From the hypnotic rhythms of ocean waves to the metaphorical power of waves as a symbol of change and transformation, waves have long been a source of inspiration for musicians and songwriters. Whether evoking the carefree spirit of surfing or the tumultuous emotions of a turbulent relationship, songs about waves capture the complexity of human experience and the power of nature to shape our lives. In this article, we explore 20 songs about waves from a diverse range of genres and eras, from classic rock and punk to electronic and indie. Each of these songs offers a unique perspective on the role of waves in our lives, whether as a source of joy, pain, or introspection. So, whether you’re a beach bum, a nature lover, or simply a fan of great music, join us on a journey through some of the most memorable songs about waves ever written.
1. “Catch a Wave” by The Beach Boys
“Catch a Wave” is a classic surf rock song by The Beach Boys that captures the essence of the surfing lifestyle. With its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and smooth harmonies, the song evokes the feeling of riding a wave on a sunny California beach. The lyrics encourage the listener to join in on the fun and excitement of surfing, with lines like “Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world” and “It’s the greatest sensation, the thrill of anticipation.” Overall, “Catch a Wave” is a fun and energetic song that celebrates the carefree spirit and exhilaration of surfing culture.
2. “Waves” by Dean Lewis
“Waves” is a poignant and emotive ballad by Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis that explores the pain and heartbreak of a lost love. The song features a stripped-down arrangement, with Lewis’ raw and powerful vocals taking center stage over gentle piano and guitar accompaniment. Through lyrics like “There is a swelling storm and I’m caught up in the middle of it all” and “I’m sinking deeper, can’t you see me here?”, Lewis vividly portrays the overwhelming feeling of being lost in one’s emotions. Ultimately, “Waves” is a moving and heartfelt song that speaks to the universal experience of heartache and loss.
3. “The Last Wave of Summer” by Cold Chisel
“The Last Wave of Summer” is a wistful and reflective rock song by Australian band Cold Chisel that speaks to the fleeting nature of youth and the passage of time. The song features a soaring chorus and a driving rhythm section, with lead singer Jimmy Barnes’ powerful vocals conveying a sense of urgency and longing. Through lyrics like “I’m just waiting for the last wave of summer to break” and “I’m aching for the warmth of the sun on my skin”, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of holding on to fleeting moments of joy and freedom. Overall, “The Last Wave of Summer” is a poignant and beautifully crafted song that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for a time that has passed.
4. “Wave” by Justin Timberlake
“Wave” is a soulful and introspective R&B song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake that reflects on the highs and lows of a relationship. The song features a minimalist production with a subtle beat, layered harmonies, and gentle guitar strumming, allowing Timberlake’s emotive vocals to take center stage. Through lyrics like “I can’t keep running, running back to you” and “I was your wave, but you let me crash”, Timberlake expresses the pain of trying to hold on to something that’s slipping away. Overall, “Wave” is a mature and heartfelt song that showcases Timberlake’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to evoke deep emotions with his voice.
5. “Every Breaking Wave” by U2
“Every Breaking Wave” is a sweeping and atmospheric rock ballad by Irish band U2 that explores the themes of love, loss, and regret. The song features a soaring melody, with lead singer Bono’s distinctive vocals delivering poignant lyrics like “Are we ready to be swept off our feet and stop chasing every breaking wave?” and “Like every sailor, I’m set adrift, but I’m singing for your love”. Through its imagery of the sea and its changing tides, the song evokes a sense of yearning and the fleeting nature of life. Overall, “Every Breaking Wave” is a beautiful and emotionally charged song that showcases U2’s signature blend of grandiose soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics.
6. “The Wave” by Blake Shelton
“The Wave” is an uplifting and feel-good country song by American singer Blake Shelton that celebrates the power of unity and togetherness. The song features a bright and catchy melody, with Shelton’s smooth vocals delivering lyrics like “We all ride the wave together, never knowing when it ends” and “It’s just like magic, when we’re all in it as one”. Through its imagery of the ocean and its waves, the song emphasizes the importance of standing by each other through the highs and lows of life. Overall, “The Wave” is an infectious and inspiring song that encourages listeners to come together and support one another.
7. “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” by Soft Cell
“Say Hello Wave Goodbye” is a haunting and melancholic synth-pop ballad by British duo Soft Cell that explores the pain and sadness of a relationship coming to an end. The song features a sparse and minimalistic arrangement, with singer Marc Almond’s emotive vocals conveying a sense of longing and resignation. Through lyrics like “Walking away, with your head held high, it’s just the same as saying goodbye” and “Understand we’ll never be, I caught your eye and then I had to flee”, the song captures the feeling of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go. Overall, “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” is a powerful and emotive song that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss.
8. “Waves” by Miguel
“Waves” is a sultry and seductive R&B song by American singer-songwriter Miguel that celebrates the joys of physical intimacy and sexual pleasure. The song features a smooth and laid-back beat, with Miguel’s velvety vocals delivering suggestive lyrics like “Put your hands on me like a melody” and “I can ride your wave all night if you want me to”. Through its sensual imagery and infectious groove, the song exudes a sense of passion and desire. Overall, “Waves” is a steamy and provocative song that showcases Miguel’s prowess as a vocalist and his ability to create music that is both sensual and musically compelling.
9. “Love Is the Seventh Wave” by Sting
“Love Is the Seventh Wave” is an upbeat and optimistic pop song by British musician Sting that celebrates the transformative power of love and the human spirit. The song features a bright and cheerful melody, with Sting’s distinctive vocals delivering lyrics like “In the empire of the senses, you’re the queen of all you survey” and “In the ocean of life, the isles of wonder are the way to your heart”. Through its imagery of the ocean and the waves, the song emphasizes the unstoppable force of love and the importance of human connection. Overall, “Love Is the Seventh Wave” is an uplifting and joyous song that encourages listeners to embrace love and positivity in their lives.
10. “20 Wave Caps” by Earl Sweatshirt
“20 Wave Caps” is a dark and brooding hip-hop track by American rapper Earl Sweatshirt that showcases his introspective and introspective lyrical style. The song features a sparse and moody beat, with Earl’s low-pitched voice delivering abstract lyrics like “Picking off where they left the conversation for entertainment, eh” and “Go fishin’ in the morning, I’m cookin’ for the team, dinner’s served at three”. Through its surreal imagery and stream-of-consciousness style, the song delves into themes of self-reflection, creativity, and personal growth. Overall, “20 Wave Caps” is a raw and experimental song that showcases Earl Sweatshirt’s unique and compelling approach to hip-hop.
11. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
“Heat Waves” is an infectious and upbeat indie-pop song by British band Glass Animals that captures the feeling of nostalgia and longing for the past. The song features a catchy and groovy melody, with lead singer Dave Bayley’s smooth vocals delivering lyrics like “Sometimes all I think about is you, late nights in the middle of June” and “Sometimes all I want to be is the waves and the wind that caress me”. Through its dreamy soundscapes and evocative imagery, the song transports the listener to a world of summer romance and youthful memories. Overall, “Heat Waves” is a feel-good and nostalgic song that showcases Glass Animals’ signature blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics.
12. “Wave Of You” by Surfaces
“Wave of You” is a catchy and upbeat indie pop song by American band Surfaces that celebrates the joy and freedom of being in love. The song features a bouncy and infectious melody, with lead singer Forrest Frank’s smooth vocals delivering lyrics that convey a sense of youthful energy and optimism. Through its carefree instrumentation and romantic lyrics, the song creates a sense of blissful escapism, evoking the feeling of being swept away by the thrill of new love. Overall, “Wave of You” is a lighthearted and catchy song that showcases Surfaces’ ability to create music that is both fun and emotionally resonant.
13. “Cherry Waves” by Deftones
“Cherry Waves” is a dreamy and atmospheric alternative rock song by American band Deftones that blends heavy instrumentation with ethereal vocals and evocative lyrics. The song features a dense and distorted guitar sound, with lead singer Chino Moreno’s haunting vocals delivering lyrics like “Silence you lost me, no chance for one more day” and “We’ll swim inside of one another’s veins”. Through its layered soundscapes and evocative imagery, the song creates a sense of longing and yearning, evoking the feeling of being lost in thought or memory. Overall, “Cherry Waves” is a hypnotic and immersive song that showcases Deftones’ ability to create music that is both intense and introspective.
14. “Waves” by Imagine Dragons
“Waves” is an emotive and introspective rock ballad by American band Imagine Dragons that explores themes of loss, grief, and acceptance. The song features a stripped-down and melancholic sound, with lead singer Dan Reynolds’ powerful vocals delivering poignant lyrics like “I’m not a part of me, not a part of anything” and “I don’t know what to do, don’t know what to say”. Through its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, the song captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by emotion and searching for meaning in the midst of pain. Overall, “Waves” is a moving and heartfelt song that showcases Imagine Dragons’ ability to create music that resonates with listeners on a deep level.
15. “In Waves” by Trivium
“In Waves” is a hard-hitting and intense metalcore song by American band Trivium that showcases their trademark blend of heavy riffs, frenetic drumming, and aggressive vocals. The song features a punishing and relentless sound, with lead singer Matt Heafy’s ferocious screams and growls delivering lyrics like “In waves, it comes crashing down” and “A flood of hope that drowns me in despair”. Through its powerful instrumentation and visceral lyrics, the song creates a sense of chaos and tumult, evoking the feeling of being caught in a maelstrom of emotion. Overall, “In Waves” is a high-energy and cathartic song that showcases Trivium’s ability to create music that is both brutal and cathartic.
16. “Enjoy the wave” by blackwave
“Enjoy the Wave” is a smooth and soulful hip-hop song by Belgian duo Blackwave that encourages listeners to embrace life’s ups and downs and appreciate the journey. The song features a laid-back and jazzy sound, with rapper Jay Walker’s smooth flow delivering introspective lyrics like “I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but I ain’t scared to face the things” and “We all got our ups and downs, just learn to surf when the waves come round”. Through its reflective lyrics and mellow groove, the song creates a sense of calm and acceptance, encouraging listeners to enjoy the ride and find joy in the present moment. Overall, “Enjoy the Wave” is a positive and uplifting song that showcases Blackwave’s ability to create music that is both introspective and optimistic.
17. “No Waves” by Fidlar
“No Waves” is an explosive and energetic garage punk song by American band Fidlar that captures the rebellious and carefree spirit of youth. The song features a raw and distorted sound, with lead singer Zac Carper’s gritty vocals delivering lyrics like “I don’t want to wait until tomorrow, fuck that, fuck you, fuck this” and “I don’t want to go to work today, no way, no way, no way”. Through its frenetic instrumentation and confrontational lyrics, the song creates a sense of restlessness and defiance, evoking the feeling of being fed up with the status quo and ready to break free. Overall, “No Waves” is a raucous and invigorating song that showcases Fidlar’s ability to create music that is both abrasive and cathartic.
18. “Breaking the Waves” by Marc Sway
“Breaking the Waves” is a soulful and uplifting pop song by Swiss singer-songwriter Marc Sway that encourages listeners to persevere through difficult times and keep moving forward. The song features a catchy and upbeat sound, with Sway’s smooth and soulful vocals delivering optimistic lyrics like “We’re breaking the waves, we’re sailing away, and we’re not coming back”. Through its buoyant melody and empowering lyrics, the song creates a sense of hope and determination, inspiring listeners to overcome obstacles and chase their dreams. Overall, “Breaking the Waves” is a positive and motivational song that showcases Sway’s ability to create music that is both catchy and meaningful.
19. “Black Wave” by The Shins
“Black Wave” is a brooding and atmospheric indie rock song by American band The Shins that explores themes of change, loss, and mortality. The song features a haunting and ethereal sound, with lead singer James Mercer’s wistful vocals delivering introspective lyrics like “The black wave is coming and I’ll watch from the shore, I’ll be there just waiting and falling some more”. Through its dreamy instrumentation and introspective lyrics, the song creates a sense of melancholy and introspection, evoking the feeling of being caught in the midst of a turbulent emotional storm. Overall, “Black Wave” is a haunting and poignant song that showcases The Shins’ ability to create music that is both introspective and emotionally resonant.
20. “Radio Waves” by Roger Water
“Radio Waves” is a synth-heavy and socially conscious rock song by British musician Roger Waters that critiques the impact of mass media and technology on society. The song features a propulsive and futuristic sound, with Waters’ distinctive vocals delivering lyrics that decry the homogenizing effect of radio waves on culture and society. Through its driving rhythm and pointed lyrics, the song creates a sense of urgency and social commentary, highlighting the ways in which media and technology can both unite and divide us. Overall, “Radio Waves” is a thought-provoking and socially relevant song that showcases Waters’ ability to create music that is both politically charged and musically innovative.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
