The ocean waves are a source of endless inspiration, symbolizing power, beauty, and the ebb and flow of life. Musicians have long been drawn to their allure, creating songs that capture the magic, the tranquility, or the raw force of these natural wonders. Here are eight songs that pay homage to ocean waves.
8 Songs That Paint a Vivid Picture of the Dance of Ocean Waves
1. “Sail Away” – Randy Newman
The lyrics of “Sail Away” paint a vivid picture of setting out on the ocean, with waves as the backdrop. Newman sings, “Sail away, sail away. Sail away to the sea. The British are coming, the British are coming. We’ll cut off their feet, we’ll cut off their hands. We’ll cut off their noses, we’ll cut off their cans. We’ll stick feathers up their behinds, they’ll look just like Indians.” While the song has a satirical undertone about the slave trade, the imagery of sailing on the ocean waves adds a sense of adventure and the vastness of the sea. The simple yet effective melody makes it easy to envision the waves carrying the ship on its journey.
2. “Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin
This classic song is filled with the romance and allure of the ocean. The lyrics, “Somewhere beyond the sea. Somewhere waiting for me. My lover stands on golden sands. And watches the ships that go sailing in. Somewhere beyond the sea. She’s there watching for me. If I could fly like birds on high. Then straight to her arms. I’d go sailing in” evoke a sense of longing and the beauty of the ocean landscape. Darin’s smooth vocals and the swinging melody create an atmosphere that makes the listener feel as if they are on a ship, gliding over the gentle ocean waves towards a loved one.
3. “The Ocean” – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” has a driving rhythm that mimics the relentless power of ocean waves. The lyrics, “We come from the land of the ice and snow. From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow. The hammer of the gods. Will drive our ships to new lands. To fight the horde, singing and crying. Valhalla, I am coming” combined with the heavy – hitting drums and guitar riffs, give a sense of the ocean as a powerful, almost mythical force. It’s as if the waves are a vehicle for adventure and a challenge, much like the epic voyages of old.
4. “Kokomo” – The Beach Boys
This song is a celebration of a tropical paradise by the ocean. The lyrics, “Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya. To Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama. Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go. Jamaica, Kokomo” bring to mind warm beaches and gently rolling ocean waves. The Beach Boys’ signature harmonies and the laid – back, surf – inspired melody create a relaxing atmosphere, as if the listener is lying on the sand, listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
5. “Wave” – Astrud Gilberto
Astrud Gilberto’s “Wave” is an elegant bossa nova that captures the smooth, flowing nature of ocean waves. The Portuguese lyrics, “Aguas de março, suaves como o ar. Vão e vêm, vão e vêm, ao som do meu carinho” (Waters of March, as soft as the air. They come and go, they come and go, to the sound of my affection) paired with the gentle rhythm and Gilberto’s soft vocals, create a dreamy image of the ocean’s waves in a constant, graceful motion. It’s a song that can transport the listener to a peaceful, sun – kissed beach.
6. “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Hillsong United
In a more spiritual context, this song uses the imagery of the ocean to represent the vastness and power of God. The lyrics, “You call me out upon the waters. The great unknown where feet may fail. And there I find You in the mystery. In oceans deep. My faith will stand” compare the experience of following God to walking on the ocean, where the waves symbolize the uncertainties and challenges of life. The anthemic, worship – style melody gives a sense of awe and surrender, much like the feeling one might have when facing the immensity of the ocean.
7. “Waves” – Dean Lewis
The lyrics of “Waves” use the metaphor of waves to describe the ebb and flow of emotions. Lewis sings, “I’ve been trying to keep it all together. But I’m drowning in the waves. I’m losing all my colors. I’m going under. I’m going under” The song’s slow – building melody, with its strong percussion and emotional vocals, mirrors the rising and falling of the waves, just as emotions can build up and then recede. It shows how the concept of ocean waves can be used to express the complex and often unpredictable nature of human feelings.
8. “Riptide” – Vance Joy
This song has an infectious, upbeat rhythm that can be associated with the energy of ocean waves. The lyrics, “I was scared of dentists and the dark. I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations. Oh, all my friends are turning green. You’re the magician’s assistant in their dreams” combined with the catchy melody create a sense of adventure, like riding the waves of life. It’s as if the waves are carrying the singer through different experiences, both scary and exciting.
Conclusion
These eight songs offer a diverse range of perspectives on ocean waves. From the romantic and relaxing to the powerful and spiritual, they each capture a different aspect of the ocean’s allure. Whether through lyrics that describe the physical beauty of the waves or use them as a metaphor for life, these songs remind us of the ocean’s power to inspire, soothe, and evoke a wide range of emotions.
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