There’s something both calming and awe-inspiring about the clouds. Whether you’re looking up at fluffy white clouds on a clear day or watching dark storm clouds roll in, they never fail to capture our attention.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at 18 of the best songs about clouds in the sky. And while we’re at it, let’s discover what makes so many songwriters use them in their lyrics.
So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing song to listen to while watching the clouds pass by or a powerful anthem about the majesty of nature, these songs have you covered. Let’s get started.
1. “Just A Cloud Away” By Pharrell Williams
Let’s start our list with a catchy song that conveys a message of optimism and resilience. “Just a Cloud Away” by Pharrell Williams uses the metaphor of clouds to tell us that the solution we seek is not far. In fact, it’s just beyond the shifting nature of clouds.
The song portrays the clouds as temporary hurdles or obstacles, and everyone has faced struggles at some point. It’s important to maintain positive energy and strength despite the difficulties.
After all, challenges can be overcome, just like how clouds can move and clear away to reveal a sunny day. This could be interpreted as encouragement to push through difficult times.
Related: Up next, our list of songs to do with the weather.
2. “Clouds” By Børns
Infatuation brings our heads into the clouds, as Børns shows in the romantic song “Clouds.” The track is from his debut album, released in 2015.
The cloud of love makes the narrator oblivious to everything else in life while he thinks of that special one he loves. The lyrics talk about how he has forgotten about his dreams, time, and space. Yet he remembers clearly the face of his beloved.
In essence, the song uses the metaphor of clouds to explore themes of love. It’s a deeply relatable song for people who have experienced having their heads in the clouds when it comes to their loved ones.
3. “Cloudy Day” By Tones And I
Up next, we have the song “Cloudy Day,” released in 2021 by Tones and I. Here, she sings of the beauty within the gray days of life.
In the lyrics, the narrator questions her life and the choices she has made. The doubt pulls her back to the day her mother reminded her to find the sun even on cloudy days — physically and metaphorically.
The “clouds” in the lyrics are a metaphor for hardships and challenges. The song reminds us to look at the bright side and think of the sun hiding behind the dark clouds whenever we feel lost or confused.
4. “Thunderclouds” By LSD Ft. Sia, Diplo, And Labrinth
Released in 2018, “Thunderclouds” is a collaboration between Labrinth, Sia, and Diplo, or LSD. Here, thunderclouds are a metaphor for issues and conflicts that arise in a relationship.
Tumultuous times occur when trust is broken or when negative thoughts cloud judgment. But the narrator reassures their partner of their love. They encourage their better half to trust them and not fear the storms that come their way.
The storms referenced are nothing catastrophic. The partner is encouraged to view them as clouds on the horizon that will eventually yield to the sunlight.
5. “Clouds” By NF
The powerful song “Clouds” by American rapper NF was released in 2021. It talks about clouds as a metaphor for the things that weigh one down.
The lyrics depict the challenges and struggles that often obscure one’s vision and hinder personal growth. The message behind the song is one about staying true to oneself and taking charge of one’s life. That is, despite the “clouds” or difficulties that stand in the way.
NF goes on to say that his head is finally out of the clouds and he’s more prepared than ever to take on his journey.
6. “King Of The Clouds” By Panic! At The Disco
Next, we look to the band Panic! At The Disco and their song “King of the Clouds,” which is one of their most popular songs. The uplifting track is from their Pray for the Wicked album and was released in 2018.
The song inspires listeners to follow their dreams, get lost in their thoughts, and thrive in their imagination. The narrator states that while some live their lives without accomplishing anything, he aims to climb higher and achieve everything he sets out to.
In addition, he expresses the ambitions and dreams he wishes to fulfill. He keeps his head as high as the sky to reach the top where he hopes to be one day.
7. “Cloud Nine” By Evanescence
From Evanescence‘s The Open Door album comes the heartbreaking song “Cloud Nine.” This indie-metal song is the fifth track in this 2006 album.
Despite the term “cloud” in the title, this track is a gloomier representation of cloud nine. Rather than feeling in love, the singer is falling off cloud nine to the harsh reality of the world below.
Here, the narrator realizes that she can live without the other person in her life. She seems to accept the fact that she’ll never his “sweet, sweet surrender.”
8. “Clouds” By Prince Ft. Lianne La Havas
Next, we have another song named “Clouds,” this time by the late great Prince. It was released in 2014 from his album Art Official Age and features Lianne La Havas.
The song conveys the message that one doesn’t need grandiose things to impress a loved one. The lines “We’ll get to something higher that doesn’t require clouds / No, we don’t need no clouds, no” address this sentiment.
The lyrics advise listeners to not underestimate small acts of love. Giving random kisses and flowers any time of the day can leave a loved one floating in the air in love. These may be small things, but they can keep the fire burning.
9. “Cloudbusting” By Kate Bush
Up next is a song that Kate Bush released in 1985 from her album Hounds of Love. In “Cloudbusting,” Bush’s take on clouds is rather a unique one. The song was inspired by Peter Reich’s A Book of Dreams.
The book and the song follow Peter, whose father, a psychiatrist and philosopher, uses a cloudbuster to control the weather and make the clouds rain. The father is eventually arrested and imprisoned.
The lyrics depict Peter’s pain of loss and his helplessness. When it rains, it reminds him of his father. He maintains a positive outlook, wishing that something good will happen soon.
10. “Get Off My Cloud” By The Rolling Stones
In June 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became a huge hit for The Rolling Stones. They were pressured to release another hit single. And so they came up with “Get Off My Cloud” in September of that year.
Obviously, they weren’t happy about the song being rushed. In response to the people’s expectations of them, the band expresses their desire to be left alone in this song.
The narrator does not mince words when saying, “Hey (hey), you (you) / Get off of my cloud.” He does not want to be bothered, even to share his cloud with anyone.
11. “Feet In The Clouds” By Paul McCartney
The mellow song “Feet in the Clouds” is from Paul McCartney‘s album Memory Almost Full. The song was inspired by his schooldays at the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys.
In the lyrics, McCartney reflects on his school days when the teachers told him he had his head in the clouds. He opposes the idea and insists his feet are in the clouds, implying he has become level-headed and down to earth.
In essence, this song uses the metaphor of having one’s feet in the clouds to reflect on the past. The title itself describes a state of being lost in thought or daydreaming. This aligns with the reflective and nostalgic mood of the song.
12. “Heavy Cloud No Rain” By Sting
The legendary British singer Sting released “Heavy Cloud No Rain” from his 1993 album Ten Summoner’s Tales. The track uses clouds to encourage listeners to remain hopeful during difficult times.
The song uses the metaphor of a heavy cloud without rain to depict a situation where the desired outcome does not happen. The heavy clouds represent the anticipation or promise of something. However, the absence of rain represents unfulfilled expectations.
This could be applied to relationships where one person expects more commitment or depth. However, what they want is not forthcoming.
13. “Cloud Nine” By The Temptations
The Grammy award-winning “Cloud Nine” by The Temptations came out in 1968. It’s a soulful, psychedelic funk track that is unlike the band’s typical style. But it became a massive success with its upbeat tune.
The lyrics speak about the challenges and pains of living poor. The phrase “cloud nine” is used as a form of escapism. It’s a way to mentally transcend the challenging conditions of their reality. In cloud nine, they can forget about their troubles and feel happy, even for a moment.
Interpretations of the lyrics were mixed, and some listeners found them to be controversial. Regardless of the negative critics, the song became one of the greatest hits of the year.
14. “Clouds” By Zach Sobiech
Up next, we have “Clouds” by the late singer-songwriter Zach Sobiech, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The song uses clouds as a metaphor for his impending death and the journey toward it.
The song uses the imagery of clouds to express Sobiech’s acceptance and readiness to face his fate. The lyrics “And we’ll go up, up, up / But I’ll fly a little higher / Go up in the clouds because the view’s a little nicer” showcase his optimism despite his circumstances.
Through this song, he shares his view that death is not an end. Rather, it’s a transition to a place above the clouds where the view is nicer.
15. “Black Cloud” By Morrissey
In “Black Cloud,” Morrissey expresses feelings of deep sorrow and unrequited love. Here, “black cloud” is a metaphor for a looming sense of doom or negativity.
The song speaks about where the mind goes during desolate times. This suggests that the black cloud also represents mental and emotional turmoil. As the narrator laments, “I can woo you, I can amuse you / But there is nothing I can do to make you mine.”
He can go to lengths to show his love. But none of it is an assurance that the subject of his affection will love him back. It makes him feel like a black cloud is constantly hovering above him.
16. “Little Fluffy Clouds” By The Orb
Clouds can bring up wonderful memories from the past. In “Little Fluffy Clouds,” The Orb explores themes of nostalgia, tranquility, and a sense of freedom.
The song’s almost hypnotic music evokes feelings of calm and a remembrance of the past. The clouds symbolize those distant and peaceful memories. This is embodied in the lines “And the clouds would catch the colors everywhere / That’s unique, ’cause I used to look at them all the time when I was little.”
At its core, “Little Fluffy Clouds” uses the imagery of clouds to create a nostalgic atmosphere. It brings us back to those memories that we remember with fondness.
17. “Cloudy” By Simon & Garfunkel
Released in 1966, “Cloudy” by Simon & Garfunkel is an exploration of one’s mental and emotional state. It suggests a feeling of heaviness, similar to how an overcast sky can evoke feelings of sadness.
The lines “The sky is gray and white and cloudy / Sometimes I think it’s hanging down on me” set the tone for the rest of the song. In addition, the narrator’s “scattered and cloudy” thoughts indicate confusion and uncertainty. Here, clouds symbolize a state of mental fog.
“Cloudy” also paints a picture of a turbulent relationship. The clouds represent the uncertainties and struggles that come with it.
In essence, “Cloudy” explores emotions and experiences related to emotional turmoil, confusion, and the ups and downs of a romantic relationship.
18. “Behind The Clouds” By Brad Paisley
Finally, we have “Behind the Clouds” by Brad Paisley. Released in 2006, this track was a part of the album Cars (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
The song uses clouds as a metaphor for temporary problems or challenges. The song also mentions clouds to represent feelings of loneliness and disappointment, as embodied in the lyrics “When you’re feeling lonely, lost and let down / Seems like those dark skies are following you around.”
However, the central message of the song is optimistic. It says that behind every cloud or problem awaits a blue sky or a solution. It tells us that even when things get tough, there are better days ahead.
Summing Up Our List Of Cloud-Themed Songs
As the list above showed us, the artists have an insightful view of the “clouds” in their lives. They use clouds to express their feelings of happiness, love, hope, sadness, loss, and so much more.
They also share their views on life and inspire their listeners to see the bright side of a cloudy day.
That’s it for our article today. Which cloud songs did we miss? Let us know, and when we update this post, we’ll add yours in!
