Songs About the Ocean: Top 50 Tracks to Dive Into

ByLorie Za
Ocean background

If you’re looking for some songs about the ocean, this list is for you.

The ocean has inspired countless artists to create timeless melodies and unforgettable lyrics. As someone who loves the ocean (and spends a fair bit of time under it), I can’t help but feel a connection to these tunes. They’re like a playlist for ocean lovers and dreamers everywhere.

So, grab your headphones, and let’s dive in—you won’t even need your snorkel for this one.

Songs About the Ocean

Below is a list of 50 songs that capture the magic, mystery, and beauty of the ocean (and a link to the Spotify playlist—you’re welcome 😉).

Classics That Stand the Test of Time

  1. “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” – Otis Redding
    • A soulful classic capturing the essence of relaxation by the water.
    • Iconic line: “Watching the tide roll away.”
  2. “Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin
    • A timeless jazz hit with romantic undertones about crossing oceans for love.
  3. “Under the Sea” – Samuel E. Wright (The Little Mermaid Soundtrack)
    • A fun, upbeat anthem celebrating life beneath the waves.
  4. “Sailing” – Christopher Cross
    • This soft rock hit epitomizes the peaceful escape of being on the ocean.
  5. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass
    • A tale of love and the sea, featuring a sailor torn between romance and the ocean.

Modern Hits Inspired by the Ocean

  1. “Ocean Eyes” – Billie Eilish
    • A hauntingly beautiful song with vivid imagery of deep ocean blues.
  2. “Come Sail Away” – Styx
    • A progressive rock classic that captures the spirit of adventure at sea.
  3. “Swim Good” – Frank Ocean
    • A poignant track blending personal struggles with oceanic metaphors.
  4. “Blue Ocean Floor” – Justin Timberlake
    • A soulful ballad exploring themes of love and mystery under the sea.
  5. “Somewhere on a Beach” – Dierks Bentley
  • A country hit that pairs heartbreak with the escape of a tropical beach.

Relaxing Ocean Vibes

  1. “Yellow Submarine” – The Beatles
    • A whimsical tune that takes listeners on a colorful underwater journey.
  2. “Oceans” – Hillsong United
    • A spiritual song with oceanic metaphors about trust and faith.
  3. “Beach Baby” – First Class
    • A nostalgic anthem perfect for daydreaming about the beach.
  4. “Kokomo” – The Beach Boys
    • A laid-back track that transports you to tropical shores.
  5. “Sea of Love” – Phil Phillips
    • A romantic classic that likens love to the vastness of the sea.

Songs for Adventure at Sea

  1. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” – Gordon Lightfoot
    • A haunting ballad recounting a tragic shipwreck on the Great Lakes.
  2. “Ride the Wild Surf” – Jan and Dean
    • A surf rock hit celebrating the thrill of riding ocean waves.
  3. “Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison
    • A poetic song about the spiritual connection to the sea.
  4. “Pirates of the Caribbean Theme” – Klaus Badelt
    • An instrumental masterpiece evoking high-seas adventure.
  5. “Southern Cross” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
    • A heartfelt track about navigating life’s challenges with the ocean as a metaphor.

Indie Favorites Inspired by the Ocean

  1. “Beach House” – The Chainsmokers
    • A dreamy indie-pop song that feels like a summer escape.
  2. “The Ocean” – Mike Perry
    • A melodic EDM track that captures the serenity of the sea.
  3. “Seaside” – The Kooks
    • A sweet acoustic number about love by the ocean.
  4. “Saltwater” – Geowulf
    • A soothing track that celebrates the healing power of the sea.
  5. “Atlantic City” – Bruce Springsteen
    • A soulful story set against the backdrop of a coastal town.

Songs Celebrating Marine Life

  1. “A Whale of a Tale” – Kirk Douglas
    • A lively sea shanty from Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, perfect for anyone dreaming of ocean adventures.
  2. “Octopus’s Garden” – The Beatles
    • A playful tune imagining life in an underwater paradise.
  3. “The Mermaid” – Great Big Sea
    • A traditional folk song about mythical sea creatures.
  4. “Whale Song” – Pearl Jam
    • A grunge-inspired tribute to the gentle giants of the ocean.
  5. “Shark in the Water” – V V Brown
    • A catchy pop song blending ocean imagery with personal struggles.
beach in straddie

Ocean-Inspired Movie Soundtracks

  1. “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
    • The iconic Titanic theme that embodies love and loss at sea.
  2. “Underwater March” – Klaus Badelt (Pirates of the Caribbean Soundtrack)
    • A dramatic and adventurous score capturing the mysterious and thrilling depths of the ocean.
  3. “Aquaman Theme” – Rupert Gregson-Williams
    • A heroic and cinematic score celebrating the king of the seas.
  4. “The Little Mermaid Medley” – Disney Orchestra
    • A compilation of beloved tunes from the animated classic.
  5. “Finding Nemo Theme” – Thomas Newman
    • A whimsical soundtrack reflecting the wonder of underwater exploration.
Coron - A Scuba Diving Spot in the Philippines

Dance and Party Tracks with Ocean Themes

  1. “Ocean Drive” – Duke Dumont
    • A dance anthem perfect for summer nights by the coast.
  2. “Cake by the Ocean” – DNCE
    • A funky pop hit with playful oceanic imagery.
  3. “Surfin’ USA” – The Beach Boys
    • A quintessential surf rock track that celebrates beach culture.
  4. “Wavey” – CliQ feat. Alika
    • A club hit with a vibe as refreshing as ocean waves.
  5. “Rockaway Beach” – Ramones
    • A punk rock ode to summer days at the shore.
Spiaggia San Vito Lo Capo

Emotional Ballads About the Ocean

  1. “Ocean Breathes Salty” – Modest Mouse
    • A reflective track about life’s impermanence.
  2. “The Tide Is High” – Blondie
    • A reggae-inspired hit about resilience and love.
  3. “Ships in the Night” – Mat Kearney
    • A heartfelt ballad using nautical imagery to express longing.
  4. “Only the Ocean” – Jack Johnson
    • A soothing acoustic tune about finding peace by the sea.
  5. “Right Here Waiting (Oceans Apart)” – Richard Marx
    • A romantic song about love and distance.

Epic Songs About Ocean Journeys

  1. “The Ocean” – Led Zeppelin
    • A rock anthem inspired by the vastness of the sea.
  2. “Sail” – AWOLNATION
    • A high-energy track about breaking free and setting sail.
  3. “Ocean Man” – Ween
    • A quirky, upbeat song perfect for any ocean lover.
  4. “Fisherman’s Blues” – The Waterboys
    • A folk-inspired track celebrating life by the sea.
  5. “The Ship Song” – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
    • A poetic and haunting melody about love and loss.

The Wrap Up: Songs About The Ocean

As promised, I went ahead and made things easy for you. I created a Spotify playlist with all these ocean-inspired tracks, so you don’t have to go hunting for them. Consider it your musical snorkel—just dive in and enjoy the tunes! You can check it out here. 🌊🎶

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find these tunes hit just right whether you’re gearing up for a dive or relaxing after one.

Add a few of these to your playlist, and let the music take you on a journey—no fins required! And hey, if you catch yourself singing “Under the Sea” in the shower, I won’t judge 😉

Lastly, if you’re as passionate about the ocean as I am, don’t miss my post on Sustainable Diving to learn how we can protect the waters that inspire these songs. Enjoy the vibes and happy listening! 🎶

Similar Posts

What do you wear under a wetsuit? A woman pulling her wetsuit up
| | | |

What Do You Wear Under a Wetsuit? Ultimate Guide

ByLorie Za

What do you wear under a wetsuit? It’s a question every water adventurer asks at some point and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time snorkeler, surfer, or a seasoned scuba diver. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think—it depends on the activity, the water temperature, and, let’s be honest, how comfortable you want…