Dive In: 26 of the Best Songs About Water

Updated at: 13/01/2025

The ocean's vastness, the gentle patter of rain, the life-giving flow of a river – water has always been a powerful muse for songwriters. This list isn't just a compilation of catchy tunes; it's a journey through the evocative power of water in music, exploring how different artists have captured its many moods and meanings. From the melancholic depths of heartbreak to the exhilarating rush of a summer storm, the songs featured here represent a diverse range of musical styles and emotional landscapes. We're celebrating the enduring magic of songs that evoke the fluidity, power, and mystery of water, reminding us of its crucial role in our lives and in the fabric of artistic expression.

Whether you're seeking the uplifting spirit of a tropical paradise or the reflective solace of a quiet moment by the shore, this collection offers a truly immersive aquatic experience. The songs selected showcase the remarkable ability of music to transport us, to stir emotions, and to connect us to the natural world around us. From infectious dance tracks to soulful ballads, each song offers a unique perspective on this essential element, proving that the best music is often found where the unexpected flows. This curated list aims to introduce both familiar favorites and hidden gems, encouraging you to dive deep into a world of aquatic soundscapes that resonate across generations.

Dive In: 26 of the Best Songs About Water
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Cry Me a River Justin Timberlake Justified 527M+
2. Rain On Me Lady Gaga
Ariana Grande 		On The 6 419M+
3. Under the Sea Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright) 366M+
4. Rivers of Babylon Boney M. 288M+
5. Waterfalls TLC Crazysexycool 158M+
6. the Dock of the Bay Otis Redding The Dock of the Bay (Mono) 127M+
7. Walk on Water Eminem 80M+

1. Cry Me a River (2002)

Dive into Justin Timberlake's emotionally resonant "Cry Me a River" a track that resonated deeply with audiences upon its 2002 release. Produced by a powerhouse team including Timbaland and Scott Storch, the song's blend of pop and R&B, incorporating elements like Gregorian chants, quickly garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Its Grammy Award win and MTV Video Music Awards recognition solidified its place in music history. While widely speculated to be inspired by Timberlake's highly publicized breakup with Britney Spears, the song's universal themes of heartbreak and betrayal continue to connect with listeners on a profound level, sparking ongoing discussions and interpretations years after its release.

Cry Me a River - Justin Timberlake

2. Rain On Me

In the landscape of upbeat electronic pop, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's "Rain On Me" stands out as a cathartic dance anthem. The song uses the metaphor of rain – sometimes torrential, sometimes cleansing – to represent overcoming hardship and embracing vulnerability. Lyrical imagery of "water like misery" washing away sins powerfully connects the emotional weight of tears and emotional cleansing to the deluge of sound. Musically, the driving synth-disco beat and layered vocals create a powerful, yet ultimately uplifting, feeling, mirroring the emotional journey from despair to resilience. "Rain On Me" isn't just a catchy tune; it's a sonic experience that celebrates the strength found in shared vulnerability. The song’s success, reflected in its chart-topping achievements and Grammy Award, speaks to its universal resonance with listeners who connect with its themes of resilience and emotional catharsis.

Rain On Me - Lady Gaga,Ariana Grande

3. Under the Sea (1989)

What makes "Under the Sea" performed by Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright), such a captivating celebration of the ocean? The song's vibrant melody and infectious rhythm immediately transport listeners to a world teeming with underwater life. Lyrical imagery of "dashing through the coral caves" and "stinging, stinging, quickly stinging" jellyfish vividly paints a picture of bustling marine activity, while the overall mood is pure, unadulterated joy. Water here symbolizes freedom and boundless wonder, a vibrant ecosystem brimming with life and energy. The calypso-infused instrumentation, with its bright horns and playful percussion, perfectly mirrors the playful energy of the ocean's inhabitants, enhancing the thematic celebration of underwater life. This joyful depiction of the ocean’s beauty and wonder makes "Under the Sea" a standout in the realm of songs about water.

Under the Sea - Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright)

4. Rivers of Babylon

"Rivers of Babylon" by Boney M., transcends mere musicality; it's a poignant journey through exile and longing. The song masterfully uses the imagery of the "rivers of Babylon" – a biblical reference to captivity – to evoke a profound sense of melancholic reflection. The lyrics, drawing from Psalm 137, paint a vivid picture of the Israelites' sorrow and forced servitude, where the water's flow mirrors their own tears and displacement. The repetitive melody, coupled with the reggae-influenced rhythm, creates a hypnotic effect, enhancing the feeling of sorrow and yearning for a return to Zion, a home represented by peace and freedom. The water imagery symbolizes not just a geographical location but also the emotional turmoil and spiritual yearning of a people separated from their homeland. The song's enduring power lies in its ability to tap into universal themes of loss, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Rivers of Babylon - Boney M.

5. Waterfalls (Crazysexycool - 1995)

TLC's "Waterfalls" isn't just a song; it's a powerful statement. From its opening notes, the track draws listeners into a compelling narrative using water as a potent metaphor. The lyrics poignantly depict the destructive currents of drug abuse and risky behavior, likening them to the relentless flow of a waterfall, unstoppable and potentially devastating. This imagery isn't merely descriptive; it underscores the song's somber mood, highlighting the inescapable consequences of poor choices. Water, in this context, symbolizes the unforgiving nature of life's challenges and the difficulty of escaping harmful patterns. The song's impactful message is further enhanced by its smooth R&B production, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that mirrors the seductive yet dangerous nature of the themes explored. "Waterfalls" stands out for its unflinching portrayal of social issues, its innovative use of water imagery, and its lasting impact on popular culture.

Waterfalls - TLC
  • the Dock of the Bay
    6

    the Dock of the Bay

    Otis Redding

    1968

    The Dock of the Bay (Mono)

  • Walk on Water
    7

    Walk on Water

    Eminem

    2002

  • Water Runs Dry
    8

    Water Runs Dry

    Boyz II Men

    1995

  • Island In The Sun
    9

    Island In The Sun

    Weezer

    2001

    Weezer

  • Surfin' U.S.A
    10

    Surfin' U.S.A

    The Beach Boys

    1963

    Surfin' USA (Remastered)

  • The River of Dreams
    11

    The River of Dreams

    Billy Joel

    1993

  • Under the Boardwalk
    12

    Under the Boardwalk

    The Drifters

    1964

  • The River
    13

    The River

    Bruce Springsteen

    1980

    The River

  • Bridge Over Troubled Water
    14

    Bridge Over Troubled Water

    Simon and Garfunkel

    1970

  • Something in the Water
    15

    Something in the Water

    Carrie Underwood

    2014

    Cry Pretty

  • Water Under the Bridge
    16

    Water Under the Bridge

    Adele

    2015

    25

  • Water
    17

    Water

    Brad Paisley

    2007

  • Black Water
    18

    Black Water

    Of Monsters and Men

    2011

  • The Tide Is High
    19

    The Tide Is High

    Blondie

    1980

    Parallel Lines

  • Smoke On The Water
    20

    Smoke On The Water

    Deep Purple

    1972

    Machine Head

  • River Deep – Mountain High
    21

    River Deep – Mountain High

    Tina Turner,Ike

    1966

  • River
    22

    River

    Joni Mitchell

    1971

    Blue

  • Don't Drink the Water
    23

    Don't Drink the Water

    Dave Matthews Band

    1998

  • Big Yellow Taxi
    24

    Big Yellow Taxi

    Joni Mitchell

    1970

  • Sea of Love
    25

    Sea of Love

    Phil Phillips

    1959

  • Down To The Waterline
    26

    Down To The Waterline

    Dire Straits

    1978

    Dire Straits