space travellers songs

The astronaut's playlist: Groovy songs for space travelers

These tunes are out of this world.

• 'Space Oddity' cover by astronaut Chris Hadfield
• 'Drops of Jupiter' by Train
• We're All Made of Stars by Moby
• Just Look Up by Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi
• Space Junk by DEVO
• I Don't Want to Live on the Moon by Sesame Street
• Space Baby by The Tubes
• Spacelab by Kraftwerk
• Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra in 1954
• The Galaxy Song by Eric Idle/Monty Python
• The Final Countdown by Europe
• 'Starlight' by Muse
• 'Starman' by David Bowie
• 'The Space Race Is Over' by Billy Bragg
• 'Emily' by Joanna Newsom

Honorable Mentions

Before 1970, 2010-present, soundtracks, bibliography.

When you're out exploring the universe, what kind of music should you listen to?

The answer is very personal to the spaceflyer, the culture and perhaps even the decade when they flew — but what is true to say of all eras is there is a heck of a lot of great space music out there. Some even were played in space, like this list of NASA wakeup songs for astronauts , or this playlist from the Voyager mission Golden Record that eventually left our solar system.

It's hard to pick favorites and even more difficult to build a list of suggestions, but we've done our best. In 2011, the Space.com staff came up with a few favorites and now we have updated that top pick list for the 2020s. Below, we also added a huge table with space music over the decades, based on our research.

A couple of cautions here. Our staff is North American and European and as such, we stuck with English-language songs or instrumental songs so as not to make any cultural mistakes. But we'd love to hear your suggestions for international music in the forum.

We also tried to stick with songs that are family-friendly, but we advise that parents should prescreen this list of music before showing these selections to their kids.

Enjoy these selections!

1) Space Oddity cover by astronaut Chris Hadfield (2013)

In 2013, then-International Space Station commander Chris Hadfield released this famous space tune from his home in orbit. 

He received permission from original composer David Bowie to perform the work and created an epic video, thanks to the help of fellow crewmates. 

Note that Hadfield recorded the whole thing during his limited spare time in space, while running the most scientifically productive crew on the station of the era.

2) Drops of Jupiter by Train (2001)

This evocative song could be interpreted as a woman who has just returned from an epic spaceflight, or who has undertaken a spiritual journey that fundamentally changed her viewpoint on the world. 

The poetry in this music is very soulful and representative of the "boy bands" singing of their loves in the early 2000s: "Now that she's back in the atmosphere / With drops of Jupiter in her hair / She acts like summer and walks like rain / Reminds me that there's a time to change."

3) We're All Made of Stars by Moby (2002)

There are so many space songs from Moby over the years that, like Bowie, it's hard to pick a single favorite. But this one sticks out thanks to its focus on unifying humanity through realizing we all ultimately come from the same origin story:

 "People, they come together / People, they fall apart / And no one can stop us now/ 'Cause we are all made of stars."

4) Just Look Up by Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi (2021)

This song comes from one of the most clever space movies of recent history. 

" Don't Look Up " parodies the climate change crisis by showing two astronomers tracking a deadly comet (the scientists are played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) trying desperately to warn the public and politicians of the impending danger in the age of memes, tweets and TikTok. 

Ariana Grande, who plays a musician in the film, helps deliver this powerful piece at a stadium rally, late in the film.

5) Space Junk by DEVO (1978)

The yellow-suited Akron, Ohio, spudboys of Devo came up with this catchy space junk -themed number back in the 1970s. 

The ever- growing problem of space junk is even more alarming today than back then, as constellations of satellites fly into space on the regular. We've already seen some bad collisions and there are worries the pace of crashes could accelerate.

6) I Don't Want to Live on the Moon by Sesame Street's Ernie (1991)

In this song, Ernie, the beloved Sesame Street character (voiced by Jim Henson), sings plaintively of the many sacrifices he would have to make should he reside on the moon , then decides such a life would be too burdensome to bear. 

While Ernie may not want to live on the moon, NASA sure does. The space agency's Artemis program is currently aiming to return astronauts to the moon around 2025 or so and build a Lunar Gateway station in orbit around Earth's nearest neighbor. It's not clear yet if NASA will offer seats to Sesame Street characters, or any other Muppets, when they make the trip.

7) Space Baby by The Tubes (1975)

From the eponymous debut album by the theatrical S.F. rockers who created "White Punks on Dope" comes this epic mid-70s song of interstellar questing. 

"I dig my atmosphere machine" is an appropriate lyric, though "burning green like a rhomboid sun" suggests a heretofore undiscovered stellar form — or possibly just too much of those Fog City drugs.

8) Spacelab by Kraftwerk (1978)

The German synth-gods Krafterk, who usually sing about the autobahn and robots, took a side trip to space in this electronic ode to a space station on their "Man-Machine" album, likely inspired by then-current Skylab.

Skylab , NASA's first space station, launched in May 1973 and hosted several different crews before NASA ended the program. The space station fell from orbit on July 11, 1979.

9) 'Fly Me to the Moon' by Frank Sinatra in 1954 (and many others since)

In this Frank Sinatra classic, the song's narrator of the well-known tune not only wants to be flown to the moon, but wishes to "play among the stars" and "see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars."  

After that first verse, though, the space conceit is dropped in favor of love song boilerplate, but we think it counts!

10) The Galaxy Song by Eric Idle/Monty Python (1983)

This hilarious song scarcely needs description — it's an astronomy lesson set to music as recorded by actor Eric Idle and the Monty Python gang in 1983.

This  analysis of the lyrics by Paul Kohlmiller of the San Jose Astronomical Association determines that the facts stated in the lyrics are largely correct. Check it out .

11) The Final Countdown by Europe (1986)

The epic scope and majesty of this song cannot be unheard, in that glorious 1980s mega-pop vibe. 

We also adore the cynicism of people who are leaving our planet for what might be the last time: "We're leavin' together / But still it's farewell / And maybe we'll come back / To Earth, who can tell?"

12) Starlight by Muse (2006)

Speaking of cynical space tunes, we love this one for its spaceflyer's worries about being in space separated from someone they love. "Starlight / I will be chasing a starlight / Until the end of my life / I don't know if it's worth it anymore."

12) Starman by David Bowie (1969)

We know, this song is played a lot on soundtracks, but it can be interpreted concerning everything from Earth astronauts to some sort of aliens. 

"There's a starman waiting in the sky /  He'd like to come and meet us /  But he thinks he'd blow our minds."

More recently, Disney and Pixar used Bowie's "Starman" as the soundtrack for teaser trailers for the new animated film "Lightyear" about the intrepid Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear.

13) The Space Race Is Over by Billy Bragg (1996)

The author of many politically charged songs reflects on his childhood memories of watching the Apollo space missions, but bitterly concludes that "Now that the space race is over / It's been and it's gone, and I'll never get to the moon."

14) Emily by Joanna Newsom (2006)

Delicate-voiced indie/folk darling Joanna Newsom wrote the song “Emily” about her sister, an astronomer. The distinctions between meteors, meteorites and meteoroids are discussed within.

Space.com staffers came up with a huge list of other songs they enjoy, which we've put in order of preference.

• "Reach for the Stars" — will.i.am (recorded in commemoration for the 2012 Curiosity rover landing)
• "Under the Milky Way" — Church
• "Valentina" — Komputer
• "There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)" — B-52s
• "It's Not" — Aimee Mann
• "I Wish I Was the Moon" — Neko Case
• "Space Travel Is Boring" — Modest Mouse
• "Man on the Moon" — R.E.M.
• "Star Trek: First Contact" theme — Jerry Goldsmith (one Space.com writer played it while walking down the aisle )
• "A Space Boy Dream" — Belle & Sebastian
• "Puttin' People on the Moon" — Drive-By Truckers
• "Teenage Spaceship" — Smog
• "The Space Race" — Destroyer
• "Walking On the Moon" — The Police (Notably, the video for the song was filmed at Kennedy Space Center .)
• "2,000 Light Years from Home” — The Rolling Stones
• "Stellar" — Incubus
• "Space Truckin'" — Deep Purple
• "Black Hole Sun" — Soundgarden
• "We Care" — MGMT
• "The Planets Bend Between Us" — Snow Patrol
• "Galaxies" — Laura Veirs
• "Space Game" —MC Lars
• "Black Star" — Radiohead
• "Mambo Sun" —T.Re
• "Tomorrow's Girls" —Donald Fagen
• "Satellite of Love" — Lou Reed
• "Space Monkey" — Patti Smith
• "Deluxe Men in Space" — Man or Astro-Man?
• "Jupiter" — Gustav Holst 
• "The Blue Danube" — Johann Strauss II (but only for spaceship dockings)
• "Dwarf Nebula Processional March & Dwarf Nebula" — Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
• "Telstar" — The Tornados
• "Space Invader" — The Pretenders
• "Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)" — Flaming Lips

Below is a huge starting list of space music that we have organized by era. This is not meant to be the complete list of space-y tunes, as there are likely millions out there, but based on our research we have found quite a few songs to get you started. For simplicity, we have ordered these songs by approximate year of release. 

Included is a representative list of instrumental movie, TV and game soundtracks from the past few decades that are popular among space fans.

"Astronaut's Playlist: 134 Songs About Stars, Planets, and Space." Spinditty. (2021, Nov. 5.) https://spinditty.com/playlists/astronomy-stars-planets-NASA-songs-playlist

"10 hip-hop songs to take you on a voyage into space." A.D. Carson. The Conversation . (2021, May 26). https://theconversation.com/10-hip-hop-songs-to-take-you-on-a-voyage-into-space-157659

"Music of the Stars: The Best Space Movie Soundtracks." Film School Rejects. (2018, Oct. 18). https://filmschoolrejects.com/best-space-movie-soundtracks/

"Musicspace." HobbySpace. ( 2020.) https://www.hobbyspace.com/Music/music5.html

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22 Best Songs About Space, Stars and the Universe

Few things can top gazing up at the night sky. There’s something magical about looking at the stars and the planets in the vast expanse of space . All that’s missing is a playlist to set the mood. Here are the ten best songs any space-lover can rock out to while hoping for a shooting star to make a wish on.

“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra

Old Blue Eyes himself wrote what is probably the ultimate space song. In the 1954 hit, he sings all about flying to the moon , playing among the stars, and seeing springtime on Jupiter and Mars with his beau. There are also plenty of cover versions of the song to enjoy.

“Rocket Man” – Elton John

Legend has it Elton John’s classic hit was inspired by a shooting star. The 1972 song takes the idea of being an astronaut and treats it like any other nine-to-five job.

Some speculated “Rocket Man” was a metaphor for drug use based on the line “I’m gonna be high as a kite by then”. In fact, it was inspired by the book The Illustrated Man written by Ray Badbury, as Bernie Taupin (lyricist) clarified. In a story within it, “The Rocket Man”, astronauts of the future would become regular daily vocations.

In this song the protagonist sings about being lonely out in space and not really understanding how all the science works. This one, too, has plenty of cover versions.

“Space Murder” – Death

Murder by Death is constantly pushing boundaries. The Other Shore is a space opera about a relationship dying in tandem with a planet, one venturing out to find a new world, the other staying behind in the husk of the old world .

It’s overwhelmingly ambitious and hugely impressive in how it functions both as a complete piece and as individual songs. In our interview with Adam Turla he discussed the inspiration, “I basically have been toying with doing a space opera for a long time. I started writing one when I was a teenager. The story kind of unfolded line by line honestly, and song by song.”

“Space Cowboy” – Steve Miller Band

Not completely dissimilar to Rocket Man, the 1969 hit Space Cowboy is all about…well, a space cowboy. But unlike Elton John, the singer in this song is all about his life in space and exploring the outer realms of the galaxy. A word of caution: many mistake another Steve Miller Band Song, The Joker, for Space Cowboy.

“Space Oddity” – David Bowie

Bowie released Space Oddity just before the Apollo 11 mission launched and landed a man on the moon for the first time. It quickly became one of his trademark songs. The singer in the song is an astronaut who runs into trouble on his mission and is left floating high above the Earth.

“Spaceman” – The Killers

Anybody who likes a good alien intrigue will appreciate this song. It’s about a man who’s taken from his bed by aliens and forced to undergo a series of procedures. The titular spaceman tries to convince the man that the whole thing never really happened, but he knows better. The song debuted in 2008 and quickly became a hit.

“Andromeda” – Paul Weller

This 2010 song is a little on the short side, but it still packs quite a punch. It’s all about the Andromeda galaxy, the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way. The song centers around a space traveler who leaves Andromeda bound for another world, knowing full well he might not make it.

“Life on the Moon” – David Cook

Astronomy enthusiasts might find the idea of life on the moon appealing, but the singer in American Idol winner David Cook’s song isn’t a fan. He sings about being lonely and missing his lover back on Earth. Apparently, space colonization isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

“Walking on the Moon” – Cas Haley

On the other hand, the singer in this song has his partner right by his side, so it makes walking on the moon a joy. Haley’s 2008 version is a re-make of the hit by The Police, written by the one and only Sting.

“Heightened Sensitivity” – Anakim

DJ Anakim describes his music as an accompaniment for interstellar travel with the goal to take you into another world, even for a moment, but keep you dancing. In our interview with Anakim, he describes his fascination with space travel:

“While I do pay attention to new developments within the science of astronomy, my music relies much more on the emotive. At the center of it all, I try to score mini-movies within my head that happen to fit into a dance floor setting.

For example, say there’s some distant world in another galaxy that has a hostile environment filled with unknown hostile beings. What would the soundtrack to flying into that world sound like to me?”

“Starlight” – Muse

Continuing the theme, this 2006 alt-rock song is about a man who sings about a rocket ship taking him away from his loved ones. But, even across vast spans of space, he won’t give up on the memory of his lover. This song was also a hit when it was released.

“Space Truckin'” – Deep Purple

In this 1972 song, the singer imagines what it might be like to roam the galaxy and hanging out with aliens on other planets. This one is sure to inspire the imagination of anyone who’s ever dreamed of flying among the stars.

Of course, this is just a handful of songs all about space and space travel. There are countless songs out there that will speak to space-lovers and planet enthusiasts.

“We Are All Made Of Stars” – Moby

“We Are All Made Of Stars” was written and recorded by American songwriter and electronica musician Moby. The song was the lead single from his sixth disc, titled “18.” It hit stores on April 1, 2002. The single hit number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and was a top-10 tune in several European nations. The track was later included on the 2008 release “Songs for Tibet.”

“Black Hole Sun” – Soundgarden

This song was recorded by the American rock group known as Soundgarden. It was written by band frontman Chris Cornell. Released in 1994, it was the third single off the group’s fourth album titled “Superunknown.” The song climbed to the top of the well-known Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, camping out there for seven weeks in the number one slot. Arguably one of the group’s most recognizable and popular songs, it hit number one in Iceland.

“Supersonic Rocket Ship” – The Kinks

Next on the list of songs about space, stars, and the universe is “Supersonic Rocket Ship” by the Brit rock band, The Kinks. Written by lead singer Ray Davies, it was originally released as a single on May 5, 1972, in the UK, and in September of 1972 in the US. The single was backed with the tune “You Don’t Know My Name” which was written by lead guitarist Dave Davies.

“There’s A Star For Everyone” – Aretha Franklin

“There’s A Star For Everyone” was recorded by American singer, songwriter, and pianist Aretha Franklin. The song was co-written by Allee Willis, David Lasley, and Don Yowell. It was included on her 27th studio album titled “Love All the Hurt Away.” This was her second Arista Records label release, and it hit the record racks on August 20, 1981.

“Mr. Spaceman” – The Byrds

This one was recorded by the US rock group, the Byrds. It first appeared as the third cut on the band’s 1966 LP, “Fifth Dimension.” It was written by frontman Jim McGuinn. The single peaked at number 36 on the famous Billboard Hot 100 chart but did nothing in the UK. Music journalists coined the label “space-rock” to describe the music even though the term would later be used to describe another genre completely.

“Space Station #5” – Montrose

This song is the third cut on “Montrose”, the premiere platter of the American hard rock band of the same name. It was released on the Warner Bros. label in October of 1973. The song was co-written by lead guitarist Ronnie Montrose and lead singer, Sammy Hagar. It was Hagar’s official recording debut as a lead singer and he went on to become famous as a solo act and with Van Halen.

“Rocket” – Def Leppard

“Rocket” was written and recorded by the English rock group Def Leppard. It first appeared on the band’s 1987 platter “Hysteria.” It was the seventh and last US single, dropping in January of 1989. The song broke into the well-known US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart too. With a running time of 6:34, the single release was significantly edited for radio airplay.

“Ashes To Ashes” – David Bowie

This song was written and recorded by the late English singer-songwriter David Bowie. It was the first single off his 1980 disc “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)” and became his second number-one single in the UK. The song’s lyrics famously revisit Bowie’s legendary character, Major Tom, from his 1969 classic “Space Oddity.” Bowie would reference the astronaut again in his 1995 number “Hallo Spaceboy” and yet once more in his 2015 tune “Blackstar.”

“Space Junk” – Devo

“Space Junk” is a song by the American new wave act Devo. The song was co-written by Gerald Casale and Bob Mothersbaugh. It’s the fourth track from their debut disc titled “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!” It hit the record stores in August of 1978 on the Warner Bros. label and was produced by English musician and composer Brian Eno. It hit number 78 in the US and 12 in the UK.

“30th Century Man” – The Jigsaw Seen

Our final entry in this list of songs about space, stars, and the universe is “30th Century Man.” This is a cover cut by the Los Angeles, California-based alt-pop band The Jigsaw Seen. The song was originally recorded by the English alternative band, Catherine Wheel.

The Jigsaw Seen released their version of the song on their 2002 EP titled “30 Century Man.” It also appears on their 2003 album named “Songs Mama Used to Sing.” The is perhaps best known for its inclusion in the animated feature “Futurama: Bender’s Big Score.”

David Schwartz

Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.

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30 Songs About Space Travel That Will Take You Out of This World

October 1, 2023, 11:50 am

Introduction to songs about space travel

Music has always been a powerful tool for escapism, allowing listeners to be transported to different worlds and realities. One particular theme that has captivated artists and audiences alike is space travel. From soaring melodies to cosmic lyrics, songs about space travel ignite our imagination and take us on journeys through the vast expanse of the universe. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of songs about space travel, exploring their origins, benefits, and showcasing 30 incredible tracks that will truly take you out of this world.

The fascination with space in music

The fascination with space is deeply ingrained in human culture, and it comes as no surprise that it has found its way into the realm of music. Artists have long been inspired by the mysteries and wonders of the cosmos, and have used their craft to capture the awe and excitement that space travel evokes. Whether it’s the longing to explore the unknown, the yearning for adventure, or the desire to connect with something greater than ourselves, songs about space travel tap into the universal human experience of curiosity and wonder.

Benefits of listening to space-themed music

Listening to space-themed music offers a multitude of benefits beyond just pure enjoyment. It can be a form of relaxation, providing a sense of calm and tranquility as you immerse yourself in the ethereal sounds and melodies. Space music can also be a source of inspiration, fueling your imagination and creativity as you envision distant galaxies and cosmic landscapes. Furthermore, it can serve as a form of education, introducing listeners to scientific concepts and encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of space exploration.

30 songs about space travel to add to your playlist

Classic space-themed songs.

“Space Oddity” by David Bowie: A timeless classic that tells the story of an astronaut floating in space, it perfectly captures the sense of isolation and wonder.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John: This iconic song explores the life of a space traveler, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics.

“Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra : A beautiful ballad that evokes the romanticism of space travel, transporting listeners to a dreamy lunar landscape.

“Life on Mars?” by David Bowie: Another Bowie masterpiece, this song contemplates the possibility of life beyond Earth, with its poetic lyrics and captivating melody.

“Space Cowboy” by Steve Miller Band: With its catchy chorus and groovy guitar riffs, this song takes you on a cosmic journey with a touch of nostalgia.

Modern space-themed songs

“Countdown” by Beyoncé : Taking inspiration from space exploration, this energetic track showcases Beyoncé’s vocal prowess and her ability to captivate audiences.

“Saturn” by Sleeping at Last: With its hauntingly beautiful lyrics and ethereal instrumentation, this song paints a vivid picture of the mysterious planet Saturn.

“Lost in the World” by Kanye West: Combining elements of hip-hop and electronic music, this song creates a sense of otherworldly atmosphere and introspection.

“Space Song” by Beach House: Known for their dreamy soundscapes, Beach House takes listeners on a celestial journey with this mesmerizing track.

Instrumental space music

“Also sprach Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss: This iconic orchestral piece, famously used in Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” evokes a sense of grandeur and cosmic scale.

“Mars, the Bringer of War” by Gustav Holst: Part of Holst’s “The Planets” suite, this powerful composition captures the intensity and chaos of interstellar conflict.

“Pulstar” by Vangelis : Known for his atmospheric and emotive soundscapes, Vangelis takes listeners on a cosmic journey with this mesmerizing instrumental track.

“Interstellar” by Hans Zimmer: From the soundtrack of the film “Interstellar,” Zimmer’s composition captures the epic nature of space exploration, with its soaring melodies and dramatic orchestration.

“Space Theme” by John Williams: This iconic theme from the “Star Wars” franchise perfectly encapsulates the spirit of adventure and exploration.

Songs that capture the wonder and beauty of the cosmos

“Across the Universe” by The Beatles: With its dreamlike quality and introspective lyrics, this song invites listeners to contemplate the vastness of the universe.

“Galileo” by Indigo Girls: Celebrating the spirit of scientific discovery, this folk-rock anthem pays homage to Galileo Galilei and his quest to understand the cosmos.

“The Universe” by Gregory Alan Isakov: This hauntingly beautiful song explores the interconnectedness of all things in the universe, with its poetic lyrics and delicate instrumentation.

“Dark Matter” by Andrew Belle: With its atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics, this track invites listeners to ponder the mysteries of the cosmos and our place within it.

“Stargazing” by Kygo ft. Justin Jesso: A feel-good anthem that captures the joy and excitement of looking up at the stars and contemplating the infinite possibilities of the universe.

Creating your own space music playlist

Now that you have been introduced to a variety of songs about space travel, it’s time to create your own space music playlist. Start by selecting tracks that resonate with you personally, whether it’s the lyrics, melodies, or the overall atmosphere of the song. Consider the emotions you want to evoke and the mood you want to set. Do you want a playlist that is introspective and contemplative, or one that is upbeat and energizing? Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you. As you listen to your space music playlist, allow yourself to be transported to distant galaxies and let your imagination soar among the stars.

Conclusion: Let the music take you on a journey through the stars

Songs about space travel have the power to ignite our imagination and take us on extraordinary journeys through the cosmos. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, modern pop, or ambient instrumentals, there’s a space-themed song out there for everyone. So, why not create your own space music playlist and let the music take you on a journey through the stars? Immerse yourself in the ethereal melodies, contemplate the mysteries of the universe, and let your imagination soar to new heights. The cosmos awaits, and the soundtrack is yours to create.

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30 Songs About Space You Must Listen Too

From the birth of the universe to the mystery of black holes, space has always been a source of endless fascination and inspiration. Musicians across decades and genres have captured these wonders in their songs, filling our playlists with stellar compositions about interstellar journeys and celestial phenomena.

This article delves into the best songs about space, creating a cosmic symphony that transcends time and genre. With a melodic fusion of science, fantasy, and emotion, these tracks transport us into the vast expanse of the universe, inviting us to ponder our existence amidst the grandeur of the cosmos.

best 30 songs about space

1.”space oddity” by david bowie.

Released in 1969, right around the time of the Apollo 11 moon landing, “Space Oddity” is a haunting track about an astronaut named Major Tom who gets lost in space. Bowie perfectly encapsulates the sense of human isolation against the backdrop of the vast cosmos.

Expert Tip: With its rich narrative and the melancholy echoes of Bowie’s voice, this song is not just a musical masterpiece but a timeless ode to space exploration, tinged with the anxiety and fear of the unknown.

2. “Across the Universe” by The Beatles

This track, released in 1970, brilliantly utilizes the concept of space as a metaphor to explore the infinite expanse of human consciousness.

Lyrics like “Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes, they call me on and on across the universe” create a dreamy, transcendent soundscape that beautifully illustrates our interconnectedness with the cosmos. The theme of acceptance amid the universe’s unfathomable vastness has resonated with audiences for over half a century.

3. “Rocket Man” by Elton John

A poignant portrayal of the loneliness of space travel, “Rocket Man” was released in 1972. Elton John’s soulful voice conveys the astronaut’s internal conflict as he rockets into space, leaving his family behind. The lyrics speak to the alienation of space travel and the mundane reality of work, even in the unusual role of an astronaut.

It’s a deeply emotional song that shows the human side of the seemingly glamorous life of space exploration.

4. “Starman” by David Bowie

Bowie’s 1972 song, “Starman”, creates an imaginative narrative about a celestial being communicating a message of hope to the youth on Earth. The track is characterized by its catchy chorus and lush arrangements.

It’s a hopeful song that illustrates Bowie’s unique ability to blend pop and glam rock with futuristic themes, creating a cultural impact much like the starman’s radio transmissions.

5. “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse

Released in 2006, this track combines elements of rock, funk, and electronic music to create a high-energy anthem with an edgy, futuristic feel. The song explores the irresistible pull of a supermassive black hole as a metaphor for a destructive relationship.

Its distinctive fusion of genres, infectious bassline, and Matt Bellamy’s falsetto vocals craft an intense, otherworldly soundscape.

6. “Interstellar Overdrive” by Pink Floyd

This 1967 instrumental is a sonic odyssey that truly embodies its title. The experimental track, characterized by its freeform structure, improvisational guitar work, and avant-garde sound effects, manages to capture the unpredictability and enormity of space.

Its kaleidoscopic sound palette pushes the boundaries of rock music, much like how space exploration pushes the limits of human understanding.

7. “Walking on the Moon” by The Police

This 1979 hit combines reggae-infused rock with Sting’s distinct vocals to exude a feeling of weightlessness, mirroring the sensation of walking on the moon. The metaphor extends to portray the elation of being in love, delivering a sublime musical experience that is both earthly and otherworldly.

8. “Drops of Jupiter” by Train

Released in 2001, this Grammy-winning track uses a cosmic journey as a metaphor for personal growth after a breakup. The lyrics ponder whether the returned loved one’s experiences “back in the atmosphere” have truly changed them or simply made them appreciate their previous life more.

The song’s beautiful piano melodies and catchy chorus have made it an enduring hit.

9. “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis

As an anthemic closing track on the seminal 1995 album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”, this song features expansive, layered guitars and dreamlike lyrics. Its metaphoric “supernova” conveys the explosive and fleeting nature of fame, love, and existence, delivering a deeply philosophical message wrapped in a sweeping Britpop package.

10. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

Released in 1994, this grunge classic stands out for its surreal lyrics and haunting melody. The enigmatic phrase “black hole sun” serves as a call for oblivion, a cleansing force to wash away the corruption and disillusionment of society. Its striking music video, filled with apocalyptic imagery, makes it one of the most memorable songs about space.

11. “2000 Light Years from Home” by The Rolling Stones

Released in 1967 on their album “Their Satanic Majesties Request”, this song uses the vast distance of space as a metaphor for alienation and isolation. Lyrically, it captures the sense of being out of touch with one’s home and reality, a theme mirrored in its psychedelic instrumental arrangement.

The Stones’ creative venture into the cosmic unknown with this track continues to be appreciated for its explorative spirit in rock and roll.

12. “Space Cowboy” by Steve Miller Band

A track from the band’s 1969 album “Brave New World”, “Space Cowboy” uses the image of a cosmic cowboy as a metaphor for rebellion and non-conformity. It’s an allegory of the band’s own free-spirited lifestyle in the rapidly changing socio-cultural landscape of the late 1960s.

Steve Miller’s easy-going vocals and the bluesy groove give this song a timeless appeal.

13. “Man on the Moon” by R.E.M.

This 1992 release is an affectionate tribute to eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman, with space exploration serving as a metaphor for Kaufman’s own surreal, ground-breaking comedy.

The chorus, “If you believe, they put a man on the moon,” points to the power of belief, mystery, and human potential, themes central to both Kaufman’s comedy and humanity’s quest for space exploration.

14. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra

Though more romance-focused, Sinatra’s 1964 classic uses space as a backdrop for the singer’s declaration of love. Its swing-style melody and Sinatra’s velvety voice lend a timeless appeal to the song. Its numerous inclusions in films and television shows have further cemented its place in popular culture.

15. “Moondance” by Van Morrison

In this 1970 release, Van Morrison romanticizes a moonlit night, using it as a metaphor to express the exhilaration and magic of love. His expressive vocals, combined with a vibrant jazz-inspired arrangement, create an enchanting musical experience. The moon, in this context, acts as an ageless symbol of romance and mystique.

16. “Subterranean Homesick Alien” by Radiohead

Off their seminal 1997 album “OK Computer”, this track reflects on alien life forms looking at humans as the “weird” ones. Its ethereal soundscape, combined with Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals, creates a feeling of isolation and yearning for a different perspective a life beyond the mundanity of earthbound existence.

17. “Countdown” by Rush

Released in 1982, “Countdown” is an ode to the space shuttle launch that the band members witnessed at Cape Canaveral. The lyrics encapsulate the awe-inspiring spectacle of the launch and the mix of anticipation and trepidation that accompanies any journey into the unknown.

Expert Tip: Fueled by Rush’s signature complex rhythms and intricate musicianship, this track offers a genuine sense of adventure.

18. “Exogenesis: Symphony” by Muse

This three-part symphony from Muse’s 2009 album “The Resistance” is a grand musical exploration of humanity’s future both its potential for self-destruction and its capacity to start anew in the cosmos. The lush, orchestral arrangements evoke the majesty and mystery of space, whilst the lyrics speak to the human condition in the face of such vast potential.

19. “Astronomy Domine” by Pink Floyd

The opening track on their debut album “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn”, this 1967 song is a psychedelic journey to outer space. With its disorienting, spacey sounds and lyrics about celestial bodies, it creates a cosmic atmosphere that showcases the band’s early, experimental side.

20. “Galaxies” by Owl City

A track from the 2011 album “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, “Galaxies” is a synth-pop hymn that uses cosmic imagery to deal with a personal loss. The lyrics reference the vastness of space to underscore the depth of human sorrow and faith. Its upbeat electronic soundscape contrasts with the poignant lyrics, creating a complex emotional texture.

21. “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie

Released in 1971, this song is one of Bowie’s signature tracks. It questions the sense of reality, featuring a disillusioned girl escaping into a cinema screen, seeking refuge in the idea of life on Mars. The song’s powerful lyrics and dramatic melody create a sense of longing for a reality beyond the everyday mundane.

22. “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine

In this 2009 track, cosmic imagery represents a blinding love lost. Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, backed by harp and pounding drums, evoke an emotional space where love and loss are as immense and overwhelming as the cosmos. The lyrics are poetic and rich, framing a heartbreak within the vastness of the universe.

23. “Saturn” by Sleeping At Last

A part of the “Space” EP released in 2014, “Saturn” is a stunning orchestral-indie rock track about time, aging, and life’s fleeting nature. The lyrics reflect on the insignificance and the incredible beauty of life against the backdrop of the cosmos. Its hauntingly beautiful music and poignant words make it a memorable space-themed track.

24. “The Final Countdown” by Europe

This 1986 classic rock song, known for its unforgettable synth riff, is a grandiose piece about leaving the Earth for Venus. It’s a grand metaphor for any significant change or departure. Its high-energy performance and apocalyptic lyrics have made it an enduring cultural phenomenon.

25. “Under The Milky Way” by The Church

This 1988 song is a moody, atmospheric rock track named after our galaxy, the Milky Way. The ethereal guitars and melancholic lyrics create a sense of longing and loneliness, encapsulating a late-night yearning beneath the expanse of the starry sky.

26. “Spaceman” by The Killers

Released in 2008, “Spaceman” deals with themes of alienation, with its narrative inspired by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”. The catchy, anthemic sound of the track, juxtaposed with the lyric’s darker undertones, makes for an intriguing listen, demonstrating the band’s ability to fuse indie rock with deep, thought-provoking themes.

27. “Venus” by Frankie Avalon

This 1959 hit transforms Venus, the second planet in our solar system, into the Roman goddess of love. Avalon croons a plea to Venus to send him a girl to love, showcasing the timeless human tendency to look to the heavens for answers to earthly problems.

28. “Space” by Prince

From the 1994 album “Come”, “Space” is a slow-burning funk ballad where space is a metaphor for an empty, cold bed. Prince’s signature falsetto, combined with sensual lyrics, create a song that’s more about earthly desires than cosmic explorations but remains a unique take on the space theme.

29. “Stars” by Switchfoot

This 2005 alternative rock track contemplates humanity’s place in the universe, using stars as a metaphor for the constants that guide our lives. The powerful lyrics, paired with the band’s dynamic sound, create an inspiring message about finding your path in the grand scheme of the universe.

30. “AstroMan” by Jimi Hendrix

This 1971 track sees Hendrix take on the role of a cosmic superhero, leaving the troubles of Earth behind to find peace among the stars. The song’s spacey guitar effects, tight rhythm section, and Hendrix’s imaginative lyrics make for a thrilling ride into the cosmos.

What is the song about a man going to space?

One of the most iconic songs about a man going to space is David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Released in 1969, this song tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who loses contact with Ground Control and becomes adrift in space. Bowie uses this narrative to explore feelings of isolation and the vast, possibly infinite unknown of the universe.

“Space Oddity” was a product of the era’s fascination with space travel and exploration, given it was released just days before the Apollo 11 moon landing. The song’s combination of otherworldly instrumentals, existential lyrics, and Bowie’s distinctive voice created an atmospheric piece that still resonates with audiences today.

It is a poignant reminder of the human experience within the grandeur of the cosmos, exploring both the excitement and existential dread that can accompany journeys into the unknown.

What music is associated with space?

Space themes have been a frequent muse for various genres of music, including classical, rock, pop, electronic, and more. Classical pieces like Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” suite or Richard Strauss’s “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (popularized by Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey”) have drawn inspiration from celestial bodies and cosmic mythology.

In rock and pop, artists like David Bowie, Elton John, and Pink Floyd have used space as a backdrop to explore themes of isolation, existentialism, and wonder.

Electronic and ambient music genres, including artists like Brian Eno and Jean-Michel Jarre, often use synth-heavy compositions to create aural soundscapes evocative of the ethereal, vast nature of space. More recently, sci-fi and space themes have become popular in progressive metal and synth-wave genres.

What song was used to wake up astronauts?

NASA has a tradition of waking up astronauts with a specially chosen track each day during space missions, a practice that started with the Gemini program. The selections, known as “wake-up calls,” varied widely from classical music to rock, pop, country, and even movie themes.

Quick Fact: One of the most memorable wake-up calls was a performance of “Also Sprach Zarathustra” by the Houston Symphony Orchestra, which used to wake the Apollo 11 astronauts on their way to the Moon.

Other popular choices have included The Beatles’ “Good Day Sunshine” during the Apollo 16 mission and Elton John’s “Rocket Man” used in a Space Shuttle mission.

What was the first song listened to in space?

The first song ever played in space was “Jingle Bells,” performed on a harmonica accompanied by small bells by the crew of Gemini 6 in December 1965.

As a prank, astronauts Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford reported seeing a “UFO” before playing the Christmas song, causing some momentary concern at NASA Mission Control before they realized it was a holiday-themed joke. The harmonica and bells used in the performance are considered the first musical instruments played in space.

The first recorded song broadcast in space was The Beatles’ “Across the Universe,” transmitted by NASA towards the North Star, Polaris, in 2008 as part of the agency’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Who was the first band to perform live in space?

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield made history as the first person to perform a live song in space. His cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” recorded on the International Space Station (ISS) and shared with Earth via YouTube, is now legendary.

However, the first band to perform live in space was Bandella, a folk band made up of astronauts and space engineers. Aboard the ISS, they broadcast their performance live back to Earth.

What is the “space age pop” genre?

“Space age pop” is a subgenre of popular music that emerged during the space race era of the 1950s and 60s. It incorporated diverse elements of big band jazz, classical music, and electronic sounds to create a futuristic atmosphere.

Often instrumental, space-age pop composers were influenced by the technological innovations of the time, and their music frequently contained space exploration or science fiction themes.

What’s a notable opera that’s related to space?

A notable opera related to space is Karl-Birger Blomdahl’s “Aniara”. Premiered in 1959, it’s based on Harry Martinson’s epic poem about a spaceship, named Aniara, carrying refugees from a ruined Earth to Mars. When knocked off course, the ship becomes lost in space, and the opera explores the subsequent existential crisis among the passengers.

The avant-garde score uses electronic music, combining orchestral and vocal elements, to underscore the cosmic and human drama.

Why do artists use space as a metaphor in their music?

Artists often use space as a metaphor in their music because of its vast, mysterious, and seemingly infinite nature. It symbolizes the unknown, the adventurous, and the unreachable. Themes of isolation, existentialism, exploration, and wonder are easily drawn from it.

Space, as a metaphor, can make these abstract themes more tangible, offering a cosmic perspective on human emotions and experiences.

Is there any genre of music born from the space exploration era?

The era of space exploration had a significant influence on the evolution of music, leading to the development of the “space rock” genre. This genre emerged in the late 1960s and 70s, largely inspired by the excitement of the space race.

It is characterized by extended instrumentals, experimental structures, and lyrics often related to space travel and science fiction. Bands like Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, and later, Spiritualized, have been key players in this genre.

What was the first music video shot in space?

The first music video shot in space was Chris Hadfield’s cover of “Space Oddity” by David Bowie. Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut and the commander of Expedition 35 on the International Space Station recorded his version of the song while on the ISS.

The resulting video, featuring Hadfield floating in zero gravity while singing and playing the guitar, was edited on Earth and has since become a viral sensation.

In conclusion, the fascination with the cosmos has been a recurring theme in music throughout history. Whether it’s through the metaphorical use of celestial bodies, the yearning for otherworldly adventures, or the awe of the universe’s expansive mystery, the cosmos continues to inspire musicians across genres.

As we venture further into space and uncover more of its secrets, it’s exciting to imagine how these revelations might influence the music of the future. The sky is not the limit when it comes to the intersection of music and space rather, it’s just the beginning.

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23 Best Songs About Space, Stars the Universe & Planets

This list contains the best songs about space, stars, the universe and planets!

Ever wonder what it’s like to go to the great beyond? The universe is vast and mysterious. The great unknown is perfect for songwriters to use their imagination and create wonderful songs about stars and space. But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself.

1. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra

Who could forget this classic? Frank Sinatra’s silky smooth voice makes every heart flutter as he sings a song about stars and playing in space as he falls in love. How romantic is it to be flying in space when that familiar giddy feeling hits you?

The song was also associated with Apollo’s moon missions and was created in 1964 by Bart Howard, who took 20 years to write it. The song was originally titled “In Other Words” and sung by Kaye Ballard.

Next: The best songs about the moon of all time (our favorites)

2. “Rocket Man” by Elton John

This song is not so optimistic as the last one. Elton John sings of heartbreak instead of a lovestruck ballad. The song tells of a man dumped by his lover. Now his loneliness is like the vast vacuum of space. That’s a good metaphor to use to describe such empty feelings.

You can also take the song’s lyrics literally since Elton John performed and wrote the song 3 years after the first moon landing in 1969. Even so, some people still think it references substance use with one line talking about being “high as a kite”. Despite that, this album became one of Elton’s most popular.

Next: Best songs that use metaphors and figurative language

3. “Space Truckin'” by Deep Purple

If you’ve never been out on the road before, you might want to after listening to this long. If you replace everything good about road trips and make it about space, you get an imaginative song about space travel that relates to everyone with the heart of a roadie.

This song was inspired by the theme of the old Batman TV series starring Adam West. The song’s studio version was recorded in a hotel in Switzerland in 1971 and ran for about 4 minutes. The live version would run for about 20. Now that’s a concert!

4. “The Final Countdown” by Europe

Who hasn’t heard of this popular 80s hit ? The lyrics talk about a group of people leaving a crumbling earth behind and heading out on a rocket ship. The narrator wonders what will await them on their journey to Venus. Despite it meaning to be only for an opening for their concerts, This song scored high on many top charts and is still used for a multitude of events, much like a national anthem.

The song was written in 1981 by Joey Tempest, who was inspired by another space song on the list, Space Oddity. The concept of the song is that of a space shuttle launch. The final countdown references, of course, to the final moments before liftoff.

Next: Best songs about victory, celebration and winning

5. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie

Space Oddity is an entire story about an astronaut heading into space and encountering a problem that keeps him from returning to earth. The song is slow and lets you grasp the reality of what’s happening to him.

The song’s title is a play on words from the 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. Space Odyssey- Space Oddity, get it? Most people mistake this song being written for the 1969 moon landing instead of a movie. Two sequels to this song were made, “Major Tom (I’m Coming Home)” and “Mrs. Major Tom.” You can easily guess what those songs are about by the title.

6. “Spaceman” by The Killers

We’ve all heard crazy stories of people being abducted by aliens and experimented on. Maybe one of the band members actually did have an experience like this and turned it into a song? Who knows? The story is about a man being ripped from his bed and abducted by aliens who try to tell him that everything he sees is in his head. It’d be kind of hard to forget such a traumatic experience.

This song became a radio hit and was used as the trailer song for the animated movie Planet 51 . Brandon Flowers, the frontman for the band, said he was trying to create a song that mixed “Space Oddity” and “Rocket Man.” I guess songs about space like to take inspiration from each other.

Next: Best songs about death for grieving to

7. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Most people think of the moon as a beautiful guiding light in our lives, but not this band. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Bad Moon Rising is an apocalyptic warning about the end of times spoken about in the Bible. Thanks, Clearwater.

Further inspiration from this song came from a scene in The Devil and Daniel Webster. You wouldn’t think this was a disturbing song based on the tune, which is happy and upbeat. John Fogerty purposely wrote the song this way but wouldn’t say why he did it.

Next: Top peace songs ever made

8. “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” was written exclusively for Bonnie Tyler, who approached Steinman to be her producer. The song uses an eclipse as a metaphor for lost love. The song was a huge hit for Tyler.

Steinman originally wrote the song to be a love ballad between vampires for a musical. However, the song eventually found its way back to a vampire musical in Austria’s 1997 production of Tanz der Vampire, translated as Dance of the Vampires.

Next: Best love songs for him (boyfriend love songs)

9. “Space” by Murder by Death

There’s nothing more to it than literal space. Like many other songs about space, this one focuses heavily on the fast and terrible emptiness of it all.

10. “Andromeda” by Paul Weller

The Andromeda galaxy is one of the largest in the universe as far as we know. The lyrics use the galaxy as a metaphor for leaving a dying planet, as stated by Paul. He used David Bowie and British electronica musical group to create an out-of-this-world sound.

11. “There’s A Star For Everyone” by Aretha Franklin

Stars are often used as a symbol of inspiration and guiding light. This song perfectly taps into that idea. The lyrics talk about a heartbreaking moment. The narrator asks for the guidance of a star, stating that everyone who’s lost has a star.

The song was recorded in 1981 and had three composers, Allee Willis, Don Yowell, and David Lasley.

Next: Best songs about coming or leaving home

12. “Mr. Spaceman” by The Byrds

Not to be confused with “Spaceman,” “Mr. Spaceman” is actually a nice guy. In fact, the song’s narrator continuously asks if he can come along with the mysterious aliens entering his house at night. The aliens are even nice enough to leave him a nice note written in toothpaste on his window that they’ll see him again the next visit.

This song is sometimes referred to as the earliest form of country rock. Even though the song itself is a part of the progressive psychedelic rock movement, the band also took some inspiration from country music.

13. “Super Rocket Rumble” by Man or Astro-Man?

The title sounds more like a wrestling match than a song title. The song itself is short and came out in 1996 from the album Delux Men in Space. The song features a few seconds of an old radio-style broadcast before getting into the actual song. There are no lyrics. Instead, the music takes you on a wild space ride.

14. “The Space Race” by Destroyer

The space race was not just a battle between USSR and the USA for space dominance. It is also an early song by the Destroyers. Unlike the seriousness of the actual space race, the song version is campy and its seemingly nonsensical lyrics. The song was composed by Dan Bejer in 2010.

15. “Ballrooms of Mars” by T.Rex

How lovely would it be to dance on the exotic planet of mars? According to the lyrics of this 50s style rock song, the narrator describes his lover as an out-of-this-world gal and they dance in the ballrooms of mars.

Despite sounding a lot older, the song was written in 1972. Lead singer Marc Bolan often uses fantasy in his songs, and this one is no exception. He describes his lover and mars in such vivid detail that you may want to go to mars yourself to dance in the ballrooms.

Next: Top unrequited love songs of all time

16. “Have You Seen the Stars Tonight?” by Jefferson Starship

Well, have you? The song is short, but it doesn’t need to be anything complex to get the point across. The narrator asks his friend if they could keep him company looking at the stars.

17. “Rocket Love” by Stevie Wonder

“Rocket Love” is about a great relationship that didn’t end well. We hear at the beginning of the song that the narrator has longed for the woman since birth. Now, who wouldn’t want a love like that? Apparently, not the women he fell in love with.

Stevie Wonder does an excellent job painting a picture of his former lover and her warmness until she dumped him back to earth. The song was released in September 1980 and recorded at Wonderland Studios.

Next: Best songs about cheating in relationships

18. “Alien” by Britney Spears

This song is one of the more modern ones on the list. “Alien” is about being a metaphorical alien. The lyrics express situations in which we feel out of place. More specifically, loneliness even when friends and family surround us. You can’t really miss it since the phrase “Not alone” is repeated multiple times.

Spears said that this was her favorite song on the album. It was written in 2013. The warped effects used for the vocals really give an out-of-this-world type of feel and were the product of William Orbit who is best known for working with Madonna.

19. “I Turned Into a Martian” by The Misfits

Thankfully the title isn’t literal, or maybe it is. The Misfits are known not to have any deep lyrics to their songs, so instead, this one might actually be about a man spontaneously turning into a martian and now wants to rule the world. If there’s any hint of a deeper meaning, it might have to do with substances and how the abuse can mess with your mind and turn you inhuman.

The song was released in 1982 and written by leading Glenn Danzig. It’s also been covered over 25 times all the way up to the year 2017.

20. “Space is the Place” by Sun Ra

This song is an opening title of a film by the same name. The film is set in, you guessed it, space. The song starts as creepy and otherworldly. The rap Sun Ra does is poetic and expresses the desire for black people to set up their own vibe away from all the devastation happening when the movie was created.

21. “Space Jam” by Quad City DJs

Stand up if you’re a 90s kid! This song made its debut as the main theme for the hit Warner Brothers movie of the same name. It’s now a fondly remembered cult classic.

Space Jam is a story about a group of aliens wanting to capture the characters of the Looney Tunes and use them for entertainment. The Tunes don’t like that idea and challenge them to a basketball game only to find out the aliens are actually excellent at the game. The Looney Tunes ask NBA star Michale Jordan for his help to win the game and earn their freedom. Such a wacky setup gave us a pumped-up hit song.

22. “Life on the Moon” by David Cook

Most people imagine life on the moon as romantic. Most of the time, it’s in a positive context, but not this one. David Cook wrote it following his audition on American Idol. The song symbolizes how much his life has changed since then, and it’s not optimistic.

23. “Heightened Sensitivity” by Anakim

We end our list with the song that most exemplifies the vast emptiness that is space. Every bit of the sound is meant to convey something otherworldly. The song lasts for almost 8 minutes with no lyrics. It truly sets you in the vast expanse of space.

Best songs everyone knows

The best songs about flying of all time

As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.

Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.

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33 Best Songs About Space, Stars & The Universe

• Last Updated: May 3, 2023

Cosmic Songs about Space

The vastness and mystery of space have long captured the human imagination, inspiring us to dream of new worlds, explore the unknown, and contemplate our place in the universe. 

From the earliest days of human history, we have looked up at the stars and wondered what lies beyond our world.

But beyond the scientific discoveries and technological achievements, another aspect of space has inspired artists, poets, and musicians for centuries: the beauty and wonder of the cosmos.

Today we’re serving up 33 of the very best songs about space, stars and the universe, including both songs with a message around Space and songs with Space in the title. This list includes artists like David Bowie , Elton John , Coldplay , and many more. 

1. Space Oddity – David Bowie

David Bowie’s iconic “Space Oddity,” tells the story of astronaut Major Tom, who becomes lost in space. The song was released in 1969, just a few days before the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon.

Explore: 27 Best Songs About Rockets (That Are Out of This World) 🚀

2. Rocket Man – Elton John

Elton John’s “Rocket Man” is a classic song about a lonely astronaut dreaming of home while floating in space. It was released in 1972 and has become one of the most beloved space-themed songs ever.

Explore: 29 Magical Songs About the Moon (of All Time) 🌙

3. Major Tom (Coming Home) – Peter Schilling

Peter Schilling’s “Major Tom (Coming Home)” is a follow-up to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” The song tells the story of Major Tom’s return to Earth and his struggles to readjust to life on the ground.

Explore: 24 of the Best Songs About Rainbows (Greatest Hits) 🌈

4. Across the Universe – The Beatles

The Beatles’ “Across the Universe” is a dreamy ballad that evokes the vastness of space and the interconnectedness of all things. It was released in 1969 and has become a favorite of space enthusiasts.

Explore: 29 of the Best Songs About Water (Greatest Hits) 🌊

5. Starman – David Bowie

David Bowie’s “Starman” is a soaring anthem that tells the story of an alien who comes to Earth to spread a message of hope. It was released in 1972 and has become one of Bowie’s most popular songs.

Explore: 29 of the Best Songs About Ghosts & Spirits 👻

6. Life on Mars? – David Bowie

“Life on Mars?” is another classic Bowie song about space, this time exploring the idea of extraterrestrial life. It was released in 1971 and remained one of Bowie’s most beloved songs.

Explore: 32 of the Best Songs About Change, Growth & Progression 🎵

7. Intergalactic – Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys’ “Intergalactic” is a funky, high-energy song about space travel and exploration. It was released in 1998 and became one of the group’s biggest hits.

Explore: 38 of the Best Songs About Dreams and Dreaming 🎤

8. Black Hole Sun – Soundgarden

Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” is a haunting and surreal song that evokes the mysteries of the universe. It was released in 1994 and has become one of the most iconic songs of the ’90s.

Explore: 35 of the Best Songs About Family 🎶

9. Astronomy Domine – Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine” is a psychedelic song about space exploration, with trippy lyrics and swirling guitars. It was released in 1967 and has become a staple of the band’s live shows.

Explore: 28 of the Best Songs About Hope 🎹

10. Starlight – Muse

Muse’s “Starlight” is a soaring rock ballad that celebrates the beauty of the night sky. It was released in 2006 and has become one of the band’s most popular songs.

Explore: 28 of the Best Songs About Guilt, Regret & Mistakes 🎙️

11. Walking on the Moon – The Police

The Police’s “Walking on the Moon” is a funky, reggae-inspired song about the experience of walking on the lunar surface. It was released in 1979 and became one of the band’s biggest hits.

Explore: 30 Best Songs About Memories, Nostalgia & Good Times 🎵

12. Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” is a classic love song that uses space as a metaphor for romance. It was released in 1964 and has become one of Sinatra’s most enduring hits.

Explore: 30 of the Best Songs About Money, Wealth & Being Rich 💰

13. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith

Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” was featured in the 1998 film “ Armageddon ” and became a massive hit. The song is a power ballad about the fear of missing out on love and life.

Explore: 30 of the Best Songs About Pain, Loss & Suffering 🎶

14. Space Cowboy – Steve Miller Band

Steve Miller Band’s “Space Cowboy” is a groovy, bluesy song about a cowboy who travels through space. It was released in 1969 and has become one of the band’s most popular songs.

Explore: 25 of the Best Songs About Betrayal 🗡️

15. Supermassive Black Hole – Muse

Muse’s “Supermassive Black Hole” is a hard-hitting rock song that explores the mysteries of black holes. It was released in 2006 and has become one of the band’s signature songs.

Explore: 21 of the Best Songs About Flowers 🌼

16. Spaceman – The Killers

The Killers’ “Spaceman” is a synth-heavy song about alien abduction. It was released in 2008 and became a hit for the band.

Explore: 25 of the Best Songs About Brothers 🎤

17. 2000 Light Years Away – Green Day

Green Day’s “2000 Light Years Away” is a punky song about longing and distance. It was released in 1992 and has become a fan favorite.

Explore: 22 Best Songs About Sex, Seduction & Making Love 🔥

18. The Final Countdown – Europe

Europe’s “The Final Countdown” is a bombastic ’80s rock song about a spaceship traveling through space. It was released in 1986 and has become an enduring anthem.

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19. Gravity – John Mayer

John Mayer’s “Gravity” is a soulful ballad that uses gravity as a metaphor for the forces that keep us grounded. It was released in 2006 and has become one of Mayer’s most famous songs.

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20. Starry Eyed – Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding’s “Starry Eyed” is a dreamy, synth-heavy song about the beauty of the night sky. It was released in 2010 and became a hit for the British singer.

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21. Saturn – Sleeping at Last

Released in 2017, “Saturn” is a beautiful ballad exploring Saturn and its significance in our lives. The song features lush orchestration and poignant lyrics that touch on time, aging, and the passage of life.

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22. Glitter and Gold – Barns Courtney 

Released in 2015, “Glitter and Gold” is a fast-paced rock song that invokes the imagery of the night sky and the infinite possibilities of the universe.

The song’s catchy chorus and driving beat encourage listeners to dream big and pursue their passions.

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23. All the Stars – Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Released in 2018 as part of the soundtrack for the movie “Black Panther,” “All the Stars” is a soulful, upbeat song that explores the connection between the stars and the human spirit.

The song features Kendrick Lamar’s signature flow, SZA’s smooth vocals, and lush production that draws on African rhythms and instruments.

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24. Universe – EXO 

Released in 2017, “Universe” is a soaring pop ballad that explores the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space.

The song features EXO’s signature harmonies, emotional vocals, and orchestration, drawing on classical and electronic elements.

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25. Lost in Japan – Shawn Mendes 

Released in 2018, “Lost in Japan” is a romantic pop song that references the vastness of the universe and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring new frontiers.

The song features a catchy melody, Shawn Mendes’ smooth vocals, and production that draws on funk and R&B influences.

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26. UFO – Coldplay 

Released in 2014, “UFO” is a dreamy ballad that explores the mystery and wonder of the universe. With its ethereal melody and introspective lyrics, the song encourages listeners to contemplate the mysteries of the cosmos and embrace the unknown.

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27. Black Hole Sun – Soundgarden

 Initially released in 1994 but re-released in 2014 as part of a special edition of the album “Superunknown,” “Black Hole Sun” is a classic grunge song that uses cosmic imagery to explore themes of existential angst and despair.

With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, the music has become a timeless classic in the rock canon.

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28. Dark Necessities – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Released in 2016, “Dark Necessities” is a funky, groove-driven song that explores the darkness and mystery of the universe.

With its catchy bassline and soaring guitar riffs, the song encourages listeners to embrace their inner demons and find beauty in the chaos of the cosmos.

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29. Starboy – The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk 

Released in 2016, “Starboy” is a stylish, swaggering song that uses the imagery of the cosmos to explore themes of fame, fortune, and excess.

With its sleek production and confident vocals, the music has become one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits.

30. Higher Power – Coldplay

Released in 2021, “Higher Power” is an upbeat, dance-pop song that draws on cosmic imagery to explore themes of hope, unity, and transcendence.

The song features infectious melodies, a driving beat, and production that draws on electronic and world music influences.

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31. Space Melody (Edward Artemyev) – VIZE x Alan Walker ft. Leony

Released in 2021, “Space Melody” is a catchy, upbeat dance track that uses the imagery of the cosmos to explore themes of adventure, freedom, and exploration.

The song features a pulsing beat, anthemic vocals, and products that draw on EDM and pop influences. The track also samples the iconic “Theme from ‘Siberiade'” by Edward Artemyev, a classic piece of electronic music from the Soviet era.

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32. Starlight – Jai Wolf 

Released in 2019, “Starlight” is a dreamy, synth-driven song that celebrates the beauty and mystery of the night sky. With its shimmering production and ethereal vocals, the song encourages listeners to embrace the wonder and magic of the universe.

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33. Alligator – Of Monsters and Men

Released in 2019, “Alligator” is an energetic, indie-rock song that draws on the metaphor of a shining star to explore themes of resilience and perseverance.

The song’s catchy hooks and driving rhythms encourage listeners to keep fighting life’s challenges and shine as bright as the stars in the sky.

Explore: 26 of the Best Songs About Monday (Greatest Hits) 📅

Summary: Songs About Space, Stars & The Universe

Songs about space, stars, and the universe are a testament to the boundless imagination and curiosity of the human spirit. 

They inspire us to dream big, look beyond our world, and contemplate the mysteries of the universe and our place in it.

From the melodies of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” to the upbeat pop of Ellie Goulding’s “Starry Eyed,” these songs about space remind us of the vastness and beauty of the cosmos. 

They also remind us that we are all connected to something greater than ourselves and should strive to appreciate and protect the universe’s wonders.

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Astronaut Songs: Music & Stories From Space

Astronaut Day! This list was curated by NASA Astronauts Garrett Reisman & Mike Massimino from songs they listened to while working on the USA Space Shuttle

32 Songs, 2 hours, 17 minutes

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23 Best Songs About Space & The Universe

Take a trip into the cosmos with these amazing space-themed songs.

The mysteries of space have baffled humanity for millennia, so it’s not surprising there’s an abundance of songs about space that explore the topic in depth.

It’s been the subject of many classic songs and inspiration for musicians who like to experiment with electronic music to create unique sounds.

This article explores the musical side of the universe, bringing you an eclectic mix of songs that reflect space in all its facets.

Table of Contents

The 23 Best Songs About Space & The Universe

We’ve covered various genres and performers to ensure this guide delivers the best space-themed songs available.

Whether you like pop classics or experimental jazz masterpieces, there’s something to satisfy all tastes.

Let’s get started with our playlist of the 23 best songs about space and the universe:

23. “The Final Countdown” – Europe

With their iconic keyboard riff and powerful glam rock vocals, Europe lifted off with their song “The Final Countdown.”

The lead singer calls out, “We’re heading for Venus,” and sets the tone for their epic song about space.

It’s a 1980s classic that continues to be rediscovered by each new generation and an iconic anthem to boot.

22. “Andromeda” – Paul Weller

Paul Weller gets in on the space-themed music action with his song “Andromeda,” which takes its name from the largest known galaxy in the universe.

Weller uses the concept as a metaphor for departing from a dying planet, adding to the atmosphere with electronic music influences.

The song was originally released in 2008 and was featured on his album, Live at the Royal Albert Hall .

21. “Space Truckin” – Deep Purple

“Space Truckin” by Deep Purple includes many references to space in its lyrics, each of which comes across as a pun.

The playful lyrics read, “Well, we had a great deal of luck on Venus, and on Mars we never lacked for a good time.”

Deep Purple’s extensive range of tone and subject has seen them write one of the best songs about silence , 1968’s “Hush.”

20. “Spaceman” – Babylon Zoo

Babylon Zoo’s “Spaceman” quickly entered the world of one-hit wonders but is still a popular song today with lots of commercial appeal.

The soaring vocals express a desire to get away from everything, using space as an analogy for a place far away from your troubles.

Used as the music for a Levi advertising campaign, it’s a catchy pop song with a hook that gets inside your head.

19. “Mr. Spaceman” – The Byrds

The Byrds released “Mr. Spaceman” in 1966 as part of their fifth studio album Fifth Dimension , and it was aptly described as space rock on its release.

The song discusses encounters with alien life, with the narrator seeking passage to another world to escape earth.

It’s a pure and unadulterated science fiction-themed song that the band originally intended as a “melodramatic screenplay.”

18. “Space Travel Is Boring” – Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse released their song “Space Travel is Boring” as part of their album The Moon and Antarctica .

A song about boredom, it features amusingly fast lyrics set to impressive indie rock guitar playing.

The album from which it came was named by NME as one of the best albums ever made in their 2021 review of The Golden Casket .

17. “Spaceman” – The Killers

 The Killers are responsible for one of the best songs about freedom , so it’s no surprise they’ve also written a great song about space,

Their track “Spaceman” tells the story of a man’s abduction from his bed by aliens and the experiences he has as a consequence.

Frontman Brandon Flowers discussed the song in an interview, explaining how he was influenced by “Rocket Man” and “Space Oddity.”

16. “Space” – Murder By Death

Murder By Death cut straight to the chase with the song “Space,” released on the band’s 2018 album The Other Shore .

It’s an epic exploration of the vastness and emptiness of space that seeks to push the boundaries of what music can accomplish.

The song’s writer Adam Turla wrote the song after toying for many years with writing a space opera with a fully-fleshed narrative.

15. “Super Rocket Rumble” – Man Or Astro-Man?

Man or Astro-Man? released the song “Super Rocket Bumble” on their 1996 album Delux Men In Space .

It’s an ambitious piece that drops lyrics in favor of an imaginative soundscape, complete with radio broadcasts over the music.

The surf rock group has influenced many acts since, particularly for their impressive and imaginative use of synthesizers.

14. “A Spaceman Came Travelling” – Chris De Burgh

After reading the book Chariots of the Gods , singer Chris De Burgh was inspired by the notion of a star actually being a spaceship.

He sings in “A Spaceman Came Traveling,” “I come from a planet a long way from here, and I bring a message for mankind to hear.”

De Burgh’s biggest hit won the Most Performed Song from the ASCAP Pop Music Awards in 1988.

13. “Space Travel Is Boring” – Sun Kil Moon

Modest Mouse may have written “Space Travel Is Boring,” but Sun Kil Moon’s cover version is equally noteworthy.

The same themes are explored, but the approach to instrumentation and vocalization is entirely Moon’s creation.

Taken from the album Tiny Cities , it’s frequently cited as a great example of a cover surpassing the original.

12. “The Space Program” – A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest opened their long-awaited album, We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service , with the track “The Space Program.”

Complete with a space-bound music video, the song was dedicated to the band member Phife Dawg, who passed away after it was recorded.

Pharrell Williams, Erykah Badu, and Anderson Paak all make cameo appearances in the music video.

11. “Outer Space” – John Grant

John Grant is no stranger to writing popular music and is responsible for one of the best Christmas songs of all time.

His song “Outer Space” is a captivating rock ballad with interesting beat arrangements describing a man’s feelings towards a woman.

Grant is also well known as the co-founder, singer-songwriter, and pianist for the alternative rock band the Czars.

10. “Satellite Flight” – Kid Cudi

Alternative hip-hop and synth rock music influenced Kid Cudi’s “Satellite Flight,” released in 2014 on the album of the same name.

It’s a song about enjoying the ride of life, produced with a combination of atmospheric sound effects and smooth beats.

The album from which it came peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 charts, selling over 100,000 copies in the United States.

9. “Looking For Astronauts” – The National

Indie rock band The National got in on the space race with their song “Looking for Astronauts.”

Here, astronauts are a stand-in for perfection, with the job demanding physical excellence and a high level of intelligence.

It was taken from the album Alligator , which was widely praised and appeared on multiple best album of the year lists in 2005.

8. “Space Girl” – The Imagined Village

The Imagined Village explored the vastness of space in their beautiful song, “Space Girl,” released on their album Empire and Love in 2010.

It’s a catchy space song about a girl who dreams about expanding her horizons and traveling away from the world.

The song was released set to a wonderfully-animated music video depicting a universe of weird aliens.

7. “The Galaxy Song” – Eric Idle/Monty Python

The Monty Python team is no strangers to penning music with amusing lyrics, and “The Galaxy Song” is a wonderful addition to their discography.

Eric Idle sings, “Pray that there’s intelligent life, somewhere out in space, ‘cos there’s bugger all down here on Earth!”

The song debuted in their 1983 movie The Meaning of Life and has been performed many times at Monty Python live shows since.

6. “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Often considered among the best 60s rock bands , Creedence Clearwater Revival sang about the vast reaches of space in their song “Bad Moon Rising.”

In this song, the moon acts as a portent of an apocalyptic scenario and the end times mentioned in the Bible.

John Fogerty wrote the song after drawing influence from a scene in The Devil and Daniel Webster , which accounts for its disturbing tone.

5. “There’s A Star For Everyone” – Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin brings her exceptional vocal range to the fore with “There’s a Star For Everyone.”

Franklin’s song explores her romantic feelings for another in terms of her adoration of a distant star, permanently out of reach.

Released on her 1981 album Love All the Hurt Away , it was her 27th album in an illustrious career that spanned decades.

4. “Space Is The Place” – Sun Ra

Taking its name from the movie on which it was used during the opening titles, Sun Ra’s “Space is the Place” has a creepy vibe from the outset.

The tune blends jazz and electronic music to create exciting new sounds and was critically acclaimed at the time of its release.

Resembling the aural version of a black hole sun, it’s a deep and powerful composition at the forefront of jazz.

3. “Fly Me To The Moon” – Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra is well-known for writing some of the best karaoke songs of all time , and “Fly Me to the Moon” is equally singable.

Sinatra’s song is about a love so overwhelming it cannot be contained by the earth and needs to reach out to the planets.

“Fly Me to the Moon” has additional historical significance for being released in 1964, around the same time as the Apollo moon missions.

2. “Rocket Man” – Elton John

For Elton John, the vast emptiness of space acted as a perfect representation of loneliness for his hit song, “Rocket Man.”

Sometimes interpreted as an analogy for substance abuse, it’s also a poignant lovestruck ballad about unrequited love.

John took the title from a short story written in 1951 by the legendary science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, taken from his collection of short stories called The Illustrated Man .

1. “Space Oddity” – David Bowie

Responsible for some of the best songs of all time , David Bowie needs little introduction, and his song “Space Oddity” is considered among his masterpieces.

The song, which plays on the title of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey , follows the adventures of an astronaut launched into space.

Like “Fly Me To The Moon,” it was also released around the time of the moon landings and has since established a strong cult following.

That’s a wrap on this guide to the greatest space-themed songs of all time, exploring the concept through a broad selection of musical genres.

The appeal of space continues to endure, whether in the literal sense of exploring the cosmos or as a fitting metaphor for human emotions.

As humanity moves into a new era of space exploration in the years to come, we can anticipate plenty more great songs on the subject.

What are your favorite songs about space, in your opinion? Leave a comment below. 

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Andy has been producing music since the early days of Cubase and spent much of the 2000s mixing house and techno with his trusty Technics 1200s. Fast forward two decades, you'll find him in his home studio experimenting with the latest music production software, tinkering with Ableton plug-ins, and occasionally trying (and failing) to complete Cuphead for the hundredth time.

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The 45+ Best Songs About Rules

Space songs are always inspiring to listen to. After all, who honestly thought mankind would ever take to the sky and travel the universe? This is a ranked list of all songs about outer space, as voted on by music fans like you. Some of the songs included below may have the words "space" or "planet" in the lyrics or title, while others are only about space as a subject or theme. It's not confirmed whether or not astronauts enjoy the music on this list, but there's a strong possibility these songs would resonate with them. Recent movies like Gravity and Interstellar have had beautiful musical scores, but if you want to listen to less orchestral songs then this list is for you.

Space Oddity

Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)

Fly Me to the Moon

Across the Universe

Starship Trooper

Ashes to Ashes

Astronomy Domine

Holst - the planets.

Space Truckin'

Walking on the Moon

Interstellar Overdrive

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Space Age Love Song

A Sky Full of Stars

Child in Time

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Space Monkey

Counting Stars

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Space Station #5

We Are All Made of Stars

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Exploring the many ways space, space travels, and extraterrestrial life are depicted in film, TV, literature, anime, comics, and technology.

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57 best songs about space & the universe.

Exploring the vast expanse of the cosmos through music, I’ve put together a captivating collection of songs about space and the universe.

This article is your gateway to melodies that transcend earthly boundaries, offering a unique perspective on the mysteries of the cosmos.

Table of Contents

Top songs about space & the universe

• “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
• “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
• “Rocket Man” by Elton John
• “Space Truckin” by Deep Purple
• “Spaceman” by The Killers
• “Space” by Murder by Death
• “The Space Program” by A Tribe Called Quest
• “Starlight” by Muse
• “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• “Space Cowboy” by The Steve Miller Band

1. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie

“Major Tom, are you able to hear me?”

It’s possible that this song is the most well-known of all the space songs, yet it’s really more of a song about being lonely and isolated than it is about space.

In the song, Major Tom chooses to disengage from his ship and just drift away into the void of space.

The fact that it was published around the time of the moon landing undoubtedly contributed to the song’s ascent to cult status.

It did not hinder Bowie’s career in any way, shape, or form. Soon after that, he presented us with his Ziggy Stardust alter persona, and the world of music was never quite the same again.

Another excellent tune from later in Bowies’ career is titled “Dancing Out in Space” (from The Next Day).

2. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra

Who could ever forget such a timeless classic? When Frank Sinatra performs a song about falling in love while stargazing and floating through space, his silky smooth voice causes everyone’s heart to skip a beat.

How very lovely would it be to be traveling across space when you get that old-school euphoric feeling?

Kaye Ballard was the original singer of the song, and it was first named “In Other Words.”

3. “Rocket Man” by Elton John

Legend has it that a falling star served as the creative impetus behind Elton John’s timeless song .

This song from 1972 takes the concept of working as an astronaut and portrays it as being no different from any other nine-to-five job.

The main character talks about being alone in space and not fully comprehending how all of the science works in the song. Even this one has a plethora of different cover versions.

4. “Space Truckin” by Deep Purple

“Well, we had a great deal of luck on Venus, and on Mars we never lacked for a good time.”

The album Machine Head by Deep Purple begins with a song titled “Highway Star” which is about automobiles and ends with a song that is about traveling into space.

Tragically, astronaut Kalpana Chawla brought a copy of the CD with her onto the doomed Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. The shuttle was involved in a catastrophic accident.

Therefore, guitarist Steve Morse paid tribute to her and the rest of the band by penning the song “Contact Lost,” which can be found on the band’s album titled “Bananas.”

5. “Spaceman” by The Killers

We’ve all heard some pretty wild tales of humans being kidnapped by aliens and used as test subjects for their research.

Is it possible that one of the band members really went through something similar and was inspired to write a song about it? Who could say?

A guy is dragged from his bed and kidnapped by extraterrestrial beings, who then attempt to convince him that everything he perceives is only a product of his own imagination. It would be quite difficult to put such a distressing event out of one’s mind.

This song was a smash hit on the radio and it was also utilized as the theme music for the trailer for the animated film Planet 51.

The lead singer of the band, Brandon Flowers, has said that he was attempting to write a song that would combine “ Space Oddity ” with “Rocket Man.” I suppose it seems sensible for songs about space to draw inspiration from one another.

6. “Space” by Murder by Death

Murder by Death is always pushing the limits of what’s possible.

During a conversation with Adam Turla, he explained the source of his creativity as follows:

“I basically have been toying with the idea of doing a space opera for a long time. When I was a teenager, I embarked on the process of creating one. The narrative developed in a natural way, more or less song after song, and line by line.”

7. “The Space Program” by A Tribe Called Quest

“It’s going to hit us with a vengeance. We’ve got to get our s*** together.”

The first song to be released from the highly anticipated album We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service album was released in 2016.

According to NPR, the lyrics illustrate a version of the United States that is “hostile to African-Americans, Mexicans, Muslims, gays, and the poor.”

The band member Phife Dawg, who tragically died suddenly after the production of this song, is honored with a moving tribute in the form of a beautiful and space-themed music video (his lyrical interplay with Q-Tip was the backbone of the group).

The outstanding music video includes guest appearances from a number of well-known musicians, including Pharrell Williams, Anderson Paak, Erykah Badu, and many more.

8. “Starlight” by Muse

This alternative rock song was released in 2006, and its main character imagines that he is being taken away by a spacecraft from all of the people he knows and loves.

Even if she is far away and separated by “black holes and revelations,” he will never be able to forget the one and only lady he has ever loved.

9. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Despite what the majority of people believe, this band does not see the moon as a lovely and illuminating beacon in our life.

The song, which is bouncy and pleasant, doesn’t give the impression that it’s about anything troubling at all.

John Fogerty created the song on purpose using this structure, but he refused to explain why he did it.

10. “Space Cowboy” by The Steve Miller Band

In contrast to Elton John, the vocalist in this song is preoccupied with his existence in space and venturing into the farthest regions of the cosmos.

A word of caution: Space Cowboy is often confused with another song by the Steve Miller Band called “The Joker.”

11. “All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA

“All The Stars” is a lead single from the “Black Panther: The Album”, a soundtrack for the 2018 Marvel movie.

The song was nominated for the Oscars for Best Original song, but lost to “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born”.

Either way, the song is captivating and sentimental, and it talks about reaching for your dreams.

12. “We Are All Made Of Stars” by Moby

“We Are All Made Of Stars” is a song about stars and people. It’s also about hope; in one of the interviews, Moby said that he wrote the song in New York after the September 11 attacks. It was his way of expressing a sense of hopefulness.

But the lyrics are generally inspired by the scientific principle that all matter in the universe is made up of stardust. And that’s somehow a very comforting notion.

13. “A Sky Full Of Stars” by Coldplay

Another popular song about stars is “A Sky Full Of Stars” released on Coldplay’s album “Ghost Stories” in 2014.

The song is incredibly uplifting and lively. And as Chris Martin said in one of the interviews, it represents “the release after you’ve climbed the mountain – after you’ve done anything challenging.”

14. “Space Song” by Beach House

Just like most of Beach House’s songs, “Space Song” is relaxing and dreamy. It will make you feel like you’re floating in space.

The band released it on their studio album “Depression Cherry” in 2015.

15. “Out Of Space” by Prodigy

Another song about space with a slightly different atmosphere than the previous one is “Out Of Space” by Prodigy.

The song is featured on Prodigy’s 1992 debut album “Experience” and it was one of the band’s signature songs.

It’s a captivating, catchy song with a sing-along verse (not so typical for their music) and a trippy music video (that’s more typical).

Either way, it’s a fantastic tune that will probably keep reminding people of this iconic band for many years to come.

16. “Walking On The Moon” by The Police

How about taking a nice little walk on the moon?

This is arguably one of the most iconic songs about the moon. It was released in 1979, on The Police’s album “Reggatta de Blanc”.

However, this is actually a typical love song, and walking on the moon presumably represents the feeling of being infatuated with someone.

17. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young

Another iconic moon song is “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young.

The song is very simple and straightforward: it’s about dancing with someone you love under the light of the moon.

The melody of the song also seems rather simple, but it’s incredibly beautiful and memorable – it just doesn’t get old.

18. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

“Black Hole Sun” was one of Chris Cornell’s most popular songs. And it’s a brilliant one too.

The song was released on Soundgarden’s fourth studio album “Superunknown” in 1994. Cornell supposedly wrote it in his car while he was driving home one night.

Besides being a chart-topping hit, “Black Hole Sun” received the award for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 1995 Grammy Awards.

19. “Mr. Spaceman” by The Byrds

“Mr. Spaceman” was released in 1966, on The Byrds’ album “Fifth Dimension”. And back then, the song was described as ‘space rock’.

Lyrically, “Mr. Spaceman” really is a song about space. It talks about an encounter with extraterrestrial life, with a twist that the protagonist asks the aliens to take him with them.

Well, if you get a chance to take a ride on a nice, little spaceship, you have to take it.

20. “2000 Years From Home” by The Rolling Stones

Speaking of space rock, we can’t skip this unusual, trippy tune by The Rolling Stones.

It’s unusual because the beginning of the song almost sounds like Pink Floyd, but it progresses to an interesting rock song about the universe and, well, all the other things that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards came up with at the time.

The song was first released on the band’s album “Their Satanic Majesties Request” in 1967.

21. “Space Monkey” by Patti Smith

Released on Patti Smith’s 1978 album “Easter”, “Space Monkey” delivers a different perspective on the concept of space in music.

The song sounds more fun than many other Patti Smith songs, so its title is somewhat suitable.

22. “Dancing In The Moonlight” by Toploader

And if you’re looking for a danceable song about space, let us remind you of this popular hit.

Toploader’s “Dancing In The Moonlight” is an ultimate feel-good song that just doesn’t get old.

The song was actually written by musician Sherman Kelly in 1969, and the English band Toploader recorded the famous cover in 1999.

23. “Supersonic Rocket Ship” by The Kinks

“Supersonic Rocket Ship” by The Kinks is a true space jam. We can easily imagine ourselves floating in space while listening to this tune…

The song was also featured in the 2019 film “Avengers: Endgame”, and that’s probably when a lot of younger people heard it for the first time.

24. “Goodnight Moon” by Shivaree

Shivaree was an Americana band formed in 1997. They are best known for their track “Goodnight Moon”.

It’s a smooth, catchy tune featured in several movies and TV shows including “The Silver Linings Playbook”, “The Kill Bill Vol2”, and “Dawson’s Creek”.

25. “Space Baby” by The Tubes

“Space Baby” by the San Francisco-based band The Tubes is definitely a song that deserves more attention.

It could very well be categorized as space rock, or at least be on the same playlist as The Kinks’, David Bowie’s, and The Rolling Stones’ songs we mentioned today.

26. “Space Station #5” by Montrose

The vocalist of this song Sammy Hagar is better known as a one-time vocalist for Van Halen. Nevertheless, his voice fits this space-themed rock song perfectly.

And as Hagar said in one of the interviews: “You know how big the universe is? It’s freakin’ huge! If we’re really the only ones out there, that’s scarier to me than thinking there are aliens.”

27. “Space Jam” by Quad City DJs

This is probably one of the most iconic songs about space from the 90s. It was written for the 1996 American animated sports comedy film “Space Jam”.

The film stars Michael Jordan as a fictional version of himself in a combination with Looney Tunes characters.

The movie received mixed reviews, but despite that, it became the highest-grossing basketball film of all time.

28. “Space Bound” by Eminem

Eminem released “Space Bound” on his studio album “Recovery” in 2011, and it’s definitely one of the most sentimental songs on the album.

One of the interpretations of the song and the video explain that Eminem was trying to portray the reality of relationships and the fact that even the strongest of relationships can eventually fall apart.

29. “Airplanes” by B.o.B. and Hayley Williams

Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?

This popular 2010 tune by B.o.B. and Paramore’s Hayley Williams always sounds fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

“Airplanes” peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, and it was also nominated for a Grammy.  

30. “Across The Universe” by Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright released this beautiful, familiar ballad about the universe in 2002. It’s a cover of The Beatles’ tune released on their album “No One’s Gonna Change Our World”.

There are many more covers of this song, and each one adds something special to it. It’s simply a timeless song with an iconic melody that everyone seems to know and love.

31. “Looking For Astronauts” by The National

In this mellow indie rock tune, The National’s Matt Berninger claims that we are all here looking for our astronaut. The astronaut is presumably our soulmate – and perhaps someone who is a bit too perfect.

Either way, it’s one of the songs about astronauts that can fulfill your daydreaming moments.

32. “Cosmic Love” by Florence and The Machine

This maybe isn’t a typical song about space, but it’s a song about a special kind of love. A cosmic love.

In this 2009 indie hit, Florence Welch sings about a woman who has fallen passionately in love when she wasn’t expecting it.

She also sings about the stars and the moon, and everything that will make you feel like you can fly away across the universe.

33. “Space Is The Place” by Sun Ra

“Space Is The Place” is a long and captivating jazzy tune about the vastness of space. At least that’s how it sounds.  

It’s also the opening title of the SF movie of the same name made in 1972. The film is about the space age prophet who lands his spaceship in Oakland after being presumed lost in space.

34. “Man On The Moon” by R.E.M.

Another timeless song about space and the moon is R.E.M.’s “Man On The Moon”.

The song is a tribute to the comedian and performer Andy Kaufman. And the song’s title and chorus refer to the Moon landing conspiracy theories which is an allusion to the rumor of Kaufman’s faked death.

Either way, it’s one of the band’s signature songs and an absolute space-themed classic.

35. “A Shining Star” by Nneka

It’s time for a hidden gem (and a shining star) among the best songs about space and stars.

Nneka is a talented Nigerian singer and songwriter, and “A Shining Star” is a soulful R&B tune she released in 2011.

This is definitely music that deserves more attention. And it’s a nice addition to your space playlist.

36. “Astronaut (Something About Your Love)” by Mansionair

Another great tune for your astronaut playlist is this captivating track by the Australian indie trio Mansionair.

The song is captivating, catchy, and somewhat nostalgic. And the video of an astronaut floating in a spaceship somehow fits the atmosphere of the song perfectly.

37. “Two Planets” by Bat For Lashes

Another great indie tune that you might not be familiar with is “Two Planets” by the Pakistani British singer/songwriter known as Bat For Lashes.

The song really sounds like it’s about space and the universe, so it’s a perfect addition to our list.

Sometimes it’s all about the vibes in a particular song, and the song’s title and the lyrics only add up to the whole atmosphere.

38. “Sail To The Moon” by Radiohead

Well, this song definitely has a suitable atmosphere. It’s dreamy and melancholic, and it will take your mind somewhere else – perhaps you’ll sail to the moon.

But since we’re talking about Radiohead, “Sail To The Moon” is probably not a song about space, moonbeams, and shooting stars, although you can hear all of that in the lyrics.

39. “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, Star Trek OST

What would a list of songs about space be without a couple of soundtracks?

And Star Trek is definitely one of the best TV shows about space ever made. It’s not only about starships and the exploration of space but also about different cultures and humanity.

And this song immediately transforms us to captain Picard’s U.S. Starship Enterprise. So, turn the volume up, and engage!

40. “The Expanse Main Title” by The Expanse OST

One of the TV shows about space that made a huge success recently is The Expanse.

And there’s something special about the show’s main title song made by the Canadian composer Clinton Shorter.  

The song is captivating and powerful, and it can make you think about the vastness of space and your own role in it in a completely new way…

41. “Star Man” by David Bowie

This one featured on “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, an album that told a story set post-apocalypse that many thought would have little commercial success as it had no potential hit singles.

How wrong they were.

In the early days, few people had seen Bowie perform and when he showed up on Top of the Pops dressed as this flame-haired alien, his stage presence stole the show.

“There’s a starman waiting in the sky He’d like to come and meet us But he thinks he’d blow our minds”

42. “Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys

Next up is a space song from the early hip-hop world as the Beastie Boys flex their capabilities. Telling us in no uncertain terms that they are out of this world.

“Now when it comes to envy y’all is green Jealous of the rhyme and the rhyme routine Another dimension, new galaxy Intergalactic, planetary”

The space ties are pretty loose but it’s a famous song about space nonetheless and some of the lyrical references are humorous as is the music video.

“If you want to battle you’re in denial Comin’ from Uranus to check my style”

43. “Contact” by Daft Punk

In the world of electronic dance with another song about space, this time from the french masked duo Daft Punk.

The track was recorded for their 2013 “Random Access Memories” album and is a typical musical offering from the pair.

The interesting thing is the lyrics which have a definitive space theme were a genuine audio sample from the Apollo 17 mission.

In the sample, you can hear the late Eugene Cernan the eleventh and last man to walk on the moon reporting back to ground control about what he can see.

44. “Spaceman” by Babylon Zoo

On to a slightly earlier space song from Babylon Zoo.

In all honesty, the group rose and disappeared quickly and were more or less one-hit wonders .

But the hook was strong with this one and it featured in commercials propelling the previously little-known rock band into the limelight momentarily.

The reason they flopped so heavily was that the ten-second hook that Levi’s used for an ad campaign was nothing like the rest of the track at all.

Millions went out and bought it to hear what the band had to offer and were utterly disappointed!

45. “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse

To be fair, Muse has a handful of songs about space, but here is the second one we picked for our list, for the interest it presents musically.

When it was released it was pretty experimental for the group known for their alternative edge, Bellamy and the rest of the band really branched out with this one in terms of genres lacing it with electronica, dance, and funk vibes.

“You set my soul alight Glaciers melting in the dead of night And the superstars sucked into the super massive (you set my soul alight) Glaciers melting in the dead of night And the superstars sucked into the super massive (you set my soul) Super massive black hole”

46. “Cosmic Girl” by Jamiroquai

With its disco throwback vibes and psychedelic spacey lyrics, we have the making of a great entry from acid-funk-jazz artist Jamiroquai.

The track is even listed as space disco as a genre!

Lyrics include a mountain of references to the heavens above as the guy describes his celestial match who has his heart at “zero gravity” .

“‘I’m scanning all my radars Well she said she’s from a quasar Forty thousand million light years away It’s a distant solar system”

47. “E.T.” by Katy Perry

Within the songs about space category we inevitably have a lot of songs about aliens.

E.T. by Katy Perry is a song about a love interest who is from another world be it literally or metaphorically speaking.

When we fall for someone we often hold them on a pedestal where nobody compares.

Perry is “ready for abduction” and describes what they have as transcendental.

“You’re not like the others Futuristic lover Different DNA They don’t understand you You’re from a whole ‘nother world A different dimension”

48. “Alien” by Britney Spears

Similarly but from a polar position, Britney confesses how she felt lonely and different until someone special came along who understood her. Before she felt “like an alien”.

She describes the journey to finding one person, comparing it to space travel with her lyrics.

“Crossed through the universe to get where you are Travel the night, riding on a shooting star Was lonely then, like an alien”

49. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa

If you are after modern pop songs about space then how about Dua Lipa’s “Levitating”?

Although not specifically space-centric it makes comparisons between the rush of emotions associated with love and relationships, additionally, a lot of interstellar terminology is littered throughout the lyrics.

“If you wanna run away with me, I know a galaxy And I can take you for a ride”

This electronic, space rock-come-nu-disco track is funky as heck with a popping bassline that drives it and a fast-paced rhythmic melody line.

“You want me, I want you, baby My sugarboo, I’m levitating The Milky Way, we’re renegading”

50. “Space Man” by Sam Ryder

While we are mulling over the modern entries, we have to mention the UK’s recent (2022) Eurovision track. Sang by social media singing sensation Sam Ryder.

It is a solidly written tune with all the makings of a contemporary commercial hit, simplistic enough to win over international crowds.

The track was the highest-scoring UK Eurovision entry to date and almost secured the UK the winning spot.

Each verse opens with If I was an astronaut” and concludes with the fact that he is “only human” . It is a reflective piece and very relatable, we are all in some ways “up in space”.

“Up in space, man I’ve searched around the universe Been down some black holes There’s nothing but space, man And I wanna go home”

It is one of those songs about astronauts with a deep underlying message.

51. “A Spaceman Came Travelling” by Chris de Burgh

Not your typical De Burgh track, but this art-rock tune that was a bit of a flop has undeniable space ties throughout and the synthesizer gives it an extra-terrestrial edge.

He has previously stated that he was inspired by reading Von Daniken’s Chariots Of The Gods after he became amused by the notion proposed within the book that the star of Bethlehem could have been a spacecraft!

“A spaceman came traveling on his ship from afar ‘Twas light years of time since his mission did start And over a village, he halted his craft And it hung in the sky like a star, just like a star”

52. “Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft” by Carpenters

When it comes to songs about spaceships this odd offering from the Carpenters crops to mind…

It was originally a track by Klatuu, a lesser-known Canadian rock band , but the Carpenter’s version hit the charts.

In place of Klatuu’s animal and nature sound samples, the Carpenters opened their version with a radio DJ voice-over and the song uses over 160 musicians in its recording.

The original inspiration for this spaceship song is based on a strange concept written about in The Flying Saucer Reader book where the “International Flying Saucer Bureau” urged all of its members to participate in an international interstellar contact experiment.

53. “Andromeda” by Paul Weller

“The dying planet grew dark and still My feisty engines took me up and then I could see? Oh, Andromeda”

Originally recorded in 2008 but redone for his 2021 album and well received by ‘dad-rock’ fans, this track has a fair few space references within its lyrical content and a dreamy orchestral reimagining that gives it a space-like feel to match.

It has heavy strings and synth sound choices with an ominous breakdown from the 1-minute mark.

Weller obviously made good use of his time during the pandemic lockdown!

54. “Jupiter Crash” by The Cure

“She follows me down to the sound of the sea Slips to the sand and stares up at me “is this how it happens? is this how it feels? Is this how a star falls?”

This 4-minute musical journey from The Cure is pretty contradictory, we have a lot of music for so few lyrics and the music presents a real juxtaposition.

The chord progressions and musical decisions are beautiful but it tells a disparate tale about the reality of a disappointing sexual experience that has been built into something wonderful beforehand and the disillusionment or “crash” that follows.

“was that it? was that the Jupiter show? Kinda wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for, you know”

Expectations aren’t always met.

55. “The Space Race Is Over” by Billy Bragg

This track is full of space references from the get go;

“When I was young I told my mum I’m going to walk on the Moon someday Armstrong and Aldrin spoke to me From Houston and Cape Kennedy And I watched the Eagle landing On a night when the Moon was full And as it tugged at the tides, I knew deep inside I too could feel its pull”

If you are in the mood for listening to songs about space travel then this one is a sweet and relaxing soft-rock track that should hit the spot.

56. “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

Okay, so this one might be a stretch whilst it’s not exactly a song about space per-say the verses are filled with nods to the cosmos and it’s such a killer track we are sure no one is going to bang us to rights.

“I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity”

A beautiful composition that starts like a piece of musical theatre with a legato intro that builds until kick-in full throttle and it’s an exhilarating ride from there on out…

Just like one would imagine blasting off into space would be.

“Yeah, I’m a rocket ship on my way to Mars On a collision course I am a satellite I’m out of control”

57. “The Final Countdown” by Europe

“We’re headin’ for Venus” …

We have seen some pretty cool space songs but songs about space travel don’t come half as epic as this glam-metal synth-sensation.

It was an instant hit for the Swedish group with a now iconic keyboard riff recognized by the world over.

Funnily enough, the band wasn’t sold on the synth to begin with they, thought it was too different and not rocky enough. Fortunately, they bit the bullet.

What better final song to feature in our countdown of songs about space!

Songs About Space – Final Thoughts

As you can see, our list of the best songs about space is quite versatile.

Many songs about space were made around the first landing on the Moon in 1969. And of course, people are still very intrigued by space travel and all the possibilities it could bring.

After all, space is still a huge mystery to us, but we learn something new about it each day.

Nevertheless, we hope this article helped you discover a lot of good songs for your space playlist!

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Space music: 10 of the best songs about space

David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Europe - there are some pretty cosmic tunes out there about our Solar System and beyond, so we’ve collected some of the galaxy's best songs about space.

Alexander McNamara

Space, with its infinite number of galaxies, stars, moons and planets has been inspiration to the arts for many centuries. Music has been particularly inspired, so here are some of our favourite space songs -let us know if you have a favourite on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .

David Bowie – Space Oddity

It seems fitting to start with the late David Bowie’s space epic, which tells of the fictional astronaut Major Tom and his doomed voyage into space.

Often covered, the only person ever to do justice to Bowie’s masterpiece was when real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield covered it , but then he did have the advantage of actually being in space.

The Police – Walking On The Moon

Walking on the Moon is classic Sting moment, with his band The Police turning out one of their most groovy reggae-inspired hits to the background of space exploration.

Not only is the video filmed at the Kennedy Space Centre, the drummer, Stewart Copeland plays the drums on a Saturn V moon rocket. We expect the next music video filmed in space to be this, performed on the Moon. We’re looking at you again, Chris Hadfield…

Chris De Burgh – A Spaceman Came Travelling

Ok, excusing the unavoidable fact that it is by one of the ultimate cringe-inducing musicians and it’s not so much a story about space but the second coming of Christ, it’s still a pretty catchy song.

Now everyone sing, “laa la la, laa la la, la lala la…”

Babylon Zoo – Spaceman

Babylon Zoo promised to be around for a long time when their chart topper Spaceman was released on the back of a 1996 Levi's advert . They didn’t, they fizzled out quicker than Pluto’s dreams of becoming a planet again.

Public Service Broadcasting – The Race For Space (album)

In 2015, British alternative group Public Service Broadcasting cut and paste their way to a whole album of samples from the early days of the space race between the USA and the Soviet Union, mixing sound bites of speeches, space noise and satellites to create a suitably spacey album. And the video above has dancing astronauts, which is pretty cool.

Ash – Girl From Mars

Love knows no boundaries, even across the reaches of the Solar System, as Northern Irish rockers Ash proved in their 1995 hit, Girl From Mars . Yes, if you thought the Universe was old, this song has been power-chording its way through our brains for over 20 years.

We all just felt a little bit older…

Gustav Holst – The Planets

The Planets , one of the most popular pieces by English composer Gustav Holst, is often hailed as one of the greatest pieces of classical music about space. Say it quietly though, but the piece is influenced far more by astrology than astronomy, Holst being a keen devotee of horoscopes.

Still, it is rather epic.

Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon (album)

Ok, we’ll admit it. Apart from the title, this album doesn’t really have anything to do with space (in fact the main themes are conflict, greed, the passage of time, and mental illness), but it has inspired any number of science fans throughout the years.

Also, the song Time has plenty of scientific undertones in it, so we’ll let this minor indiscretion slide.

The Prodigy – Out of Space

Back in the heady days of the 90s dance scene, The Prodigy were one of the biggest names in the business, and this was the hit that took the band from being Earth-bound ravers to an out-of-this world act.

With the words “I’m transcending to Outer Space…” from reggae star Max Romeo’s Chase the Devil , with “I'll take your brain to another dimension,” and a video of The Prodigy dancing around like aliens ( no, that’s just how they danced in the 90s ), this song is the ultimate space dance anthem.

The video also has ostriches in it, which is suitably weird.

Europe – The Final Countdown

How could we finish this list on anything other than the monstrously successful space-epic The Final Countdown by Swedish rockers Europe.

With lyrics inspired by the David Bowie’s Space Oddity , the song went on to reach No 1 in 25 countries. Not bad for a song that wasn’t even supposed to be a single!

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58+ Songs About Space, Stars & The Universe

Space is a fascinating subject, whether you enjoy gazing at the stars or prefer to stargaze with a telescope, well away from the artificial lights and centers of human civilization. Despite all of the pictures, satellites, and spectacular telescope designs that current science can offer, space is still a giant mystery. 

In terms of music, space is often used as an analogy for something with much deeper meaning. Sometimes, space songs are just space songs, and there is no great mystery to divulge. Music is one of only two things that truly lights up the brain.

58+ Songs About Space, Stars & The Universe

1. space cowboy (steve miller band).

The Steve Miller Band released “Space Cowboy ” in 1969 and it quickly became a hit.

This song is more closely enmeshed with all things space. It’s about the lead singer’s life in space. His own explorative version of a musical Star Trek.

2. Space Oddity (David Bowie)

We’re only on number 2 and David Bowie is here. This time, it’s the prequel, released just prior to Apollo 11’s launch.

It couldn’t have been entirely encouraging to the astronauts in that particular space mission, as the song is about drifting helplessly through space.

3. Space (Murder by Death)

An interesting name or an ironic twisting of words. This song is literally about space and not much else.

Delving deep into the vast emptiness of the ever-expanding universe beyond our little world. While it’s much about nothing, it’s somehow invigorating.

4. Space Truckin’ (Deep Purple)

Deep Purple managed to make a song about space travel , as it relates to being on the road.

Like most bands, being on the road is very common and they’ll spend much of their lives either driving or flying across the country. Funnily enough, the song was inspired by the old, Adam West Batman Series.

5. Spaceman (The Killers)

For all those who have claimed to have been abducted by aliens, this song was made just for them. It was also a part of the soundtrack for Planet 51, an animated movie.

Brandon Flowers claimed to have been inspired by both Rocket Man and Space Oddity and attempted to merge the two.

6. Space Jam ( Quad City DJs)

What could have more to do with space than an interstellar basketball cartoon starring Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan?

Of course, it’s not really in outer space but just a movie. The song became a cult classic , however, and screams “90s” whenever you give it a listen.

7. Mr. Spaceman (The Byrds)

Another hit single about dealing with intruding space aliens in the singer’s home, Mr. Spaceman is a lot more friendly in its tone and lyrics.

It involves happy, friendly space aliens, a happy and inviting host, and toothpaste, because of course it does.

8. The Space Race (Destroyer)

If you can make sense of the lyrics in this song , congratulations, you’ve truly accomplished something amazing.

With that title, you would have to expect this song to be about the space race between the US and the USSR during the John F Kennedy era. As it is, however, who knows?

9. Space Station #5 (Montrose)

Another gem from the 1970s, this song was released in 1973. The song is said to be about living in space. This is more believable after you know that Hagar has said he believes he was abducted by aliens as a child.

Not many people know that Sammy Hagar did the vocals. He would later move over to Van Halen but Space Station #5 was where he got his start.

10. The Space Race (Destroyer)

11. Space is the Place (Sun Ra)

Space is the Place is the opening title for a film titled the same thing. But it’s also a song about an African American dreaming of escaping their current reality.

Of a place where black people can go to get away from all of the devastation that takes place in the film.

12. Space Dog (Tori Amos)

Tori Amos got a Bird’s eye view of Chicago from the window of an aeroplane and thus, Space Dog was born into the wonderful and varied world of music.

In reality, it’s a song about religious guidance.

13. Spaceship Coupe (Justin Timberlake)

Kind of a weird way for Justin to explore finding the hidden side of a potential lover. He puts this forward as an act of “finding the alien in you.”

Of course, i t’s an interesting take but probably just reminds people of the face huggers from Alien and all of its sequels.

14. Spacelab (Kraftwerk)

We had to include this German band because of their interesting music video .

In it, a space-walking astronaut FaceTimes the band, and together, they put together a pretty good music show. 

15. Space Baby ( The Tubes)

The Tubes never really made it into the “big time” as these things go in the world of music production and luck.

However, they put together a pretty good song here. Something about not having a planet . Interesting. 

16. A Spaceman Came Traveling (Chris De Burgh)

A Spaceman Came Traveling is a very interesting take on Jesus being an extraterrestrial visitor.

When you think about it, we claim that anything not from here is defined as extraterrestrial. If God made “here,” he couldn’t be from here. Hm.

17. Space Travel is Boring (Sun Kil Moon)

Space Travel is Boring comes from the very spacey, The Moon and Antarctica album.

It doesn’t really have much to do with the moon or Antarctica. Or even the whole “space travel is boring” thing, but it’s really good nonetheless. 

18. Space Boy (Smashing Pumpkins)

Another neat but sad analogy is about the lead singer’s (Billy Corgan) brother and how he grew up.

Apparently, he was older than his time and the “world” didn’t fully grasp who he truly was. Billy Corgan refers to his brother as “Space Boy.”

19. Rocket Man (Elton John)

You don’t have to be a fan of Elton John to have heard of Rocket Man , his 1972 hit. It’s an interesting revelation as to Elton John’s self-admitted ignorance of the science of outer space.

It also includes the revelation that Mars is not a good palace to raise your kids.

20. Life on the Moon ( David Cook)

A song about heartache and loss, except David Cook is missing his significant other because he’s on the moon.

It’s kind of like the beginning of Rocket Man but manages to encompass the whole of the song. It kind of puts a whole new perspective on colonization beyond our own, blue marble.

21. Total Eclipse of the Heart ( Bonnie Tyler)

Bonnie Tyler wasn’t the first and certainly wasn’t the last to use a solar or lunar eclipse as an analogy for something else.

Released in 1983, the tune was so addictive that you just can’t turn it off when it comes on the radio, even today.

22. Sleeping Sattelite (Tasmin Archer)

While it initially sounds like Tasmin is singing about a broken heart, the meaning is much more literal. The “Sleeping Sattelite” referenced in the song of the same title is a direct reference to the moon.

If this song wasn’t ‘spacey’ enough already, it was written on the 20th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo program. Celebrating the first time a human stepped foot on the moon.

23. Supernova (Kylie Minogue)

Taken from her 15th studio album Disco , this song inherently encaptures everything about space. Using strong imagery of everything cosmic, the singer is able to paint a clear picture in your head, “Shining like a Supernova- “Brightest of the stars”.

If you listen carefully you can hear a vocoder at the beginning of the song. Kylie has said she likes to think this is the voice of a little space creature who is her friend throughout the song.

24. Bad Moon Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival)

This is one of those true classics from the late 60s. It’s been redone more times than you can imagine but no one can match Creedence’s original tone.

Of course, it doesn’t have much to do with the universe but it includes a “bad moon” and a dystopian, apocalyptic nightmare. 

25. Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever) (Muse)

This one sounds like something truly scientific in the interstellar going-ons of the world above our own.

Neutron Star Collision is a more recent song among the above-listed classics. It’s a 2010 release made for the movie, The Twilight Saga : Eclipse. Not very scientific, after all.

26. Jupiter Crash (The Cure)

Robert Smith, the vocalist for The Cure , proclaimed that the song was based on the 1993 Shoemaker-Levy Comet that brushed past Jupiter.

The comet’s close, atmospheric collision with one of the planets in our solar system grabbed a lot of people’s attention, including Robert Smith, it would seem.

27. Rocket Love ( Stevie Wonder)

A song that only recalls the wonder of space travel in a flaming rocket in name only. The song, Rocket Love is actually about a long-term infatuation that finally comes around.

Only the object of such love decides to take a steaming dump on the whole affair and walk away. 

28. The Final Countdown (Europe)

Most people in today’s day and age will remember this one for being a theme song. More specifically for a microwave commercial, where the audience watches the clock on the microwave countdown.

Of course, the real deal had little to do with microwaves and everything to do with leaving a dying earth behind in a rocket ship.

29. Have You Seen the Stars Tonight? ( Jefferson Starship)

With a name like Jefferson Starship , it makes sense that stars, the universe, and the planets would find their way into the lyrics at some point.

It’s mostly a song about stargazing, rather than anything related to space travel but it’s surprisingly simple and effective.

30. Andromeda (Paul Weller)

Another song about leaving the dying planet earth behind, the Andromeda galaxy serves as the analogy for the exit.

Paul Weller used the inspiration from David Bowie’s galaxy-hopping lyrics for his own, even using the same musical group David Bowie used. 

31. Fly Me To The Moon ( Frank Sinatra)

Everybody knows who Frank Sinatra is, even if they’ve never heard a single lyric from one of his songs. I

t was originally titled, “In Other Words” but it’s still a story about flying around in space as it is associated with being in love.

32. Walking on the Moon (Cas Haley)

This is a much more happy song about walking on the moon because it’s two friends walking on the moon and having a great time doing it.

Of course, it was Sting and the Police that originally did the song and this was just a remake, but nothing was lost in the transition. 

33. Starlight (Muse)

This is the second time Muse has pooped up on our radar. The first was part of the Twilight: Eclipse soundtrack.

This song is about a man separated from his lover, drawing farther away, through space, in his rocket ship. Fortunately, he refuses to relinquish that love, making for a bittersweet song. 

34. There’s a Star for Everyone (Aretha Franklin)

This song gives meaning to the idea that everyone has a guiding star, which some might interpret as a guiding angel or guardian angel.

Aretha sings about asking the star for guidance back in 1981 and the song has been a hit ever since.

35. We are All Made of Stars ( Moby)

A little more recent than 1981, We are All Made of Stars became a hit back in April of 2002, over in the United Kingdom.

It also ended up on the album, Songs for Tibet. The song is literally about what its title states and are the lead single on Moby’s sixth album. 

36. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)

If you’ve never seen the music video for this one, you owe it to yourself to give it a look and become thoroughly creeped out.

It’s not really about space so much as it is about seriously strange people with seriously stretchy faces. 

37. Super Rocket Rumble (Man Or Astro-Man?)

The Album, Delux Men in Space, and the Super Rocket Rumble was released in 1996 and there is not a single lyric in the song.

No one sings. It’s just an instrumental ride through outer space. You’re supposed to infer that from the title of the song and the album, supposedly.

38. E.T. (Katy Perry)

Everybody is probably familiar with this song’s tune by now. It was played almost constantly on most radio stations for a couple of years it seems like.

Apparently, the singer is in love with an extraterrestrial from a place far from here. 

39. Supersonic Rocket Ship (The Kinks)

Released in 1972, the lyrics were written by Ray Davies, the lead singer of the Kinks.

It doesn’t take much to realize what this song was written about. Which is traveling through space, along with everything that comes with it.

Guitarist, Dave Davies provided a tune of a different name, but the two went well together. 

40. Ballrooms of Mars (T. Rex)

Although it was written and released in the 1970s, the song was put together as it would in the 1950s.

It tells a tale of being in a ballroom on Mars and dancing the time away with a partner. Of course, the partner is his lover and there are no ballrooms on mars, despite how cool that would be.

41. Stars and Planets (Liz Phair)

Less about the stars, moon, planets and the sun, Stars and Planets is more about the interesting characteristics that make up every person in the world.

It’s a song about the uniqueness of everyone and it tells the tale with a surprisingly addictive tune. 

42. Alien ( Britney Spears)

If you’ve seen Britney Spears in the news throughout the last ten years, “alien” might be an understatement.

The entire song is simply about feeling completely out of place. Britney uses the idea of “alien” as an allegory for this kind of feeling. 

43. Rocket ( Def Leppard)

Rocket debuted on the Hysteria album back in 1987 . The song did well in both the UK and the US but never reached the stratosphere like some of the other songs on this list.

If you play the song backwards in the beginning, you will hear the words, “We’re fighting with the gods of war.” Interesting stuff for sure.

44. I Turned into a Martian ( The Misfits)

Though there is no certainty regarding a legitimate interpretation of the lyrics in this song , most people assume that it’s an analogy about drugs.

Though the main character turns into a martian who wants to dominate the world with an iron fist, it’s really just an analogy about turning into a rage machine when high on drugs.

45. Heightened Sensitivity (Anakim)

Ironically, Anakim is very close to being Anakin, another interstellar traveler from a galaxy far, far away.

DJ Anakim admits that his music is designed to go with the whole space travel thing.  

46. Virginia Moon (Foo Fighters)

While many fans will wax poetic about the song’s meaning and how it must be all about the moon and how pretty it is, the lead singer is from the state of Virginia.

While it’s never explicitly stated, the fact that he’s from Virginia is an indication that the song is more about being home again. Give it a listen and come to your own conclusion.

47. You’re a Sky Full of Stars ( Coldplay)

Coldplay puts out some pretty cool music and they’re one of the more well-known, modern, hard-rock bands out there.

This song is another analogy, rather than an actual space romp. He’s singing about how love brings light and compares it to the stars. Makes sense. 

48. Drops of Jupiter (Train)

This is another one of those songs that won a Grammy. Which makes it replayable on every radio station between the moment it was released and sometime within the next fifty years.

If you don’t know every lyric to this song by now, you’ve been living under a rock.

The song is actually a heartfelt message. Written shortly after his mom died after a battle with cancer. He imagines his mom’s spirit could go anywhere, even traveling the likes of the universe.

49. Stars & Moon (Breathe Carolina and Shanahan)

This song featured Haliene and was released in 2016. The title comes directly from the lyrics “You’re my stars and moon,” while the rest of the song has little to do with actual space or space travel.

It’s a sweet song, however, especially for a first-date kind of vibe.

50. Counting Stars ( OneRepublic)

Counting your stars is an old saying and it was only a matter of time before somebody made a song out of it. Along comes OneRepublic to do just that.

This song is about letting go of the material things in your life and focusing on the things that matter most to you–the good things in life. Good advice. 

51. Lucky Star (Madonna)

It seems like Madonna has been around for 80 years or more. Maybe she has, though she certainly doesn’t look it.

Lucky Stars harkens all the way back to 1983, referencing an ex-boyfriend (as in ex-boyfriend now, not back then) who “lights her world up.” He’s her “lucky star.”

52. Puttin’ People on the Moon ( Drive-By Truckers)

Any song put together by a group called, Drive-by truckers is bound to be entertaining.

It’s really an anti-space song , accusing the government of being too busy putting people on the moon to face real-world problems right here.

53. 2000 Light Years from Home (The Rolling Stones)

Mick Jagger visits outer space as an analogy of being way too far from home or, at least, seeming that way most of the time.

Space exploration was a big topic at the time of the song’s release which was most likely a considerable inspiration.

54. Man on the Moon (R.E.M.)

REM decided that Andy Kauffman needed a song made just for him . Of course, Andy Kaufman was famous enough to have a movie or two made after him so why not a song as well? 

Interestingly, this along with another R.E.M. song “Crush With Eyeliner”, was used in the 2019 movie Captain Marvel .

55. Galaxy Song (Eric Idle)

This song was a part of the Monty Python The Meaning of Life movie, which was pretty hilarious in its own right.

The song itself is an extension of its film counterpart, asking for meaning in the universe, rather than life.

56. To the Moon and Back (Savage Garden)

To the Moon and Back is a carefully rendered depiction of a woman who is essentially wandering.

She has terrible relationships with her family and her friends. She’s longing for something and the essential need in her life is for someone to fill that dark void.

57. 30th Century Man ( Jigsaw Seen)

You may never have heard of the Los Angeles-based band, The Jigsaw Seen. But they nevertheless made their own contribution to the realm beyond our atmosphere.

This is with the 30th Century Man, which became a part of an episode of Futurama.

58. Ashes to Ashes ( David Bowie)

Long live the great David Bowie , who has since left behind we lesser human beings to explore the great beyond on his own.

Ashes to Ashes was released as a part of the Scary Monsters album in 1980.

Closing Thoughts

Fifty-eight songs are either about space, stars, or the universe or use those things as anecdotal story-telling devices for the characters within lyrical fiction.

They’re all classics or modern success stories in their own right. Next time you look up at the sky, give one of them a listen.

If you enjoyed this piece, be sure to check out our compilation of songs about change .

I'm Bradley, a fellow music enthusiast who likes indie, rock, and alternative. I have no musical talent, but appreciate it when I see it.

Further Reading...

67+ Incredible Songs About Hope & Perseverance

67+ Popular Songs With Figurative Language

42+ Types of Songs You Need to Know About

67+ transformative songs about change, the 67+ best r&b karaoke songs of all time.

34 Best Songs About Space; These Were Written In The Stars

Space captivates the human mind.

It evokes images of a vast, dark emptiness, stars, and planets, block holes and nebula…

It stimulates our imagination. It makes us wonder what else is out there.

Are there other planets we could occupy? What do they look like? And are they occupied by other intelligent creatures?

Much of it is speculation, but it certainly makes it a great subject for songs.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at 34 of the best songs about space.

“Space Oddity” by David Bowie

Song year: 1969

David Bowie was incredibly prolific through the years, and landed platinum hits in every decade from the 70s onward during his lifetime.

Even so, he will continue to be remembered for “Space Oddity”, more so than just about any other song he ever published.

Its influence, by the way, is felt all over this list, as you're about to see.

“Space Oddity” was written after Bowie saw the Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey . Bowie also admitted, however, that he was under the influence when he saw the movie and wrote the song.

The song tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who ultimately gets stranded in space. But many people assumed the song was about the space landing, and the song got used heavily by BBC around that time despite the somewhat dark subject matter (Major Tom never returns to earth).

 It will certainly stand as one of my favorite songs about space, though!

“We Are All Made Of Stars” by Moby

Song year: 2002

This early 2000s hit was hard to avoid upon its release. And apparently it was written in New York after September 11 to express a sense of hopefulness.

Reading the lyrics, you get the sense that the song is also vaguely about relationships: “People they come together / People they fall apart / No one can stop us now / ‘Cause we are all made of stars.”

These lyrics allude to the fact that our bodies are made up of a tiny percentage of stardust, the same thing most of the universe is made up of.

No matter how you want to cut it, though, I think it’s a bit of a weird song.

“Space Truckin’” by Deep Purple

Song year: 1972

The lyrics to “Space Truckin’” feature plenty of references to space, whether it’s Mars, the Milky Way, or the solar system. But they kind of read like one big pun.

This is basically one of those songs where you can let your imagination get carried away by what it would be like to travel through space (because that's exactly what the song is about!).

I’m partial to Deep Purple ’s music in general, so I find this to be a fun hard rock track to listen to.

“Walking On The Moon” by The Police

Song year: 1979

Depends who you ask, but British reggae rock band The Police sure had an impressive (if short) run, creating some amazing music along the way. It certainly doesn’t hurt that they had Sting as their lead singer and bassist (but I’ve always thought the entire band was amazing).

So, looking at the lyrics, they're kind of cryptic, leading you to wonder what the song might be about.

Apparently, an inebriated Sting wrote the song after going to a concert in Munich (that gives it a bit of context). He happened to remember it the next morning and wrote it down.

Sting basically explained that it was a song about being in love , because when you’re in love, you feel like you could defy gravity.

“Supersonic Rocket Ship” by The Kinks

Ever wanted a hippie rock song about inclusion and equality? Then The Kinks’ “Supersonic Rocket Ship” will be music to your ears.

The song is, of course, brimming with the same idealism held by hippies.

It has been suggested, however, that songwriter Ray Davies was perhaps making fun of rock star hippies.

I’m not so sure but take what you will from it.

“Space Cowboy” by Steve Miller Band

“Space Cowboy” by Steve Miller Band is a catchy (if quirky) rock and roll song.

Lyrically, it seems to be a song about “finding a new way.” Where I have no idea whether The Kinks’ “Supersonic Rocket Ship” is anti-hippie, “Space Cowboy” at least hints at it:

“And I’m tired of all this talk about love / And the same old story with a new set of words.”

Overall, it’s just a song about being tired of the way things are and wanting things to change.

“There’s A Star For Everyone” by Aretha Franklin

Song year: 1981

“Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin’s “There’s A Star For Everyone” is a ballad about being unsure whether your love is being reciprocated. Not unrequited love , but close.

The title comes from a line the backing singers sing: “There’s a star for everyone who’s lost.”

I guess this would be the idea of True North – you can still find your way back home looking up at the stars, even if love leaves you feeling lost.

“Mr. Spaceman” by The Byrds

Song year: 1966

On the surface, The Byrds’ “Mr. Spaceman” seems to be a song about escapism. Trying to get away from a world where everything is going wrong.

Apparently, the band wrote it as a science fiction-themed song, created as a “melodramatic screenplay.”

I don’t sense any melodrama at work here, but I can appreciate the song for what it is either way.

“Space Station #5” by Montrose

Song year: 1973

If I didn’t know better, I would say this hard rock song is about escapism – getting away from challenges and difficulties you’re facing.

Vocalist and songwriter of “Space Station #5” Sammy Hagar claims to have been abducted by aliens when he was a child, so it has been suspected that there is a connection between that experience and this song.

Some reviewers have been quick to explain away this experience as a bad dream, but I guess we'll never know.

“Rocket” by Def Leppard

Song year: 1987

Def Leppard’s catalog is riddled with hits, and “Rocket” is no exception.

The subject matter of Def Leppard songs often proves much simpler or less serious than you might have at first assumed.

“Rocket” is a good example of that, because it’s basically just a tribute to Leppard's influences and some of the greatest artists and bands of all time – The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, and so on. There are no hidden meanings here.

“Space Junk” by Devo

Song year: 1976

There are few bands that epitomize the quirky, rawness of “new wave” like Devo.

The song tells a story of Sally, who gets hit by “space junk.” And by the end of the song, she’s dead because of the junk. The narrator, therefore, expresses his distaste for things flying down from space.

The title of the song was apparently taken from a headline found in Akron Beacon Journal in 1975. Besides that, we assume the song is somewhat open to interpretation.

“There’s A Moon In The Sky (Called The Moon)” by B-52s

Continuing with the new wave theme, we have the B-52s “There’s A Moon In The Sky (Called The Moon)”.

At first glance, the song basically just makes a lot of references to space, whether it’s Saturn, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Van Allen belt, supernova, or otherwise. But there’s also an interesting reference to Superman with “Kryptonite”.

Not sure what else to tell you about this song, except that it’s oddly catchy and groovy.

“Man On The Moon” by R.E.M.

Song year: 1992

By now it’s well known that “Man On The Moon” is a song about innovative comedian Andy Kaufman.

If you don’t know anything about him, you could certainly watch the movie of the same name starring Jim Carrey. You can also watch some of his performances on YouTube.

The fact that Kaufman's presence extended into music shows you just how influential he was.

“2,000 Light Years From Home” by The Rolling Stones

Song year: 1967

The Rolling Stones’ “2,000 Light Years From Home” is abstract to say the least – both lyrically and musically.

Apparently, singer Mick Jagger wrote the lyrics while in Brixton prison.

So, I guess it could be said that the song is about missing home while you’re in prison. We assume that's the case.

“Stellar” by Incubus

Song year: 1999

“Stellar” is one of Incubus’ most recognized songs.

The song is basically about how the narrator feels about someone he’s fallen for (“stellar”). He’s never met anyone that makes him feel this good. There are more songs on this list that follow a similar theme.

“Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

Song year: 1994

If you were anywhere near a radio in the mid-90s, there was no avoiding Soundgarden’s “Block Hole Sun”, a grunge rock hit.

Singer, guitarist, and songwriter Chris Cornell said the song was about the contrast between dark and light.

Apparently, he found it fascinating that a black hole is a billion times larger than the sun, but it’s a dark void of nothingness. Meanwhile, the sun offers light and is life-giving.

“Starlight” by Muse

Song year: 2006

As with many songs about space, this one via Muse also appears to be about escapism and falling in love.

The band noted it’s basically just a song about missing someone, which aligns with our view of it.

“Black Star” by Radiohead

Song year: 1995

As with most Radiohead songs, “Black Star” certainly seems to have some dark undertones. But if you look passed the poetry of it, you basically just see a relationship that’s falling apart.

It has also been theorized that it’s a song about depression. The girl (or woman) the narrator speaks of is having a hard time, and this pains the narrator as well.

“Mambo Sun” by T. Rex

Song year: 1971

In recent memory, grunge music is often referred to as “abstract”, but there was plenty of music in the 60s and 70s that was likewise like a spray of paint on a canvas (to be fair, some of it was created under the influence).

Want to see what I mean?

“My life’s a shadowless horse / If I can’t get across to you / In the alligator rain / My heart’s all pain for you.”

But in the end, it’s just a song about being madly in love.

“Satellite Of Love” by Lou Reed

David Bowie’s influence can be heard and felt all over “Satellite Of Love”.

As Lou Reed was beginning work on the song, a satellite had just been launched, and it was covered heavily in the news.

The song is apparently about a man who watches this on the news as he’s reflecting on his unfaithful girlfriend.

I can’t find that anywhere in the lyrics, but it does make sense when you know.

“The Final Countdown” by Europe

Song year: 1986

“The Final Countdown” by Europe is an 80s favorite, though if we’re being honest, the reason it keeps resurfacing is because it continues to get discovered by the younger generations.

After all, the song is kind of cheesy. But in our opinion, it is the right kind of guilty pleasure.

Lyrically, it was inspired by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”, so not much needs to be said in that regard.

“Cygnus X-1” by Rush

Song year: 1977

Cygnus X-1, of course, is a galactic X-ray source in the constellation Cygnus.

The song, “Cygnus X-1” is in fact a song series by Canadian progressive rock band Rush (we've embedded the video featuring the first part “Cygnus X-1 Book One – The Voyage”).

The song tells the story of an explorer traveling towards the black hole to see whether there is anything beyond it.

I’m not going to give any spoilers as to what happens, but if you’re curious, I would suggest exploring it for yourself.

The music certainly takes you on a journey, and it was obviously written that way.

“Mothership Connection (Star Child)” by Parliament

Song year: 1975

I don’t think “Mothership Connection” by Parliament is meant to be taken seriously. It’s a funk song, so you know it mostly exists to make you dance.

And to be honest, lyrically, the song is basically about partying and dancing.

“Heart Of The Sunrise” by Yes

Here’s another progressive rock song about space via British band Yes.

If I were to take the song at face value, I would probably say it’s about heartbreak.

Songwriter Jon Anderson has given a few explanations as to the song’s meaning – being lost in the city, the energy of the sunrise, or the power of love.

So, we’re left scratching our heads a little, but we suspect it’s probably a combination of all the above.

“Major Tom (Coming Home)” by Peter Schilling

Song year: 1982

Yet another song that references David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” But in this song, Major Tom somehow survives and begins making his way home.

Bowie did not have a part in writing the song , nor was he involved in producing it. So, the song “unofficially” connects to Bowie’s song, but it’s almost certainly referencing it.

“Supernaut” by Black Sabbath

“Supernaut” by Black Sabbath is mostly known for its many, varied, and incredibly catchy guitar riffs.

The lyrics kind of seem nonsensical. But some suspect the title is a play on the term “psychonaut”, which refers to someone who explores the psyche.

As with other songs from this period, it might refer to being under the influence as well.

“A Sky Full Of Stars” by Coldplay

Song year: 2014

Coldplay’s “A Sky Full Of Stars” is about falling for someone amazing:

“’Cause you’re a sky, ‘cause you’re a sky full of stars.”

Of course, there is a catch – this special someone might end up breaking the narrator’s heart, and the narrator knows it.

Aside from that, I just think of this as a catchy dance song.

“Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me)” by Train

Song year: 2001

If you were listening to music in the early 2000s, it’s unlikely you haven’t heard “Drops OF Jupiter (Tell Me)” by Train.

The narrator tells the story of a girl/woman who can’t sit still. Could be that she likes to travel and explore the world. It could also be that she has big dreams and is always thinking about how life could be.

Lead singer Patrick Monahan, however, said the song is about his mother who died after struggling with cancer.

So, in a way, it’s a song about mourning.

“Lucky Star” by Madonna

Song year: 1983

As with many Madonna songs, this is just a catchy pop song about being in love (or maybe in lust).

No deep meanings here.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a weak spot for this era of Madonna music, because of how groovy and danceable the songs are.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John

Elton John’s “Rocket Man” was inspired by a short story of the same title. And the themes explored seem to match up with that of Bowie’s “Space Oddity” too.

There are other theories concerning the meaning behind the song, but it’s clear it tells the story of a man going up into air (or space), not to return for a long time to come.

“E.T.” by Katy Perry

Song year: 2010

“E.T.” by Katy Perry is basically just about being in love and infatuation, as many of her songs are.

The song certainly builds up the person the narrator has fallen for, but that has you wondering whether it’s just going to be a big letdown for the narrator.

The narrator does seem self-aware, however, as she says:

“Infect me with your love and fill me with your poison.”

Nevertheless, she’s not turning and running the other way, either.

“Jupiter Crash” by The Cure

Song year: 1996

The Cure’s “Jupiter Crash” sounds kind of somber from the start and seems to carry themes of love lost throughout.

Many of us have that experience of encountering someone we connect with or are attracted to, but just as soon as they arrive, they quickly disappear from our lives. That’s what this song seems to be describing.

“Spaceship Superstar” by Prism

Whenever I think of songs about space, I can’t help but think of this one. Not because it was from my era, but more so because I’ve heard it on the radio dozens of times.

I’ve always thought of this as a party song, especially with its reference to a “solar-powered laser beam guitar.” And that certainly seems to be the case.

But there is one interesting fact about it – the lyrics were influenced by George Lucas’ Star Wars .

“To The Moon & Back” by Savage Garden

Song year: 1997

Savage Garden was kind of a “hit and run” one-hit wonder of the 90s. Although it’s fair to say they had a little more staying power than some artists of the same ilk, their biggest hits, and most remembered tunes are mostly from their self-titled debut album.

The narrator tells the story of a girl who’s lived a tough life, with references to a difficult family life and a social or relational life that resembles it.

She hasn’t given up, however, and she’s still out there looking for love.

Top Songs With Space In The Title – Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our look at songs about space.

As you’ve already seen, songs about space aren’t always about space at all, but because it’s such a rich area for metaphor, it inspires the content of many songs.

Which song is your favorite? Are there any we missed? We look forward to hearing from you.

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“Bad Moon Rising” was released by the American band Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969. Written by the band’s founder and prolific songwriter John Fogerty, the album track is about the way a full moon appearing in outer space can change the things that happen on our planet. At just over two minutes long, the song is catchy and short, leaving you wanting more, and it was one of the band’s most successful singles throughout their career.

2. Rocket Man by Elton John

Written by Elton John along with frequent collaborator and lyricist Bernie Taupin, “Rocket Man” is one of the most popular songs ever written about space. The track was interestingly produced by Gus Dudgeon, who also worked on David Bowie’s track “Space Oddity.” Taupin had the idea for the lyrics when he saw a shooting star in the distance, coming up with the idea of writing from the perspective of an astronaut who is struggling with the pain of leaving his home planet to go to Mars.

3. Stars in the Sky by Kid Cudi

“Stars in the Sky” is a feel-good electronic dance track by American artist Kid Cudi. It’s another reminder of Cudi’s versatility, as he switches from his usual style of conscious hip hop for this space-inspired song. Written in collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X , the song’s lyrics are centered around the moon, the stars, and letting go of your worries.

4. Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden

In 1994, Seattle’s grunge rock band Soundgarden was at the height of its popularity. They’d just released their fourth album entitled Superunknown , which notably included the powerful single “Black Hole Sun.” Penned by frontman Chris Cornell as he drove home from a recording studio one evening, this song would go on to become one of the band’s best-known tracks, and as the title suggests, its lyrics include several space-related topics.

5. Counting Stars by OneRepublic

“Counting Stars” was a worldwide hit for the American band, One Republic. Released in 20-13 on their hit album Native , the song is about transcending the worldly worries of trying to make ends meet and instead focusing on the higher places, notably the stars in space. It’s a well-produced pop song that includes elements of folk and dance music, and a live video of the band performing the song has amassed billions of views online. This is one of those old songs that everyone knows .

6. Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra

“Fly Me To The Moon” has been covered by many artists in the past fifty years or so, but none have been more popular than the versions recorded by swing legend Frank Sinatra. Released in 1964, this song, along with the album it was featured on, was produced by Quincy Jones, and its lyrics heavily feature planets, stars, the moon, and other space-related concepts. Compared to many of the other versions of the song that had been released, Sinatra’s cover was significantly more upbeat.

7. Saturn by Stevie Wonder

As the name of this song suggests, “Saturn” is written about the sixth planet from the sun. Its lyrics are sung from the perspective of an alien who has come to earth from Saturn and becomes disillusioned by the negativity they encounter, deciding to return to their home planet. It’s a straight-up R&B classic from Stevie Wonder, and although it was never released as a single, it’s one of the most notable tracks that he’s ever released. With soulful vocals and an exceptional bassline, this song is a great example of Wonder’s amazing musicianship and songwriting skills.

8. Yellow by Coldplay

Coldplay is one of the biggest-selling bands to ever come from Britain, but back in 2000, they were still making a name for themselves. The song “Yellow” became the band’s breakout hit outside of their native country, and it opens with the iconic lyric: “look at the stars/see how they shine for you.” The song switches between talking about stars and space with describing the love for another person, and it’s perfectly complemented by the uplifting piano chords and guitar melodies.

9. Life on Mars? by David Bowie

David Bowie’s interest in space is evidenced by the number of amazing songs he composed on the topic throughout his glittering career. “Life on Mars?”, despite being written as a tongue-in-cheek track inspired by “My Way” by the crooning legend Frank Sinatra, quickly became one of the most popular songs from Bowie’s classic album, Hunky Dory .

Regarded by many music critics and fans as one of the greatest songs of the 1970s, and all time for that matter, “Life on Mars” is an example of Bowie’s exceptional songwriting skills and his theatrical, versatile vocals.

10. The Final Countdown by Europe

Another space-related song that was inspired by the work of David Bowie, “The Final Countdown,” was released in 1986 by the Swedish glam metal band Europe. From the introduction with a catchy keyboard riff, this song is an ‘80s classic. Its lyrics are about embarking on a trip to outer space and dealing with the thought that you may never return. This is one of my personal favorite songs about space.

11. E.T by Katy Perry ft. Kanye West

As humans, we’re often fascinated by the possibility of there being life on other planets, as is evident in the number of films and songs that are written about this subject. American pop icon Katy Perry shares this fascination judging by the lyrics to her 2011 hit single, “E.T.” The song features a verse from rapper Kanye West and blends the topic of extraterrestrial beings with falling in love with someone from a different dimension. This song was a massive hit and even reached a number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 .

12. Champagne Supernova by Oasis

Although Oasis songwriter and lead guitarist Noel Gallagher has previously stated that he doesn’t really understand what his composition, “Champagne Supernova,” is about, the word supernova describes a huge, incredibly bright explosion of a star in space. This song closes Oasis’ iconic second album and is considered by many to be one of the band’s signature songs, frequently being played at their live shows until they disbanded in 2009.

13. Major Tom by Peter Schilling

“Major Tom” was likely inspired by Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” following the theme of a spaceman losing the ability to communicate with his colleagues back on Earth and therefore submitting to his fate of drifting into outer space. The song was written and released by Peter Schilling on his album Error in the System and was a commercial success initially in Europe and then in the United States. The song blends elements of new-wave with classic ‘80s synthpop.

14. Intergalactic by the Beastie Boys

Blurring the lines between rock and hip hop, The Beastie Boys are one of the most influential groups to ever come out of the United States. In 1998, they released the song “Intergalactic” from the successful album, Hello Nasty . This song is about space travel, going to other dimensions, and exploring other planets, and it possesses all of the qualities we’ve come to associate with the group’s energetic brand of rap.

15. Across The Universe by The Beatles

Written by John Lennon, “Across The Universe” is a beautiful composition that describes a journey into space, both inwardly and outwardly. It features poetic lyrics like “Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box” and was initially released on the compilation album, No One’s Gonna Change Our World  but later re-worked for The Beatles’ final studio album, Let it Be in 1970.

16. Starships by Nicki Minaj

“Starships” was the song that transformed Nicki Minaj from being a well-known artist amongst fans of hip-hop and rap to a global pop superstar. The song uses the analogy of starships flying into outer space to describe the confidence and self-belief that a person should have, and it quickly became a worldwide hit. If you’re looking for a feel-good pop hit that is about space-related topics, this is the track for you! This is one of Nicki Minaj’s massive hits, and it even reached position five on the Billboard Hot 100 .

17. Man on the Moon by R.E.M

This beautiful and slightly haunting track by R.E.M was released in 1992 when the band was enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The lyrics, which were written by frontman Michael Stipe, are somewhat mysterious but continuously return to the topic of being on the moon. A hugely popular track amongst fans of the American band, it has featured on several greatest hits compilations in the years since its release.

18. Satellite of Love by Lou Reed

Former lead singer of The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed, released an eclectic and innovative body of solo work, with his most popular album being Transformer in 1973. This album spawned several hits, such as “Walk on the Wild Side,” “Vicious,” and the second single, “Satellite of Love.” This song is about Reed’s fascination with satellites in space, beaming signals to planet Earth, and it describes his childlike wonder for the topic over a relaxed, piano-led instrumental.

19. There’s a Star for Everyone by Aretha Franklin

Soul music icon Aretha Franklin has an incredibly long and successful career, releasing music in six decades. In 1981, she released her twenty-seventh studio album, Love All the Hurt Away. Track four on the album, which was written by the songwriting trio of Allee Willis, Don Yowell, and David Lasley, is a beautiful ballad about the mystery of the stars in space.

20. Ballrooms of Mars by T Rex

English glam-rockers T-Rex were one of the pioneers of the flamboyant style of rock music that took over London in the early 1970s. Fronted by Marc Bolan, the band released hits like “Children of the Revolution ” and “Get It On.” Another of their standout tracks is “Ballrooms of Mars,” which was produced by Tony Visconti and heavily focuses on themes of space and the universe.

21. Space Walk by Lemon Jelly

Featuring a sample from the first-ever spacewalks by an American astronaut named Ed White in 1965, this song was released as the second track from Lemon Jelly’s album, Lost Horizons. Produced by Nick Franglen, the song has a relaxed beat with a range of atmospheric sounds and samples coming in and out to accompany the repeating piano and acoustic guitar parts.

22. The Whole of the Moon by the Waterboys

When Scottish band the Waterboys released the single “The Whole of the Moon” in 1985, it initially was somewhat of a commercial flop. However, years later, it would become one of the band’s best-known hits and eventually won the prestigious Ivor Novello award in 1991. The mysterious and poetic lyrics deal with the concept of the moon in outer space , and according to songwriter Mike Scott, it was inspired in part by the work of writer C.S Lewis.

23. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler’s 1983 hit single, “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” combines the subjects of heartbreak, healing, and love with references to the solar event when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. This power pop ballad enjoyed commercial success in countries all over the world and played a large part in the success of the Welsh singer’s fifth studio album, Faster Than the Speed of Night . If you like this song, we recommend heading over to our playlist of sad breakup songs .

24. Starman by David Bowie

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is a masterpiece of a concept album, with so many incredible songs included in it. One of the most notable compositions is the 1972 single “Starman,” which was written exclusively by David Bowie and produced by him in collaboration with Ken Scott. The song is about a “starman” who lives in outer space, who would “like to come and meet us/but he thinks he’d blow our minds!”

25. Mr. Spaceman by The Byrds

This catchy country-infused psych-rock number by the American four-piece band, The Byrds is an excellent example of a space-based song. The dreamy instrumental perfectly suits the lyrics about astronomy and extraterrestrial life, and songwriter Jim McGuinn expertly crafts the chord changes to match the melodies played on the guitar. The title paid homage to Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” which The Byrds famously covered a few years earlier. If you’re looking for songs about outer space, then this is simply one you must have on your playlist.

26. Walking On The Moon by the Police

Written by the band’s frontman and guitarist Sting, “Walking on the Moon” is a great track by the British three-piece rock band, The Police. The song was written after Sting found himself slightly drunk after attending a gig in Munich, Germany, and thankfully he managed to write down the lyrics and chords so that he could continue to work on this space-inspired track and turn it into the versions that appeared on the band’s album, Regatta de Blanc .

27. Spaceman by The Killers

“Spaceman” is a song released by the American rock band The Killers in 2008. Its lyrics compare finding fame with being abducted by aliens, hence its title. It highlights the not-so-glamorous side of being a successful musician, losing privacy and control over aspects of your life, and uses space-related imagery to make these points. Despite not being one of The Killers’ best-known songs, it’s a great example of their chemistry as a band.

28. Eclipse by Pink Floyd

There are many moments throughout Pink Floyd’s classic album Dark Side of the Moon when you feel like you’re in outer space, but this feeling is particularly strong during the closing song, “Eclipse.” A reprise of the opening song, “Breathe,” this track is the perfect space-inspired end to an incredible album. If you enjoy songs with deep meaning , you’ll love Pink Floyd’s music and this song.

29. Starlight by Muse

The 2006 Muse single, “Starlight,” has become a staple of the British three-piece rock band’s live shows ever since its release. Written about the endless pursuit of something better, this track deals with the topic of black holes, galaxies, and venturing into the unknown. It’s one of the standout tracks from the group’s iconic album, Black Holes and Revelations , and was written entirely by frontman and guitar virtuoso Matt Bellamy.

30. Cygnus X-1 by Rush

If you want to simulate the feeling of being in outer space, put a good set of headphones on, sit back, and listen to this weird and wonderful track by Canadian prog-rock legends Rush. Released as a two-part song series, “Cygnus X-1” is an ambitious piece of art that consists of complex rhythms, ethereal sounds, and insanely technical musicianship. It tells the story of an explorer on a spaceship moving towards a black hole, wondering whether they will find something beyond it.

31. Supersonic Rocket Ship by The Kinks

As you can tell by this song’s name, “Supersonic Rocket Ship,” is written about the subject of space travel. Penned and produced by lead singer Ray Davies, the track wasn’t much of a commercial success initially but eventually became a fan favorite. The lyrics talk about having a supersonic rocket ship that allows you to escape the worries of the world and the pressures of society.

32. Flash by Queen

Written for the 1980 movie Flash Gordon, “Flash” is a song by the British rock band Queen. Although not explicitly about space, the song is written about a man who is going to save the universe and mentions concepts like a solar eclipse. Despite being released as part of the film’s soundtrack, this Brian May-written track is one of Queen’s best-known compositions.

33. Into Dust by Mazzy Star

“Into Dust” was released on American alt-rock duo Mazzy Star’s second album, So Tonight That I Might See , in 1993. It was surprisingly not released as a single but achieved critical and commercial success, nonetheless enjoying a resurgence in popularity in 2009 after being used in a commercial. The song’s lyrics deal with the topic of disappearing into dust and experiencing the seeming nothingness of outer space.

34. Space Invader by The Pretenders

Sometimes, a song doesn’t need to have any lyrics to evoke feelings and images of a certain theme. “Space Invader” by the band The Pretenders is a perfect example of this. The fourth track on the band’s debut album, this instrumental features sound effects from the 1978 video game of the same name and has a classic synth-based new wave musical style.

35. Jupiter by Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire’s music is very hard to pin down and categorize – the band has released songs in almost every contemporary style imaginable over their long career. One of the standout compositions from the album All N’ All is Jupiters, which was released as a single in 1978, and is one of the funkiest jams you’ll ever hear. The lyrics are about gazing up into outer space, looking for the moon, but instead being greeted by a man from the planet Jupiter.

36. Space Truckin’ by Deep Purple

Rock legends Deep Purple have come up with some of the catchiest riffs in music history, but one of their most underrated songs has to be the final track from their sixth album, “Space Truckin’.” This song’s lyrics focus on the topic of traveling through space, imagining what it would be like to play music in faraway galaxies.

37. The Joker by The Steve Miller Band

Often mistakenly named “Space Cowboy,” this classic rock track by the Steve Miller band is an excellent blend of smooth vocals, jangly guitars, and catchy lyrics. It opens with the line, “some people call me the space cowboy,” and then goes on to describe all of the different identities that the singer takes on in life.

38. Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen

“Don’t Stop Me Now” is without a doubt one of the best-known Queen songs of all time, with its soaring vocal melody and memorable lyrics. The song is about momentum and features several references to space. Frontman Freddie Mercury sings, “I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky like a tiger” and “I’m a rocket ship on my way to Mars on a collision course.”

39. Space Oddity by David Bowie

Perhaps the best-known song ever to be written about the topic of space, “Space Oddity” is an amazing composition by British artist David Bowie. Focused on the predicament of a fictional astronaut, the song begins with the iconic line “Ground control to major Tom” and tells the story of how he has to deal with leaving his life on planet Earth behind.

40. Spaceman by 4 Non-Blondes

Released in 1993 by the American rock band 4 Non-Blondes, “Spaceman” is a dreamy song that is about the wonder of space. Its lyrics ponder whether there is a better life out there in another dimension. While it wasn’t as commercially successful as the band’s previous best-selling single, “What’s Up?” “Spaceman” is still charted in many countries around the world.

That does it for this playlist. If you know of any great songs about the universe or space that we missed, let us know in the comments section below.

Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.

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