20. R.E.M. – Man on the Moon (1992)
This song pays homage to the eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman and came out when R.E.M. was at its peak. The song is a bit cryptic and draws parallels between moon landing conspiracy theories and the speculation that Kaufman staged his own death. The bassline is reminiscent of another moon-related hit, “The Killing Moon” by Echo and the Bunnymen.
19. The Police – Walking on the Moon (1979)
This chart-topping track features lyrics that showcase Sting’s sometimes quirky writing style (“Giant steps are what you take … I hope my leg don’t break”). The song’s atmospheric sound captures the essence of floating or walking dreamily, inspired by a stroll back from a lover’s home with feet barely touching the ground.
18. Shakespears Sister – Moonchild (1992)
Similar to their hit “Stay,” “Moonchild” by Shakespears Sister blends twisted synth-rock with the contrasting vocal styles of Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit. The song connects with outcasts, offering words of comfort: “Oh, little moonchild, you’re not the only one …”
17. Ozzy Osbourne – Bark at the Moon (1983)
In this track from his third solo album, Ozzy Osbourne dives deep into a gothic horror narrative about a monstrous creature emerging from “a nameless grave.” The song’s intense howling and eerie laughter present a darker, more sinister vibe compared to similar tracks like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London.”
16. The Walkmen – Red Moon (2008)
The Walkmen’s song features a powerful brass section that dominates this ballad, reflecting the lyrical imagery of a riptide. The gravitational pull of the “red moon” in the song symbolizes overwhelming emotions, yet the lyrics offer a hopeful hint of a brighter tomorrow.
15. Radiohead – Sail to the Moon (2003)
Thom Yorke penned this song as a lullaby for his son Noah, contemplating a future where his son might prove a better leader than then-President George W. Bush. The track’s sparse piano arrangement and the shifting time signatures, coupled with Yorke’s falsetto, create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
14. The Microphones – The Moon (2001)
Phil Elverum of The Microphones delivers a lo-fi exploration of personal history and grounding in this track. A couple revisits their childhood towns and finds solace under the moonlight on their rooftop, supported by a soundscape that transitions from a gentle guitar to an overwhelming wall of sound.
13. Neko Case – I Wish I Was the Moon (2002)
Neko Case’s song is a spacious, country ballad that could easily be mistaken for a classic from the mid-20th century. The lyrics express longing and estrangement, possibly reflecting her relationship with her distant father, with a powerful vocal delivery over an undulating accordion.
12. Nick Drake – Pink Moon (1972)
Nick Drake’s haunting title track from his final album portrays a fleeting, ethereal moon on a cloudy night. The song’s delicate piano and acoustic guitar underscore a subtle but ominous warning: “None of you stand so tall / Pink moon gonna get ye all.”
11. Frank Sinatra and Count Basie – Fly Me to the Moon (1964)
Originally titled “In Other Words,” this song was rebranded and popularized a decade after its first recording by Kaye Ballard. By 1964, Sinatra and Basie’s version resonated with the era’s burgeoning space exploration excitement, making celestial travel seem almost within reach.
10. Ella Fitzgerald and the Delta Rhythm Boys – It’s Only a Paper Moon (1945)
This jazz standard performed by Ella Fitzgerald and the Delta Rhythm Boys whimsically captures a world where love turns the impossible into reality. The song gained additional layers of meaning when used in Tennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire,” highlighting its bittersweet, illusory quality.
9. Benny Goodman and Helen Forrest – The Moon Won’t Talk (1940)
In this vibrant big band track, Helen Forrest sings of the moon as a silent witness to secretive midnight escapades. Despite her pleas, the moon remains tight-lipped, adding to the mystery and intrigue of a lover’s clandestine stroll under its watchful presence.
8. Public Service Broadcasting – Go! (2015)
The track “Go!” from the album “The Race for Space” by Public Service Broadcasting blends historical NASA transmissions with music to recount the Cold War-era space race. The intense beats and dramatic mission control communications capture the thrilling moments leading up to a lunar landing.
7. David Bowie – Space Oddity (1969)
David Bowie’s iconic song, released just days before Apollo 11’s launch, offers a poignant look at the isolation of space travel through the story of Major Tom, a figure who becomes a reluctant celebrity while feeling distanced and uneasy in his spacecraft.
6. Julie Byrne – Moonless (2023)
In “Moonless,” Julie Byrne explores her mourning for Eric Littmann, her late partner, using the absence of the moon as a metaphor for her loss. Her serene vocals over subtle piano work convey a sense of acceptance and resilience amidst sorrow.
5. The Three Degrees – Everybody Gets to Go to the Moon (1971)
This exuberant track by The Three Degrees, written by Jimmy Webb, captures the excitement of the space age with its dynamic portrayal of moon colonization. The song mirrors the era’s optimism and technological promises, echoed in its energetic delivery.
4. Audrey Hepburn – Moon River (1961)
“Moon River,” performed by Audrey Hepburn in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” nearly didn’t make the final cut. Hepburn’s heartfelt rendition, accompanied by her guitar, beautifully conveys the dreams and companionship evoked in Johnny Mercer’s lyrics.
3. Gil Scott-Heron – Whitey on the Moon (1970)
Gil Scott-Heron delivers a biting critique of the Apollo program’s extravagant costs and lack of diversity with “Whitey on the Moon.” His sharp lyrics juxtapose the stark realities of 1960s urban life against the backdrop of a costly lunar mission, highlighting profound social disparities.
2. Elvis Presley – Blue Moon (1956)
Elvis Presley’s rendition of the Rodgers and Hart classic “Blue Moon” stands out with its haunting, almost whispered delivery. The track builds tension slowly until Presley’s voice breaks into a powerful yodel, echoing the mysterious and eerie atmosphere of a moonlit night.
1. Paul Simon – Song About the Moon (1983)
Paul Simon’s “Song About the Moon” argues that the moon can symbolize any human emotion. Initially part of a reunion album with Art Garfunkel, the song eventually featured on Simon’s solo album after he removed Garfunkel’s contributions, leading to another rift between the duo. The song reflects the complexities of creative partnerships, much like the enigmatic nature of the moon itself.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
