Sunsets are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena we get to witness in our lifetime. Sometimes, they can be so captivating that it’s hard not to stare for a while and simply enjoy the beauty.
It’s often difficult for people to express how beautiful the sunset is or how amazing it makes them feel. Because of this, it’s even more poetic to express these in song. Poetry in lyrics is certainly not unusual – especially not when the topic is the sunset. Lyricists often use it to symbolize growing older or symbolize an end, for example, to an era or a journey.
Below are some of the songs about the sunset you could even listen to while you’re watching the sun disappear over the horizon.
“Californication” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
This is the first song that came to mind when I thought about songs about sunsets. The lyrics describe a person traveling from NY to LA and finally arriving at a beach somewhere in California.
It’s a very poetic but chill song with great instrumentals and vocals by Anthony Kiedis! It’s definitely the perfect song for your sunset drives down the West Coast.
“Riders on the Storm” – The Doors
“Riders on the storm, into this house we’re born, into this world, we’re thrownā¦.” The song describes a guy who’s trying to maintain sanity as he rides with waves crashing at his feet and cold winds blowing.
It has such an eerie but beautiful vibe that will mesmerize you as you listen to it. Jim Morrison’s vocals coupled with Ray Manzarek’s groovy keyboard make for one of the best songs ever made.
“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” – Marvin Gaye
This is my favorite Marvin Gaye song and definitely one of my all-time favorites. Like most of Marvin’s songs, it deals with social issues like racism and drug abuse.
The lyrics describe a man who’s feeling trapped in his surroundings and wants to break free from all the negativity. It has a very soulful tune with some pretty funky instrumentals, definitely a song you should listen to if you want a little bit of funk in your life.
“Strawberry Swing” – Coldplay
Strawberry swing is one of those songs that make me feel happy every time I hear them. It has such a light-hearted melody that will lift your spirits as soon as it starts playing.
The lyrics are about basking in the glow of the sunset and enjoying each moment to its fullest, something we often forget to do when we’re busy with our daily routines! This song is a must-listen for people who want to relax and chill out.
“Perth” – Bon Iver
I don’t know if it’s just me, but most Bon Iver songs sound like they’re about the end of the world. This one is no different! The song has a very melancholic tone that will bring you down, even though the vocals are really high-pitched and calming.
It doesn’t have any lyrics except for “I’m on fire,” “Perth,” and other random words that don’t make much sense when you read them. It’s an instrumental song, so you can imagine whatever it is you want while listening to this one.
“Love Me Two Times” – The Doors
A song about a guy who can’t understand why his lover keeps leaving him, even though he loves her so much. He expresses his confusion through the lyrics, “Love me two times baby, Love me twice today.”
It’s a very raw and honest song that captures your attention! Jim Morrison has such an amazing voice (I sound like I’m about to turn into a groupie, but I swear it’s true!).
“Submarines” – The Lumineers
The song is about a man who’s saying goodbye to his lover since he’ll be leaving soon. The music video gives you an animated version of what the lyrics are describing, a very beautiful and colorful sunset.
It’s a great song if you’re going through a break-up or just want to listen to something very calm and soothing.
“Lonely Boy” – The Black Keys
This is another song that makes me feel happy when I listen to it. It’s very danceable, and the lyrics are about a guy trying to handle his woman and party at the same time, without letting any of them down.
It sounds like something you would hear in an old-school 50’s diner, and trust me; you’ll want to dance around every time you hear it.
“Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
A very upbeat song that basically tells someone that “home is where the people are,” no matter where that may be! It has a comfortable feel with very simple lyrics and is a great song to listen to when you’re feeling down!
This band pairs the right amount of harmonic and groovy music with a soothing voice, and it’s definitely something you can groove to! This song definitely takes you on a little journey in your mind.
“Here Comes The Sun” -The Beatles
Here comes the sun is one of those songs that everyone knows, but not everyone has heard it in its entirety.
It’s a simple yet beautiful song sung by George Harrison about how he feels when he sees the sun coming out behind a cloud. It’s a great song to listen to on a sunny day.
“Sunset” – Kid Ink
This 2013 hit is one of the most popular sunset songs, which is a metaphor or motif used to portray a character’s feature. It describes Sunset Blvd, a famous road strip in Los Angeles, stretching miles.
Since Los Angeles is close to the Pacific Ocean, sunsets in the city are so predominant, and sometimes people feel like they are driving into the sunset on the roads, which is what people feel when driving on the route described in the song.
“California Sunset”- Neil Young
This 1985 hit from the album Old Ways is one of the most upbeat songs about sunsets that people can listen to. In the song, the singer described California as the Promised Land, which is California’s most optimistic point of view in many songs.
The singer celebrates California and thanks it for its breathtaking bay area, which has one of the best sunsets. The vocals and guitar melodies in the song are perfect when expressing the perfection of sunsets.
“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” – Luke Bryan
This 2017 country hit from the album What Makes You Country is one of the most popular songs about sunsets in this genre. The singer in this song describes a summertime romantic relationship between two teenagers.
It is a perfect song for people to listen to in the summertime as they watch the sunset, with their lovers or alone to enjoy the view.
“Waterloo Sunset” – The Kinks
Waterloo Sunset is the most acclaimed and notable song of the band. In this 1967 hit, the singer imagines two lovers passing over a bridge as an observer comments on the growing relationship.
This song ranked at number 14 in the list of 500 greatest songs by Rolling Stone ranks. It was also the first song that The Kinks produced that was available in a genuine stereo.
“Love Like a Sunset Part II” – Phoenix
The 2009 hit compares love to sunset but could also signify the end of a romantic relationship at times. The singer says it was beautiful before it passed, representing the sunset and an ended relationship.
Thomas Mars, the writer of the lyrics, got the idea while he was on a road trip and used the “Love Like a Sunset Part I” instrumental. It is a perfect listen when people enjoy a sunset after a relationship or with a loved one.
“Rendezvous at Sunset” – Kylie Minogue
Written by Kylie and Richard Stannard this 2001, this pop song is one of the most incredible sunset songs in this genre.
This three-minute and the twenty-three-second song describes how cozy the singer feels in her lover’s arms until sunrise.
With nu-disco influences, this song is a perfect listen when people are with their loved ones cuddling in the sunset.
“Sheās a Rainbow” – The Rolling Stones
This 1967 “She’a a Rainbow” hit is part of the Album The Satanic Majesties Request. People described it as one of the uncharacterized and prettiest sunset songs, although its intentions are somehow ambitious.
The hit includes vibrant piano and lyricism by Brian Jones and Nicky Hopkins, who used the Mellotron. Although it faced mixed reactions at first, people loved to love and appreciate it over time.
“Two Suns in the Sunset” – Pink Floyd
Released in 1983, this song was part of The Final Cut album. The song’s lyrics describe England’s fear of nuclear war.
The song describes a bright fireball made from nuclear explosions with the line āthe sun is in the east although the day is done.ā
This song remains among the greatest sunset songs, with the singer encouraging people to focus more on the present rather than the future.
“Into the Sunset” – Mike Batt and Bonnie Tyler
Released in 1990, this song is one of the sweetest and iconic songs about lovers and sunsets.
It represented Rufus and Amberley’s relationship, with the singers’ vocals being excellent throughout the song.
“Early Sunsets Over Manroeville” – My Chemical Romance
Released in 2002, this slow song drew inspiration from “Dawn of the Dead,” the classic horror film.
It is about a man and his partner who escaped vampires. Monroeville was the place where the movie scenes in Pennsylvania happened.
