The sun, without a doubt, is important in our lives. Living things depend on the sun’s light for energy, and without it, nothing would flourish.
The sun is also a metaphor for hope, positivity, happiness, and good energy.
We have rounded up 25 of the best songs about the sun that range from uplifting ballads to heartbreaking compositions.
There’s a wide variety on our list, so go ahead and have a look-see, and you might just find your favorite!
- OneRepublic – Sunshine
- David Guetta – Lovers On The Sun
- Sheryl Crow – Soak Up The Sun
- Kelly Clarkson – The Sun Will Rise
- Michael Franti & Spearhead – The Sound Of Sunshine
- The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun
- Johnny Cash – You Are My Sunshine
- Anees – Sun And Moon
- The Panturas – Sunshine
- Weezer – Island In The Sun
- The Doors – Waiting For The Sun
- The Beatles – Good Day Sunshine
- Stevie Wonder – You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
- Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
- Vance Joy – Saturday Sun
- Bobby Hebb – Sunny
- The Beach Boys – The Warmth Of The Sun
- Matisyahu – Sunshine
- Ray Charles – You Are My Sunshine
- Kenny Chesney – Trip Around The Sun
- The Wanted – Chasing The Sun
- Ella Fitzgerald – On The Sunny Side Of The Street
- Gale Garnett – We’ll Sing in the Sunshine
- ¿Téo? – Belong In The Sun
- La Femme – Always In The Sun
1. OneRepublic – Sunshine
There’s no other song that would get you pumped for the day than this upbeat 2021 single.
Featured as the theme song of the film “Clifford The Big Red Dog” (yes, you read that right), “Sunshine” is vibrant with feel-good undertones and a catchy beat.
The uptempo song encourages you to drop all the superficiality and materialism and live your best, authentic life.
2. David Guetta – Lovers On The Sun
This house-tinged anthem is perfect if you want to throw a wild, exhilarating party!
Taking inspiration from Spaghetti Western films, this song tells the story of a couple that compares the intensity of their love to the sun.
With dynamic effects and melodies, this song is irresistible and a certified dance track!
3. Sheryl Crow – Soak Up The Sun
Crow composed this song when she was recovering from surgery.
Released in 2002, this summery track can be interpreted in many ways, from consumerism to appreciating the small things that money can’t buy in life.
The song features a cheerful tune, Beach Boys-esque harmonies, and Crow’s relaxing vocals that add on to its sunshiny appeal.
During a live performance in 2019, Crow dedicated this song to Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
4. Kelly Clarkson – The Sun Will Rise
Clarkson showcases her incredible vocal range while uplifting our spirits in this powerful 2011 single.
Released on her album Stronger, the song is about never giving up and moving forward despite not seeing the way out yet.
She uses the sun as a metaphor for hope and transformation, reassuring us that everything will be alright.
5. Michael Franti & Spearhead – The Sound Of Sunshine
The simplicity of this indie pop track is part of its main appeal. It describes the sun’s ability to make any day better.
The song also revolves around taking pleasure in the good things in life, even when your circumstances aren’t the best.
The track has been featured in films like Blue Crush 2, Yogi Bear, and Soul Surfer.
6. The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun
It’s an old classic, but it’s far too iconic to ever go out of style.
The mellow instrumentals, graceful tune, and lyrics of optimism make it a warm, comfy track that makes everything feel a little better.
7. Johnny Cash – You Are My Sunshine
“You Are My Sunshine” is an old-time American country standard that has been covered by various artists over the decades.
It was originally published by Jimmy Davis and Charles Mitchell. Cash’s interpretation of the song is one of the most popular versions around.
With a melancholic tune, the heartbreaking track revolves around a man who’s been abandoned by the sunshine of his life and wishes she’d come back.
8. Anees – Sun And Moon
The best way to describe this song is that it’s adorable and fresh with a load of positivity.
Anees’ 2022 romantic ballad finds him singing to the girl of his dreams, whom he sees as his ‘sun and moon.’
The catchy tune and jovial lyrics are sure to uplift your spirits and put a smile on your face.
9. The Panturas – Sunshine
Indonesian surf-rock group The Panturas brings us a slice of something musically different in their 2018 “Sunshine”.
Setting a nostalgic, breezy vibe, the song is dedicated to the people whose presence we still miss, whether they are lovers, friends, or family members.
10. Weezer – Island In The Sun
Have you ever wanted to run away to a beautiful, peaceful place for some relaxation time?
The main theme of this rock-infused track centers on the fantasy of escaping with a loved one to a sunny island.
With airy guitars, hopeful lyrics, and laidback vocals, it has a certain wistful vibe that makes you want to pack your bags and fly off somewhere too.
11. The Doors – Waiting For The Sun
Published on the 1970 album Morrison Hotel, this bluesy single can be interpreted as a heartbreak ballad or simple track on delighting in nature.
It’s a mesmerizing listen, though, with a slow-paced tune and vocal delivery.
12. The Beatles – Good Day Sunshine
This Beatles pop classic is the epitome of sunshine and joy, as it blends themes of romantic love and sunny days in the lyrics.
It’s a simple yet effective song that wouldn’t fail to make you smile.
The track radiates good vibes and optimism with its uptempo beat and simplistic vocals.
13. Stevie Wonder – You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
Honestly, anything Stevie Wonder touches becomes a number-one hit. This soulful ballad about enduring love topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973, the year it was released.
It even won Wonder a Grammy award and stands out as a soft, haunting ballad that steals our hearts today.
14. Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
This poetic song sees John singing about his complicated relationship with his love interest.
It was fairly successful in 1974, featuring emotional harmonies and stirring instrumentation.
The track uses the sun in a different way, intending it as a metaphor to signal the end of a relationship.
15. Vance Joy – Saturday Sun
“Saturday Sun” starts out with a burst of emotions as it opens up with Joy’s powerful vocals.
The track goes out to all the youthful, wide-eyed lovers out there who have the courage to proclaim their love to the sun.
Joy was partly inspired to write this song after he went on a long drive during a holiday in Malibu.
16. Bobby Hebb – Sunny
You might have heard of the Cher version or even the classic Boney M cover. But nothing beats the original by Bobby Hebb, first published in 1966.
This jazzy standard revolves around looking on the bright side of life.
It can even be understood as a song about appreciating the beauty of the sun.
The lighthearted rhythm and Hebb’s airy vocals set a breezy, out-of-this-world vibe that would make anyone’s day better.
17. The Beach Boys – The Warmth Of The Sun
This 1964 song is regarded as one of the group’s finest ballads. The track was written on the day President F. Kennedy was assassinated.
The ballad features a sad and melancholic melody that revolves around the loss of love.
Yet, it’s a sublime composition that provides you with a lush and smooth listening experience.
18. Matisyahu – Sunshine
Matisyahu weaves his faith into this upbeat 2012 track about keeping your spirits strong as you overcome the hardships of life.
The optimistic beats, uplifting message, and energetic rhythm get you hyped for the day.
19. Ray Charles – You Are My Sunshine
You might mistake this song for an original when you first listen to it. In truth, it’s Charles’ modern take on Davis and Mitchell’s 1939 hit.
While the original was slow and sentimental, this cover is snazzy, suave, and smooth with its jazzy edge and velvety vocals.
20. Kenny Chesney – Trip Around The Sun
This fast-paced country track fits perfectly on your road trip soundtracks or vacation reels.
Released in 2016, the song is about traveling to different places to discover new experiences. It exudes a sense of excitement and curiosity along with its bubbly tune.
21. The Wanted – Chasing The Sun
Aside from being featured on The Wanted’s 2012 EP, it also served as one of the main theme songs for the 2012 film Ice Age: Continental Drift.
With an electropop-tinged groove, energetic synths, and dynamic rhythm, it’s a great song about chasing your dreams and celebrating the best moments in life.
22. Ella Fitzgerald – On The Sunny Side Of The Street
This song is simply contagious, especially with Fitzgerald’s exquisite vocals.
Originally composed by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields, her version radiates a soothing yet positive vibe that gets you feeling all cheerful and happy.
It’s one of the best feel-good ballads out there.
23. Gale Garnett – We’ll Sing in the Sunshine
This 1964 hit has an endearing tone to it with its mellow tune and sweet vocals.
The song revolves around a woman who doesn’t believe in long-term relationships. She agrees to stay with a man for one year before sending him off.
It’s a fantastic track that would surely be stuck in your head for some time!
24. ¿Téo? – Belong In The Sun
If you’re looking for a mellow, lighthearted song for your beach trips, this catchy track is perfect for you.
This romantic ballad gets you all laidback and carefree as you spend time with your loved one.
25. La Femme – Always In The Sun
Sometimes life gets you down, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay sad all the time.
This haunting, dreamy ballad gives us a reality check, revealing that there are always ups and downs to expect in our daily lives.
The song has a trippy vibe, delivered over sultry vocals, mesmerizing beats, and synths.
Don’t forget to explore our curated collection of the best moon-themed songs!
