became an immediate hit and has been covered by the likes of Eric Clapton and Guns N’ Roses.
The lyrics are instantly recognizable, known for their beauty and simplicity. The classic chorus makes up most of the song, and almost everyone will know it by heart. With its evergreen qualities, it remains one of the most popular rock songs about heaven.
“Streets of Heaven” – Sherrie Austin
This is one of the slightly lesser-known songs about heaven, but it’s no less amazing. Co-written and recorded by Australian country singer Sherrie Austin, the song was released in 2003 and has since been her highest charted song.
The song is a beautifully lyrical ballad with poetic lyrics that tell a heartbreaking story. Austin sings of a mother in a hospital room at 2 am, praying for her daughter, who is severely ill. The lyrics are a poignant tale of tragedy and hope, and Austin’s melodic voice adds layers of meaning.
“Heaven Sent” – Keyshia Cole
“Heaven Sent” is a lyrical R&B ballad recorded in 2008 by Keyshia Cole. The song combines classic rhythm and blues beats with Cole’s romantic lyrics. In the song, Cole sings to a lover who has had their heart broken many times before and wants someone to believe in who will always be there.
The song was a classic of the early 2000s and is perfect for dancing in a club or at a romantic wedding. This track solidified Cole as a double threat, a talented singer and a songwriter.
In Conclusion
Different artists have used the concept of heaven in their songs for as long as lyrics have been around. Each one of these songs has a powerful message about love, life, and spending time with the people you love while you can.
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.