Songs About The Sun: A Symphony of Sunshine

3rd September, 2023

The sun, our radiant star, has been the muse for countless artists throughout history. Its golden embrace has inspired melodies that echo its warmth, light, and the myriad emotions it evokes. From the gentle whispers of dawn to the passionate hues of sunset, songs about the sun have painted our musical tapestry with golden threads. Let’s embark on a luminous journey, exploring tunes that have been kissed by the sun’s golden touch.

The Sound of Sunshine: Michael Franti and Spearhead

Picture Michael Franti is emerging from the shadows of a life-threatening illness. The first rays of the sun touch his face, a gentle reminder of life’s beauty. This song is his ode to that moment, a celebration of life, resilience, and the simple joys that the sun brings.

The song begins with a cheerful whistle, followed by a catchy guitar riff and upbeat drums. Franti’s voice is full of gratitude and optimism as he sings about feeling alive and happy. The chorus is a catchy hook that invites listeners to sing along: “You’re the sound of sunshine coming down / And you’re gonna make me feel alright“. The song also features a rap verse by Franti, where he reflects on his near-death experience and how it changed his perspective on life. He raps, “I almost died / In that disaster / It made me appreciate / The taste of life“. The song ends with a repeated refrain of “I love you” and “I thank you”, expressing Franti’s appreciation for his loved ones and the sun.

Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun: Pink Floyd

Delving into the abstract, Pink Floyd paints a cosmic tapestry inspired by ancient Chinese poetry. It’s a mesmerising journey through space, with the sun as the guiding star.

The song is a psychedelic masterpiece, blending experimental sounds and instruments with poetic lyrics. The song begins with a hypnotic gong, followed by a pulsating bass line and eerie organ chords. The vocals are sparse and haunting, sung by Roger Waters in a low register. The lyrics are based on two poems by Li He and Li Shangyin from the Tang Dynasty, which describe a surreal voyage to the sun. The chorus is a repeated mantra that sets the direction for the journey: “Set the controls for the heart of the sun”. The song also features a guitar solo by David Gilmour, which adds a layer of intensity and emotion to the song. The song fades out with a distorted sound of laughter, leaving listeners in awe and wonder.

Blister in the Sun: Violent Femmes

This song is the heartbeat of youth, capturing its raw energy, rebellious spirit, and carefree summer days. It’s the soundtrack of a generation that danced under the sun, unburdened and free.

The song is a punk rock anthem, driven by a simple yet catchy guitar riff and a fast-paced drum beat. The vocals are delivered by Gordon Gano in a high-pitched and frantic manner, reflecting his excitement and nervousness. The lyrics are ambiguous and suggestive, hinting at sexual themes and drug use. The chorus is an iconic shout-along that expresses Gano’s desire to burst into flames: “Let me go on / Like I blister in the sun“. The song also features a bass solo by Brian Ritchie, which adds a funky groove to the song. The song ends with a sudden stop, leaving listeners wanting more.

Higher Than the Sun: Primal Scream

Close your eyes and let Primal Scream take you on a trippy musical journey, reminiscent of sun-drenched afternoons that blur into neon-lit nights.

The song is an acid house masterpiece, blending electronic beats and samples with psychedelic rock elements. The song begins with a sample of Peter Fonda from the movie The Wild Angels, saying, “We wanna be free / To do what we wanna do“. The vocals are sung by Bobby Gillespie in a dreamy and detached tone as he sings about escaping reality and reaching transcendence. The chorus is a euphoric declaration that compares being high to being close to the sun: “Higher than the sun / You shoot your stars / We’re higher than everybody else“. The song also features a guitar solo by Andrew Innes, which adds a rock edge to the song. The song fades out with another sample of Fonda, saying, “We wanna get loaded / And we wanna have a good time“.

Trip Around the Sun: Kenny Chesney

Life is a journey, and every year is a trip around the sun. Chesney’s song is a toast to life, to the adventures, memories, and sunlit moments.

The song is a country pop tune, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and steel guitar. The vocals are sung by Chesney in a warm and friendly tone as he sings about celebrating another year of life. The lyrics are full of optimism and gratitude as he reflects on the ups and downs of life and how they make him stronger. The chorus is a catchy hook that invites listeners to join him in his celebration: “It’s another trip around the sun / And I’m just hanging on / Trying to make the most of every mile“. The song also features a duet with Martina McBride, who adds her sweet and powerful voice to the song. The song ends with a cheerful whistle, echoing the song’s upbeat mood.

Who Loves the Sun: The Velvet Underground

An upbeat tune that hides a tale of heartbreak. It’s a reminder that even on the sunniest days, shadows can lurk, but there’s always hope on the horizon.

The song is a pop rock gem, featuring electric guitar, bass, drums, and tambourine. The vocals are sung by Doug Yule in a high and clear tone as he sings about losing his love and questioning the sun’s appeal. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, creating a contrast between the cheerful melody and the sad message. The chorus is a rhetorical question that expresses Yule’s indifference to the sun: “Who loves the sun / Who cares that it makes plants grow / Who cares what it does / Since you broke my heart“. The song also features a guitar solo by Lou Reed, which adds a touch of melancholy to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of nostalgia and longing.

She’s Only Happy in the Sun: Ben Harper

Harper paints a poignant picture of a soul seeking solace in the sun’s embrace, a metaphor for the highs and lows of life.

The song is an acoustic ballad featuring guitar, harmonica, and strings. The vocals are sung by Harper in a soft and tender tone, as he sings about a woman who struggles with depression and finds happiness only in the sun. The lyrics are heartfelt and empathetic, as he tries to understand her pain and offer his support. The chorus is a gentle refrain that describes her condition: “She’s only happy in the sun / She’s only happy in the sun“. The song also features a harmonica solo by Harper, which adds a touch of emotion and beauty to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of compassion and hope.

Cold Day in the Sun: Foo Fighters

A celebration of contrasts, this song is a reminder that even on the coldest days, the sun can bring warmth and joy.

The song is a rock anthem, featuring electric guitar, bass, drums, and piano. The vocals are sung by Taylor Hawkins in a raspy and energetic tone as he sings about finding love and happiness in unexpected places. The lyrics are playful and witty, as he uses metaphors and irony to describe his feelings. The chorus is a catchy hook that expresses his surprise and delight: “It’s times like these I need relief / Please show me how it feels to be free / You gave me everything I need / On this cold day in the sun“. The song also features a guitar solo by Dave Grohl, which adds a layer of intensity and power to the song. The song ends with a loud and triumphant finish, leaving listeners with a sense of exhilaration and satisfaction.

Here Comes the Sun: The Beatles

A timeless ode to new beginnings, this song was George Harrison’s ray of hope during The Beatles’ tumultuous times.

The song is a folk rock masterpiece, featuring acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, synthesiser, and handclaps. The vocals are sung by Harrison in a sweet and soothing tone as he sings about feeling optimistic and happy after a long and dark winter. The lyrics are simple and poetic, using imagery and repetition to convey his message. The chorus is an iconic hook that announces the arrival of the sun: “Here comes the sun / And I say / It’s all right“. The song also features an instrumental bridge by Harrison, which adds a touch of complexity and beauty to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of joy and peace.

Island in the Sun: Weezer

A sun-soaked dream of an island paradise, this song is a getaway in melody form.

The song is an alternative rock tune, featuring electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, steel drum, and harmonica. The vocals are sung by Rivers Cuomo in a relaxed and mellow tone as he sings about escaping to an island where he can be free and happy. The lyrics are simple and catchy, creating a vivid picture of his fantasy. The chorus is an irresistible hook that invites listeners to join him in his island adventure: “On an island in the sun / We’ll be playing and having fun / And it makes me feel so fine / I can’t control my brain“. The song also features an instrumental bridge by Cuomo, which adds a touch of tropical flair and fun to the song. The song ends with a fade out, leaving listeners with a sense of relaxation and bliss.

Solar Power: Lorde

Lorde’s breezy anthem is a celebration of nature, freedom, and the rejuvenating power of the sun.

The song is a pop tune, featuring acoustic guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and choir. The vocals are sung by Lorde in a smooth and airy tone as she sings about feeling alive and connected to the earth and the sun. The lyrics are playful and clever, using wordplay and references to pop culture and mythology to express her message. The chorus is a catchy hook that compares herself to the sun: “I’m kinda like a prettier Jesus“. The song also features a bridge by Lorde, where she invites listeners to join her in her solar-powered lifestyle: “Come on and let the bliss begin / Blink three times when you feel it kicking in“. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of joy and liberation.

Sunflower: Post Malone and Swae Lee

A modern classic, this song is a tale of love and longing, with the sunflower symbolising loyalty and constancy.

The song is a hip-hop tune, featuring guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and synthesizer. The vocals are sung by Post Malone and Swae Lee in a melodic and harmonious way as they sing about their complicated relationship with a woman who is like a sunflower. The lyrics are catchy and emotional, using metaphors and imagery to convey their feelings. The chorus is an iconic hook that expresses their devotion and frustration: “You’re my sunflower / You’re my sunflower“. The song also features a rap verse by Swae Lee, where he raps about his struggles and hopes with the woman. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of empathy and romance.

Sun in Our Eyes: MØ and Diplo

It’s a song that captures the essence of summer love; it’s about those fleeting moments that shine the brightest.

The song is an electronic tune, featuring guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, synthesiser, and saxophone. The vocals are sung by MØ and Diplo in a sweet and energetic way as they sing about enjoying the present moment with their lover. The lyrics are simple and catchy, creating a vivid picture of their summer romance. The chorus is a catchy hook that expresses their blissful state of mind: “I feel the sunlight on my head / The scent of summer in my bed / When we’re alone we don’t need much / Just the touch of our love / And the sun in our eyes“. The song also features an instrumental bridge by Diplo, where he adds a touch of danceability and fun to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of nostalgia and happiness.

Sunrise: Kygo and Jason Walker

An electronic ode to new beginnings, this song is all about the promise that every sunrise holds.

The song is an EDM tune, featuring piano, guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, synthesiser, and violin. The vocals are sung by Jason Walker in a powerful and passionate way, as he sings about finding hope and love in every sunrise. The lyrics are uplifting and inspirational, using imagery and repetition to convey his message. The chorus is an irresistible hook that expresses his optimism and gratitude: “With every sunrise / I’m seeing your face / With every sunrise / I feel your embrace / With every sunrise / I’m feeling alive / With every sunrise / I’m thankful for life“. The song also features an instrumental drop by Kygo, where he adds a layer of euphoria and energy to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of awe and wonder.

Sun Is Shining: Bob Marley and Robin Schulz

A rejuvenated classic, this song combines Marley’s timeless vocals with Schulz’s modern beats.

The song is a reggae house tune featuring guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, synthesiser, and saxophone. The vocals are sung by Bob Marley in a smooth and soulful way, as he sings about feeling positive and happy on a sunny day. The lyrics are simple and catchy, creating a contrast between the dark past and the bright present. The chorus is an iconic hook that expresses Marley’s joy and peace: “Sun is shining / The weather is sweet / Make you want to move / Your dancing feet“. The song also features an instrumental drop by Robin Schulz, where he adds a touch of danceability and fun to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of groove and harmony.

House Of The Rising Sun: The Animals

A classic tale of life, love, and loss, this song is a haunting reminder of the sun’s dual nature—it can both heal and hurt.

The song is a blues rock tune, featuring electric guitar, bass, drums, organ, and harmonica. The vocals are sung by Eric Burdon in a raspy and emotional way as he sings about his tragic life story in New Orleans. The lyrics are narrative and dramatic, using imagery and symbolism to convey his message. The chorus is a repeated refrain that warns listeners about the dangers of the house of the rising sun: “There is a house in New Orleans / They call the rising sun / And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy / And God I know I’m one“. The song also features an instrumental solo by Alan Price, where he adds a touch of melancholy and intensity to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of sorrow and regret.

Ain’t No Sunshine: Bill Withers

Withers’ soulful voice captures the pain of longing and the void that’s left when the sun (or love) goes away.

The song is an R&B tune, featuring acoustic guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and strings. The vocals are sung by Withers in a smooth and heartfelt way, as he sings about missing his lover, who left him. The lyrics are simple and poignant, using repetition and contrast to convey his feelings. The chorus is an iconic hook that expresses Withers’ despair and loneliness: “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone / It’s not warm when she’s away / Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone / And she’s always gone too long / Anytime she goes away“. The song also features a bridge by Withers, where he repeats the phrase “I know” 26 times, reflecting his frustration and helplessness. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of empathy and sadness.

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life: Stevie Wonder

A timeless classic, this song is Wonder’s ode to the person who brings sunshine into his life.

The song is a soul tune, featuring piano, bass, drums, keyboard, harmonica, and trumpet. The vocals are sung by Wonder in a sweet and joyful way as he sings about his love and appreciation for his partner. The lyrics are simple and catchy, using imagery and rhyme to convey his message. The chorus is an irresistible hook that expresses Wonder’s happiness and gratitude: “You are the sunshine of my life / That’s why I’ll always be around / You are the apple of my eye / Forever you’ll stay in my heart“. The song also features a harmonica solo by Wonder, where he adds a touch of emotion and beauty to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of love and joy.

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me: Elton John

A heartfelt plea, this song is about cherishing moments before they slip away, much like the setting sun.

The song is a pop rock ballad featuring piano, bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, and saxophone. The vocals are sung by Elton John in a powerful and emotional way, as he sings about losing his love and asking for one more chance. The lyrics are complex and poetic, using imagery and metaphor to convey his message. The chorus is a dramatic hook that expresses John’s desperation and regret: “Don’t let the sun go down on me / Although I search myself, it’s always someone else I see / I’d just allow a fragment of your life to wander free / But losing everything is like the sun going down on me“. The song also features a saxophone solo by David Sanborn, which adds a touch of melancholy and intensity to the song. The song ends with a fade-out, leaving listeners with a sense of sympathy and sorrow.

Conclusion

From ancient ballads to modern beats, the sun has been a constant muse, illuminating our musical landscape. These songs, each a ray of sunshine, offer a glimpse into the myriad ways that the sun influences our emotions, thoughts, and actions. Whether it’s a source of joy, hope, love, or pain, the sun has the power to move us and make us feel alive. So next time you see the sun, why not listen to one of these songs and let it brighten your day?

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