10 Best Songs With The Word "Moon' In The Title

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In popular culture, particularly in music, the moon has been one of the most enduring and versatile symbols. Musicians have drawn upon its mystique to evoke a wide range of emotions and themes, from romance to melancholy, from rebellion to introspection. The moon’s presence in songwriting often speaks to its ability to embody both beauty and mystery, offering artists a rich symbol with which to explore complex emotions. Across generations, the moon has been a constant muse, inspiring countless songs that range from love ballads to rock anthems, each artist drawing upon the moon’s symbolic power in their own unique way.

In this article, we explore some of the greatest songs in classic rock that use the moon as a central theme. Artists as diverse as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones have all turned to the moon to convey powerful emotions and ideas, each bringing their distinct style and interpretation. From the ominous warnings of “Bad Moon Rising” to the romantic charm of “Moondance,” these songs demonstrate the wide array of meanings the moon can carry in music. While this list primarily focuses on rock songs, the universal appeal of the moon in music spans genres, reflecting its timeless influence on artists across generations. Here, we take a closer look at how these classic rock icons have used the moon to create some of the most memorable and iconic songs of all time.

As we move through this list of moon-inspired songs, it becomes clear that the moon is more than just a celestial body; it’s a symbol that taps into the deepest parts of the human experience. Whether expressing joy, sorrow, or mystery, these songs remind us of the moon’s eternal place in art and culture, making it one of the most enduring symbols in music history.

# 10 – Blue Oyster Cult -Moon Crazy

“Moon Crazy” by Blue Öyster Cult is the first song on this list of the 10 Best Songs With The Word “Moon” in the Title. Featured on the band’s Mirrors album, released on June 19, 1979, “Moon Crazy” stands out with its pop-rock sound, contrasting with the darker tones that Blue Öyster Cult had been known for in their earlier works. Produced by Tom Werman, this album marked a significant departure for the band, as it was their first not produced by long-time collaborator Sandy Pearlman. Recorded at Kendun Recorders in Burbank, CBS Recording Studios in New York City, and The Record Plant in Los Angeles.

# 9 – The Moon Upstairs – Mott The Hoople

“The Moon Upstairs” by Mott the Hoople is the third entry in the list of the 10 Best Songs With The Word “Moon” in the Title. This fiery track from the band’s 1971 album Brain Capers stands out for its raw energy and aggressive sound, making it one of Mott the Hoople’s most powerful songs. Written by lead vocalist Ian Hunter and guitarist Mick Ralphs, “The Moon Upstairs” showcases the band’s signature blend of hard rock and glam influences, which would later be fully realized in their subsequent albums. Brain Capers, often considered a turning point for the band, was produced by Guy Stevens and recorded at Island Studios in London. Although the album didn’t achieve the commercial success of their later work, it remains a cult favorite for many fans.

Read More: Top 10 Mott The Hoople Songs

# 8 – Full Moon – The Kinks

“Full Moon” by The Kinks is the fourth entry in the list of the 10 Best Songs With The Word “Moon” in the Title. Featured on their 1977 album Sleepwalker, “Full Moon” showcases Ray Davies’ introspective songwriting during a period when the band transitioned from their earlier rock-opera style to a more straightforward rock sound. Sleepwalker, released under the Arista label, marked a return to commercial success for The Kinks, and “Full Moon” fits perfectly within the album’s exploration of personal turmoil and emotional unrest. Produced by Ray Davies and recorded at Konk Studios in London, this track adds a reflective element to the list, as Davies delves into themes of inner conflict and the emotional toll of life’s uncertainties.

Musically, “Full Moon” features Ray Davies on vocals and guitar, with Dave Davies contributing lead guitar, Mick Avory on drums, John Gosling on keyboards, and Andy Pyle on bass.

# 7 – Grapefruit Moon – Tom Waits

This haunting ballad appears on Waits’ debut album Closing Time, released in 1973, showcasing his early talent for blending jazz, folk, and blues influences with deeply poetic lyrics. Waits, known for his gravelly voice and evocative songwriting, composed “Grapefruit Moon” as one of the more introspective and emotionally rich tracks on the album. Produced by Jerry Yester and recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, Closing Time marked the beginning of Waits’ remarkable career, with “Grapefruit Moon” standing out as a poignant meditation on loneliness and lost love.

# 6 – Walking On The Moon – The Police

Released in 1979 on the band’s second album, Reggatta de Blanc, this track stands as one of their most iconic hits. Written by lead vocalist and bassist Sting, “Walking on the Moon” combines the band’s signature blend of reggae rhythms and rock influences, a sound that helped define their early success. The song was a major commercial hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying The Police’s position as one of the leading bands of the era. Produced by the band members—Sting, guitarist Andy Summers, and drummer Stewart Copeland—along with producer Nigel Gray, Reggatta de Blanc was recorded at Surrey Sound Studios in Leatherhead, England.

# 5 – Moonlight Drive – The Doors

Strange Days (50th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

“Moonlight Drive” by The Doors was released in 1967 on their second studio album, Strange Days. The song stands as one of the band’s most mystical and poetic tracks. Written by all four members—Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore—it was one of the earliest songs the band worked on together. The song was released as the B-side to “Love Me Two Times,” which reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. Strange Days, produced by Paul A. Rothchild and recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, further solidified The Doors’ place in the burgeoning psychedelic rock movement of the late 1960s.

# 4 – Mr. Moonlight – The Beatles

“Mr. Moonlight” by The Beatles is the eighth entry in the list of the 10 Best Songs With The Word “Moon” in the Title. Featured on their 1964 album Beatles for Sale, this track showcases the band’s early willingness to cover lesser-known songs, bringing their unique flair to a wide range of material. Initially written by Roy Lee Johnson, “Mr. Moonlight” had been recorded by other artists before The Beatles made it their own, and their version stands out due to its distinctive arrangement and John Lennon’s powerful vocal delivery. Beatles for Sale, produced by George Martin, was recorded at EMI Studios (later known as Abbey Road Studios) in London.

# 3 – Moonlight Mile – The Rolling Stones

“Moonlight Mile” by The Rolling Stones was released on their iconic 1971 album Sticky Fingers, this hauntingly beautiful track is often regarded as one of the band’s finest recordings. Its emotional depth, lush arrangement, and introspective lyrics make it stand out not only on the album but also in the band’s extensive catalog. Uniquely, Keith Richards did not perform on this track, with lead guitar duties handled by Mick Taylor, whose delicate and expressive playing gives “Moonlight Mile” its distinctive sound. The song was recorded at Stargroves, Mick Jagger’s country estate, with additional work done at Olympic Studios in London, under the production of Jimmy Miller.

# 2 – Moondance – Van Morrison

Fusing elements of jazz, R&B, and rock, “Moondance” captivated a broad audience with its smooth, sophisticated sound and evocative lyrics. While the song is now considered an iconic classic, it was not released as a single until seven years after the album’s initial release. The track’s effortless mix of jazz-inspired rhythms and pop accessibility helped solidify Moondance as one of Van Morrison’s defining albums.

The song paints a picture of a perfect evening filled with love and connection, using the moon as a backdrop for an intimate encounter. Lines like “Well, it’s a marvelous night for a moondance” and “Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?” emphasize the mood of enchantment and passion. The moon here becomes a symbol of romantic possibility, casting a soft glow over the scene as the couple enjoys their “moondance” together. The jazz-influenced rhythms and gentle swing of the music perfectly match the lyrics’ sophisticated, romantic vibe.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite Van Morrison Songs

# 1 – Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is the closing entry in the list of the 10 Best Songs With The Word “Moon” in the Title. Released in 1969 as part of their Green River album, this iconic track is one of the band’s most well-known songs, written by lead vocalist and guitarist John Fogerty. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and it has since become synonymous with the band’s signature swamp rock style. The Green River album, produced by John Fogerty and recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, cemented Creedence Clearwater Revival’s reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1960s.

John Fogerty, along with the rest of the band—Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on drums—delivers a sound that blends rock, country, and blues influences. The song’s jangly guitar riffs (though Fogerty’s style is much more rooted in rock and blues) and driving rhythm provide an infectious energy, which contrasts sharply with the song’s apocalyptic lyrical themes.