Since time immemorial, humans have been captivated by supernatural beings, particularly angels. No surprise there, as they are beyond what we consider normal.
But it doesn’t stop talented songwriters from putting into words what they think about these celestial beings. By extension, angels also refer to people who have touched our lives and stayed with us through thick and thin.
So continue reading because today, we have come up with a compilation of 13 of the best songs about angels.
1. “Angel” By Sarah McLachlan
What better way to start our list than a song with “angel” in the title, Sarah McLachlan “Angel.” This is a hauntingly beautiful song that explores themes of longing and loss.
McLachlan was inspired to pen “Angel” after learning about musicians who turn to drugs as a way to cope with the pressures of their careers. The most notable musician was Smashing Pumpkins’ keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin who died from an overdose.
In the song, the singer seeks an escape from the darkness that engulfs her. She longs for an angel to take her to a place where she can find respite.
2. “Angels” By Robbie Williams
The power ballad “Angels” by Robbie Williams reflects his belief that our loved ones who died come back in spirit form to take care of us. The song explores themes of love, protection, and spiritual guidance.
In the lyrics, the singer goes through tough times but finds comfort in knowing that angels watch over him. His angel protects him and gives him love unconditionally.
Listeners can resonate with “Angels” because we have that inherent desire to be protected and loved. The song offers comfort and hope during dark times, reminding us that we are not alone.
3. “Earth Angel” By The Penguins
In our list, “Earth Angel” by The Penguins holds a special place. Released in 1954, this beautiful doo-wop song is one of love and longing.
There’s nothing complex about what the song is about. Here, the singer expresses his adoration for his beloved, whom he refers to as his Earth angel. In other words, she is a vision of grace and beauty that only guardian angels could match.
Meanwhile, he refers to himself as “a fool in love” with her. It comes with the intensity of his emotions where his love interest is concerned.
4. “Angel Of The Morning” By Juice Newton
Up next is a song with “angel” in the lyrics. “Angel of the Morning” has been covered by different artists, but it was Juice Newton‘s version that was popular.
If you listen to the song, you’ll agree that it pertains to a love affair. The song starts with the singer recognizing that true love is about letting go. She can face a new day even without him in her life.
The chorus can be interpreted in many ways, depending on how you look at it. The phrase “angel of the morning” refers to a fleeting romance. The woman seems to have accepted their arrangement, accepting that she can’t tie him to her.
5. “Calling All Angels” By Train
In “Calling All Angels” by Train, the narrator speaks of the struggles we face in life. We can easily feel lost and overwhelmed by everything that goes on around us.
Sometimes it can get heavy, and we can’t do it on our own. And so he calls on angels for guidance during difficult times. The chorus serves as a call to arms, urging everyone to call for divine intervention.
The term “angels” can be referred to either literally or metaphorically. Either way, they are the ones who we can turn to for help or relief from our struggles.
6. “Touched By An Angel” By Stevie Nicks
Up next is a song that mentions “angel” and can be interpreted in many ways. Stevie Nicks‘ “Touched By An Angel” was released in 2001 from her album Sweet November.
One way to interpret the song is through someone grieving, particularly at a moment of loss. You can prepare yourself to face such a monumental moment. But when it happens, it still comes as a shock.
On the other hand, Nicks herself explained that the song was about two things. One, it was partly about her band Fleetwood Mac reuniting in 1997. The second stanza particularly captures the moment of seeing each other again.
Two, it was about her feelings regarding the AIDS epidemic. And so she wrote a poem about it and about an angel who’s watching over us.
7. “Angel Eyes” By The Jeff Healey Band
It’s clear from the first lines of “Angel Eyes” by The Jeff Healey Band that this is a love song. It celebrates finding true love and explores themes of attraction, love, and hope.
The lyrics suggest that the singer finds himself captured by the angelic beauty of his love interest. She easily stands out from others, catching the attention of every guy in the room. But she has set her “angelic eyes” on him.
We can tell he feels lucky that a “clown” like him won the love of such a beauty. He expresses his gratitude and wishes that if it’s a dream, no one should wake him, for the woman is the best thing to happen to him.
8. “Angels Among Us” By Alabama
Reminding us of the unseen but ever-present angels in our lives is “Angels Among Us” by Alabama. It speaks to the idea that these celestial beings are constantly watching over us and offering guidance and protection.
However, angels not only refer to these heavenly beings. They are sent to us in the form of strangers and everyday heroes who quietly go about their work, spreading love and kindness without seeking recognition.
With simple yet profound lyrics, Alabama conveys the belief that we can encounter angels anywhere. They are family members, friends, or even strangers who come into our lives at just the right time.
9. “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” By Willie Nelson
If you’re looking for a song with themes of love, loss, and healing, check out “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” by Willie Nelson. This heartfelt ballad captures the essence of vulnerability and love.
The lyrics suggest a man meeting a woman in need of love and healing. For him, she’s like an angel who had “fallen,” and he’s able to give him the support she needs at a trying time.
He also recognizes that one day, she’s going to “fly away” or leave him. And he’s not going to stop her because he’d rather see her up than down. And when that day comes, he will always remember her as an “angel flying too close to the ground.”
10. “Send Me An Angel” By Real Life
The Australian band Real Life released the captivating song “Send Me an Angel” in 1983. Here, the singer longs for love and connection and seeks divine intervention to find that love.
In the lyrics, “angel” is synonymous with “lover” and not necessarily a celestial being. The singer’s plea to “send me an angel” points to his need for some guidance as he struggles with the idea of love.
In some ways, “Send Me An Angel” also reflects humans’ universal need for companionship. The title can be a metaphor for his seeking help so he can go through life’s difficulties.
11. “Angel Of Harlem” By U2
Moving on, we have “Angel of Harlem” from the Irish rock band U2. This soulful and energetic song pays homage to the legendary singer Billie Holiday. She was an influential singer, especially in Harlem, where she began her career.
However, the song is not just about Holiday. It recounts the band’s experiences when they first visited New York City. In the lyrics, you’ll find various landmarks and cultural references associated with both Harlem and New York City.
Through their music, U2 beautifully conveys their admiration for this iconic neighborhood. At the same time, they show the transformative power of music and place.
12. “Fallen Angel” By Poison
The rock ballad “Fallen Angel” by Poison tells the story of a small-town girl who moves to the city to find a better life.
Only to find that city life is far from what she had imagined. It is fast-paced and dangerous. The song refers to her as a fallen angel metaphorically to mark her transition from innocence and naivete to someone who has lost her way.
In her desire to make it big, she turns her back on friends and family. She enjoys the Hollywood lifestyle, partying here and there. But beneath the glamor, she is a lost soul who feels nothing but emptiness.
13. “Angels Don’t Fall In Love” By The Bangles
Last but not least is “Angels Don’t Fall in Love” by The Bangles. This heartfelt song is about the complexities of love and relationships, including the vulnerability involved in falling in love.
The title suggests that angels, as celestial beings, do not fall in love because they are free from human emotions. On the other hand, it can be a metaphor for those who do not want to fall in love to avoid heartbreak.
The line further reinforces this, “You stand at the gate.” It refers to one’s hesitation when entering a new relationship.
Summing Up Our List Of Angel Songs
You’ll find that there are many other songs out there about angels. But our list above is enough to show us what songwriters think about these celestial beings.
From the soul-stirring melodies of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” to the uplifting harmonies of Robbie Williams’ “Angels,” these songs evoke a sense of ethereal grace and divine presence.
So we hope you enjoyed reading about and listening to these wonderful songs. And we also hope that you’ll always have angels (in the literal and metaphorical sense) to guide and watch over you.
