Do you ever find yourself staring at the sky, lost in thought, as you imagine different shapes in the clouds? Perhaps you can’t wait for the clouds to roll away so the sunshine can light up the blue sky again. There is something truly memorizing about clouds, which is why so many songs about clouds have been written over the years.
From songs about literal giant thunderclouds bringing rain and destruction to tunes that use cloud imagery to express one’s thoughts or feelings, there is a wide range of songs covered below. We’ve also been sure to include songs from all music genres. We also have an entire Spotify playlist with all of the songs listed below at the bottom of the page.
1. Clouds by Zach Sobiech
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1971 |
| Album | Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs |
“Clouds” is a song written by Zach Sobiech. You may never have heard of this young man before, but his story is nothing short of awe-inspiring. When he was fourteen, Zach was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and had a year at most to live. So what did he do? He wrote an incredibly moving and inspirational song that has since touched the lives of millions around the world. The song is featured in the Disney+ moving Clouds, starring Fin Argus and Sabrina Carpenter. “Clouds” topped the iTunes song chart for the second time after the film’s release, seven years after Zach lost his battle with cancer.
2. From The Clouds by Jack Johnson
| Genre | Rock, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | From the Sea |
Written and recorded by Jack Johnson, “From the Clouds” was released as the final single on his fifth studio album, From the Sea. The music video features dramatic cinematography and has Jack Johnson falling through the sky in slow motion. But instead of sky diving and coming down from the clouds with a parachute, they captured the effect of Johnson flipping and flying in the air by taking a few dozen leaps from a 40-foot diving board into a swimming pool. Known primarily for his acoustic guitar, Jack also plays electric guitar on the track.
3. Clouds by New Politics
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Indie Pop |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Lost In Translation |
“Clouds” is a song written and recorded by the Danish rock band New Politics. It was released on their 2017 album Lost In Translation. The song is a reflection of the band’s life after touring and becoming more successful while touching on developing tight relationships with their bandmates and family. The lyrics include a dedication to both the narrator’s mother, who raised him well, and his father, who did his best. “Clouds” is a very catchy indie pop song that will have you singing along to the memorable chorus.
4. Strange Clouds by B.o.B. (Featuring Lil Wayne)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Strange Clouds |
“Strange Clouds” is a song recorded by B.o.B. with a guest appearance by Lil Wayne. It was released as the first single to B.o.B.’s 2011 album Strange Clouds. When B.o.B. first heard the instrumentals produced by “Dr. Luke” Lukasz Gottwald, the hook came to him right away. The song title and lyrics seem to make reference to the fact both artists were smoking a lot of weed while laying down the bars for this track; hence the strange clouds floating around. “Strange Clouds” debuted at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.
5. Clouds by Imagine Dragons
| Genre | Pop Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | Unreleased |
Perhaps one of the best songs written by Imagine Dragons to never make it on an official album, “Clouds” is a very special song to the band and their fans alike. Performed at several talent shows and “battle of the bands” competitions throughout 2009, “Clouds” actually won Imagine Dragons first place at Utah’s Got Talent competition, earning them an opening performance at a Kelly Clarkson concert. Enjoy this throwback video of the band getting perhaps their first major break before they made it big.
6. Clouds by Montgomery Gentry
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Some People Change |
“Clouds” is an incredibly emotional country ballad co-written by Eddie Montgomery, Tony Mullins, and Jeffrey Steele. It was recorded by Montgomery Gentry and released on their 2006 album Some People Change. The song is a powerful tribute to someone the narrator loved that has sadly passed away. They imagine their loved one’s presence taking shape in the form of clouds. While performing “Clouds” live in concert, the band would display a slideshow of photos sent in from their fan club members of loved ones they wished to dedicate the song to, their own memories in the clouds.
7. CLOUDS by NF
| Genre | Hip Hop, Christian Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | CLOUDS (The Mixtape) |
“CLOUDS” is a song recorded by Christian hip-hop artist Nathan Feuerstein, better known by his initials, NF. It was released as the second single on his mixtape Clouds. The lyrics detail NF’s budding success as a rapper despite not fitting into the stereotypical mold of what a rapper normally looks or acts like. In the song, he expresses how he has overcome people not believing in his artistry, and in many ways, it’s NF saying look at me now. The song is also featured in the trailer for the Netflix show The Recruit. The music video has amassed nearly 60 million views on YouTube in one year.
8. Dark Clouds by Rod Wave
| Genre | Hip Hop, R&B |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Pray 4 Love |
“Dark Clouds” is a song recorded by Florida-based rapper Rod Wave. It was released as the first single on his 2019 album Pray 4 Love, which peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The song is about Wave dealing with and overcoming the pain and paralyzing depression he felt that consumed him like dark clouds that blocked out the sun. He had become numb to feeling anything and laments about friends and women taking advantage of his rising fame. The song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, and the music video has over 181 million views on YouTube.
9. Head In The Clouds by Hayd
| Genre | Indie Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | Changes EP |
“Head In The Clouds” is a song recorded by Michigan-based singer-songwriter, Hayden “Hayd” Hubers. The song is a reflection on the early stages of a relationship where both lovers were lost in each other and had their heads in the clouds. The music video, which has over 18 million views on YouTube in just over a year, has cool imagery with literal clouds covering the heads and faces of the couple as they begin their romance. This soft indie rock song will take you back to the innocence of your first love, where nothing else mattered, and leave you with the bittersweet taste of nostalgia.
10. Clouds by One Direction
| Genre | Pop, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | FOUR |
“Clouds” was written and recorded by English-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released on their album FOUR, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It would make One Direction the only group in the 58-year history of the chart to have their first four albums debut at number one. The group opened their 2014 stadium tour with the song. The lyrics are open-ended, but one interpretation is that the song is about someone in a relationship that didn’t give it their all, and as a result, the couple split up. Another possibility is that it’s One Direction’s ‘look at us now’ statement to all the people that doubted them along the way to becoming one of the most successful boy bands in history.
11. King Of The Clouds by Panic! At The Disco
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Pray For The Wicked |
“King Of The Clouds” is a song recorded by Panic! At The Disco and released on their 2018 album Pray For The Wicked. Musically, the song was inspired by Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The lyrics were co-written by lead singer Brendon Urie and longtime Panic! collaborator Sam Hollander. The story goes that Urie got incredibly drunk during a songwriting session and was espousing grand ideas about Carl Sagan and the multiverse. Hollander wrote down all of Urie’s musings and approached him later with ideas for the song. Urie considers the record one of his favorites, and America agreed, as the song peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
12. Climbing Clouds by Jetty Rae
| Genre | Indie Folk |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Climbing Clouds EP |
“Climbing Clouds” is a song written by independent singer-songwriter Jetty Rae. The music video for the song was produced following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The song is very emotionally charged, as the inspiration for the record comes from the sorrow she felt from grieving the loss of her first child Ella Rae. The lyrics are devastating, and Rae’s voice can penetrate any heart. If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, you will be able to relate to this song all too well. This is one of my personal favorite songs about clouds of all time.
13. Above the Clouds by Paul Weller
| Genre | Rock, Indie Rock |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | Paul Weller |
“Above the Clouds” was written and recorded by English singer-songwriter Paul Weller and released on his debut solo album after disbanding his band, The Style Council. The song sees Weller revisit his roots and is heavily influenced by 60s R&B, with a hint of funk. “Above the Clouds” reached #47 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for two weeks in October 1992. The lyrics to this song come straight from the heart and stand alone as brilliant poetry, even without the catchy guitar riffs and Weller’s clever melody.
14. Born On A Different Cloud by Oasis
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | Heathen Chemistry |
“Born On A Different Cloud” is a song recorded by the English rock band Oasis. It was written by lead vocalist Liam Gallagher and released on their album Heathen Chemistry, which peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200 in the US and topped the UK Albums chart. The song has trace sounds of the Beatles, as Gallagher was heavily influenced by the group, and in particular John Lennon. The lyrics seem to make reference to Lennon, as one of the lines in the song is the title of a memoir about the Beatles legend, Living On Borrowed Time, written by Frederic Seaman.
15. Clouds by BORNS
| Genre | Indie Pop, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Dopamine |
“Clouds” is a song written and recorded by Garrett Borns, better known simply as BORNS. It was produced by Tommy English and has dreamy, chill vibes. It was released on Borns’ debut studio album, Dopamine. The album charted well in the United States, peaking at #24 on the Billboard 200, thanks in large part to the Platinum-certified single “Electric Love.” The lyrics allude to the narrator having his head in the clouds, as he is unable to think of anything or anyone other than the person on his mind.
16. Behind The Clouds by Brad Paisley
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Cars (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |
“Behind The Clouds” is a song co-written by Brad Paisley and his longtime collaborator and college friend Frank Rogers. The song was recorded for the 2006 Disney/Pixar film Cars and released on the film’s soundtrack, which was nominated for the Best Compilation Soundtrack Album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. The record peaked at #6 and #2 on the Billboard 200 and Soundtrack Albums charts, respectively. The song is inspirational in that it provides a positive message that although your world may seem dark and cloudy now, the sun is always shining just behind the clouds, and things will eventually get better.
17. Get Off of My Cloud by The Rolling Stones
| Genre | Rock and Roll, Blues Rock |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | Single |
“Get Off of My Cloud” was written by Mick Jammer and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. It was recorded by the band and released as a follow-up single to their worldwide smash hit “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” The song deals with the band’s rapid growth in popularity, and the lofty expectations placed on them put out a new record. The result was a 3-minute blues-rock song basically telling people to buzz off. While members of the Stones weren’t too fond of the tune, it nevertheless topped the charts in the US, UK, and Germany.
18. Thunderclouds by LSD (Featuring Sia, Diplo, Labrinth)
| Genre | Dance-Pop, Psychedelic Pop |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | LSD |
“Thunderclouds” is the third single released by the pop supergroup LSD, which is comprised of Sia, Diplo, and Labrinth. The song is about the fear and anxiety that sometimes surfaces in relationships when the past wounds of distrust and betrayal from former partners start affecting current lovers. “Thunderclouds” charted fairly well on the US Billboard charts, peaking on the Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts at #28 and #22, respectively. The song has also been certified Platinum by the RIAA. The official music video, directed by Ernest Desumbila, is fantastically psychedelic and has nearly half a billion views on YouTube. If you like this song, check out our playlist of songs about storms. Many of the songs there use storms as a metaphor, and many of them also mention clouds.
19. Stuck Inside a Cloud by George Harrison
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | Brainwashed |
“Stuck Inside a Cloud” is a song written and recorded by George Harrison. It was posthumously released on his final album, Brainwashed. Harrison began recording “Stuck Inside a Cloud” and the other songs that make up Brainwashed, nearly a decade earlier. The song was released to US and UK radio stations about a year after his death in 2001 and peaked at #27 and #15 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary and Adult Alternative Airplay charts, respectively. The lyrics detail Harrison’s feelings of loneliness and loss following the separation from his former lover. If you’re looking for songs that have clouds in their lyrics, this is one we recommend listening to.
20. Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus
| Genre | Disco, Pop, Electro-Pop, Synth-Pop |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Plastic Hearts |
“Midnight Sky” is a groovy song about independence and self-reflection co-written and recorded by Miley Cyrus. It was released on her album Midnight Sky and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Cyrus explains that the song is about creating your own kind of fantasy world where you can live your best life, insulated from the often crazy goings-on of society and the world at large. The message is to live the life you want to live, sort of like having your head in the clouds. The music video, which has over 185 million views on YouTube, was the first self-directed music video by Miley Cyrus.
21. Summer Clouds by Ray LaMontagne
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Monovision |
“Summer Clouds” is a soft and melodic tune written and recorded by singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne. Ray’s soulful voice and simple lyrics seem to float along the ethereal sound of the tune. “Summer Clouds” is definitely one of Ray’s quieter, more reflective tunes. LaMontagne not only wrote all the songs on the album but also produced and played every instrument on every track. The lyrics are about not worrying about what tomorrow will bring so long as you are with the right person. If you’re looking for songs that use metaphors, definitely give this song a listen.
22. Cloud Nine by The Temptations
| Genre | Psychedelic Soul, Psychedelic Funk |
| Year Released | 1968 |
| Album | Cloud Nine |
“Cloud Nine” marked the beginning of the Temptations’ transition into psychedelic music. The song was co-written by Norman Whitfield alongside Barrett Strong and features all five Temptations trading lead vocals. It was the first single to feature Dennis Edwards instead of the ‘Classic Five’ member David Ruffin. The tune won Motown Records its first Grammy Award in 1969 for Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental. The song was certified Gold by the RIAA and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart.
23. Cloudy by Simon & Garfunkel
| Genre | Folk Rolk |
| Year Released | 1966 |
| Album | Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme |
“Cloudy” was co-written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley. It was produced by Bob Johnston, who is best known for his work with Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. The song was recorded by Simon & Garfunkel and released on their 3x Multi-Platinum album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, which is considered one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. The narrator in the song watches clouds roll across the sky and uses imagery as a metaphor to describe the jumbled thoughts in his mind.
24. Cloud Riders by Tori Amos
| Genre | Pop Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Native Invader |
“Cloud Riders” is a song written and recorded by Tori Amos. It was released as the lead single from her 2017 album Native Invader. Amos intended the album to be primarily about reconnecting to her familial roots in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, but took a different direction when her mother had a stroke and lost the ability to speak. Another huge influence on “Cloud Riders” and the album as a whole was the turbulence a divided America was facing as a nation at the time. The lyrics touch on storms and other natural disasters, using them as metaphors for conflict and speaking to the ability of nature to heal after traumatizing events.
25. Cloud 9 by Jamiroquai
| Genre | Nu-Disco, Funk |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Automaton |
“Cloud 9” is a song recorded by the English funk band Jamiroquai. It was co-written by the group’s keyboardist, Matt Johnson, and lead vocalist, Jay Kay. The song made a brief week-long appearance on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, where it peaked at #46. The lyrics are about someone that has moved on from their former lover and is telling them how they will never get back together. They are on Cloud 9 with their new partner and see nothing but blue skies in their future.
26. Just A Cloud Away by Pharrell Williams
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Dispicable Me 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |
“Just A Cloud Away” is a song written and recorded by Pharrell Williams. It was included on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, along with the international best-selling record “Happy.” When the soundtrack originally came out, the song failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100 but did manage to climb to #3 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. More than eight years after the film’s original release, Pharrell uploaded the audio version of the song to YouTube, and thanks to a meme popularized on TikTok, “Just A Cloud Away” is reaching more people than ever before. The lyrics remind us that although we may be feeling down and facing storms in our lives, that happiness and sunshine are just a cloud away.
27. On My Cloud by Olly Murs
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | In Case You Didn’t Know |
“On My Cloud” is a song recorded by English pop singer Olly Murs. It was released on his second studio album, which debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart. Murs owes much of the album’s success to the notoriety he gained two years prior from being the runner-up on season six of the British reality television music competition, The X Factor. The lyrics are about encouraging someone to take a chance on love and assuring them that you won’t ever let them down if they do.
28. Cloud Number 9 by Bryan Adams
| Genre | Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | On a Day Like Today |
“Cloud Number 9” is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. It was co-written by Adams, alongside hit single-making songwriters Max Martin and Gretchen Peters. The song is about forgetting your troubles, though clouds may be gathering on the horizon and simply living in the moment. Adams sings that something is amiss in his relationship but as good as it has been going, it will take some time to fall from cloud nine, and whatever the fallout brings can wait until tomorrow.
Related Article: Popular Songs About Sunsets
29. Clouds by Chaka Khan
| Genre | R&B, 80s, Disco |
| Year Released | 1980 |
| Album | Naughty |
“Clouds” is a song recorded by Chaka Khan. It was written by the legendary husband-and-wife songwriting duo Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who are best known for their song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” The clouds in the song are metaphors for obstacles and challenges a couple will inevitably face throughout their relationship. Chaka Khan laments that if her lover leaves her, those clouds will surely bring rain, changing her plans and seemingly destroying her dreams. The “Queen of Pop,” Whitney Houston sings background vocals on “Clouds.”
30. Cloudbusting by Kate Bush
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1985 |
| Album | Hounds of Love |
“Cloudbusting” is a song recorded by British singer-songwriter Kate Bush. It was largely inspired by the 1973 Peter Reich memoir A Book of Dreams. The song is about Peter’s relationship with his father, engineer, and psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich, and memories of the two “cloudbusting” while on their family farm. As the name implies, cloudbusting was a machine designed to make rain and was engineered by Reich. Bush sings of the father’s trouble with the US government and his subsequent arrest through the helpless eyes of his son Peter. A powerful song for a story almost stranger than fiction.
31. Clouded by Brent Faiyaz
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Fuck the World |
“Clouded” is a song co-written and recorded by American R&B singer Christopher Brent Wood, better known by his stage name Brent Faiyaz. It was released on his 2020 EP Fuck the World, which peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200. It is a short song, clocking in at just under two minutes. In 2021, “Clouded” was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Faiyaz is perhaps best known for his work collaborating with artists such as Drake, Pharrell Williams, and GoldLink. The music video has over 26 million views on YouTube as of December 2022.
32. Cloudy Skies by Lil Skies
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Life of a Dark Rose |
“Cloudy Skies” is a song co-written and recorded by Kimetrius Christopher Foose, better known as Lil Skies. It was released on his major label debut mixtape, Life of a Dark Rose, which peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200. “Cloudy Skies” was produced by GHXST and features samples from the 2006 hit “Lazy Eye” by the Silversun Pickups. The song has over 86 million streams on Spotify as of December 2022.
33. Heavy Cloud No Rain by Sting
| Genre | Soft Rock, Jazz Rock, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | Ten Summoner’s Tales |
“Heavy Cloud No Rain” is a song written and recorded by English rocker Sting. It was released on his Grammy Award-winning album Ten Summoner’s Tales in 1993. The song was inspired by a drought that was occurring in England at the time. Sting used it as a jumping-off point to tell a fictitious tale of King Louis XVI’s royal astrologer attempting to postpone his execution by making it rain, but although there were heavy clouds above, no rain fell down. It’s a testament to Sting’s comedic and musical genius. With a funky saxophone and dynamic harmonica playing throughout the song, “Heavy Cloud No Rain” has a sound reminiscent of a Bourbon Street band.
34. Just A Cloud by Lusine (Featuring Vilja Larjosto)
| Genre | Pop, Electronic |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Sensorimotor |
“Just A Cloud” is a song produced by Lusine, with lyrics written and sung by Vilja Larjosto. The music video, which has nearly 12 million views on YouTube, begins with a woman boarding a metro bus at night. She pulls out a pair of headphones, and as soon as she puts them on, music begins playing. The lyrics are simple and repeat throughout the song. The narrator wishes they were a cloud so they could simply dissipate and disappear from the world and all of the struggles or pain they are facing.
35. Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
| Genre | Progressive Pop, Symphonic Pop |
| Year Released | 1977 |
| Album | Out of the Blue |
“Mr. Blue Sky” is a song recorded by the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It is considered one of ELO’s signature songs and has been used in countless commercials, television shows, and movies over the years. Songwriter and ELO lead singer Jeff Lynne told the BBC that he wrote “Mr. Blue Sky” while locked away in a Swiss chalet for two weeks. It was dark and dreary day after day, with clouds obscuring the wondrous Alps until finally, the sunshine came through the clouds and revealed the majestic mountains and breathtaking scenery. The sudden change of weather sparked his inspiration and led Lynne to write “Mr. Blue Sky” and 12 other songs for their new album in just two weeks’ time.
36. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb
| Genre | Ambient House |
| Year Released | 1990 |
| Album | The Orb’s Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld |
“Little Fluffy Clouds” is a song recorded by the English ambient house group the Orb. The song features extensive clips from an interview with singer Rickie Lee Jones and her description of the skies from her childhood home in Arizona. Jones described them as the most beautiful skies, with little fluffy clouds in them, which would catch appear to catch fire at sunset. The song was ranked #40 on Pitchfork Media’s list of the Top 200 Tracks of the 1990s.
37. Both Sides, Now by Joni Mitchell
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 1969 |
| Album | Clouds |
“Both Sides, Now” is a song written and recorded by Canadian-American singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. It was released on her 1969 album Clouds. The song was inspired by a book Mitchell was reading while on an airplane called Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow. The character in the book was also flying and described seeing clouds below his plane. Mitchell allegedly put her book down, saw clouds, and began writing the song. It became one of her best-known songs and was ranked #170 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
38. Cloudlifter by Dirty Heads
| Genre | Alternative Hip Hop, Reggae Fusion |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Super Moon |
“Cloudlifter” is a reggae, rock, and alternative hip-hop fusion song written and recorded by the Southern California-based group Dirty Heads. The song, like most of their music, defies any one strict category or genre. “Cloudlifter” was released on their 2019 album Super Moon, which peaked at #116 on the Billboard 200 chart. Lead singer Jared “Dirty J” Watson describes the album as a 70s sci-fi kung fu western car chase soundtrack. The whole album was recorded live at Studio A in the old RCA building in Nashville, made famous by the likes of Elvis and Johnny Cash.
39. Little Wing by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
| Genre | Rock, Psychedelic Soul |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | Axis: Bold as Love |
Written and recorded by Jimi Hendrix, “Little Wing” was released on his 1967 album Axis: Bold as Love. Although the song has just one reference to clouds, it is a powerful one, as Hendrix ties the image to Native American mythology, where the soft, beautiful, and helpful “female” rain clouds bring life to the people by providing water for drinking and helping crops grow. Jimi ties this symbology to an idealized woman that, in his mind, selflessly gives herself to others. “Little Wing” is ranked #188 by Rolling Stone on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. This is easily one of the most iconic songs about clouds ever written.
40. Black Cloud by Morrissey
| Genre | Indie Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | Years of Refusal |
“Black Cloud” is a song co-written and recorded by English singer-songwriter Morrissey. It was released on his 2009 album Years of Refusal, which peaked a #11 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was produced by Jerry “Huckle” Finn, known for his excellent work with pop-punk groups like Blink-182 and Sum 41. The record was tracked live, which gives it all a garage band, punk sound. The song also features one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Jeff Beck. The lyrics reference unrequited love that hangs around in Morrissey’s mind like a black cloud, haunting his thoughts.
41. Cloudy by Average White Band
| Genre | Funk, Soul |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Cut the Cake |
“Cloudy” is a song written and recorded by the Scottish Funk and R&B band humorously called Average White Band. It was released on their much-anticipated third studio album, Cut the Cake. The album was nearly scrapped by producer Arif Mardin due to tension among the band because the recording process was riddled with conflict as the band struggled with differences while dealing with the tragic death of the group’s drummer, Robbie McIntosh. It’s a good thing they persevered and saw it through, as the album topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200.
42. Flying Cloud by The Doobie Brothers
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1974 |
| Album | What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits |
While this classic Doobie Brothers song is strictly instrumental, its ethereal and magical sound gives credence to the song’s title, “Flying Cloud.” The track is short, like the quick, shape-shifting, fleeting nature of clouds. The song was written by Doobie Brothers bassist Tiran Porter who was known for his funky fingerstyle technique of playing. “Flying Cloud” was released as the B-side to the band’s first single, “Nobody,” but was quickly overlooked as radio stations began to play the classic Doobie Brothers song “Black Water.”
43. Feet In The Clouds by Paul McCartney
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2007 |
| Album | Memory Almost Full |
“Feet In The Clouds” is a song written and recorded by legendary Beatles member Paul McCartney for his 2007 solo album Memory Almost Full. The album topped the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200. McCartney describes the tune as a kind of therapy session for him and was inspired by his time at the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys. Apparently, the school was not the greatest of places, as McCartney remembers it being dark and gloomy, with maniacal teachers. He was accused of having his head in the clouds while attending the all-boys school but assures listeners that once out in the real world, it was actually his feet in the clouds.
44. Obscured by Clouds by Pink Floyd
| Genre | Progressive Rock |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Obscured by Clouds |
“Obscured by Clouds” is an instrumental track and the opening song on one of Pink Floyd’s lesser-known albums, released in 1972 with the same name. With just one single on the album and coming out a year before their legendary Dark Side of the Moon album, many casual Pink Floyd fans have never heard this one before. The record peaked at #6 on the UK Albums chart and number 46 on the Billboard 200 in the US. It was written by guitarist David Gilmour and bassist Roger Waters. The entire Obscured by Clouds album served as the soundtrack for La Vallée, a French film by Barbet Schroeder.
45. Scar On The Sky by Chris Cornell
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2007 |
| Album | Carry On |
“Scar On The Sky” is a song written and recorded by Chris Cornell on his second solo album, Carry On. It was the first solo album Cornell released after leaving his former band Audioslave. The song is about having an amazing time with someone and not wanting the night to end. The narrator in the song longs to hold on to the incredible feeling of the night and chase away the reality that the rising sun will bring. He says that they can simply close their eyes and dream of floating above a clouded sky to remember the fleeting moments of carefree happiness.
46. Cranes in the Sky by Solange
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | A Seat at the Table |
Written and recorded by Beyoncé’s younger sister, Solange Knowles, “Cranes in the Sky” is a song about not dealing with the issues in a struggling relationship and ignoring the emotions that arise when that relationship comes to an end. Solange compared cranes that were building high-rise buildings to metal clouds hanging over her. “Cranes in the Sky” earned Solange a gold record and a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. It was also recently ranked #487 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
47. I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
| Genre | Soul, R&B |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | I Can See Clearly Now |
Written and recorded by Johnny Nash, “I Can See Clearly Now” is a catchy tune with a hopeful and uplifting message. The narrator in the song was blinded by their troubles and sadness or the dark clouds that were blocking out the sun. But now that they have overcome their adversity and chased the clouds away, they see nothing but the blue sky of a bright sunshiny day. The song topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks charts. “I Can See Clearly Now” received renewed popularity when it was featured in the 1993 movie about the Jamaican bobsledding team, Cool Runnings, starring John Candy.
48. Clouds of Loneliness by Gordon Lightfoot
| Genre | Folk, Pop, Country |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | Harmony |
Written and recorded by Gordon Lightfoot, “Clouds of Loneliness” and the album it appears on was almost never finished. Lightfoot suffered a near-fatal ruptured artery shortly after laying down the demo tracks for the record. He credits the time spent preoccupied working on the album to his eventual recovery as it kept his mind busy. The song is about navigating loss and hardships in life. Lightfoot sings that all we really need to see through days filled with clouds of loneliness is just one good friend.
49. The Little White Cloud That Cried by Johnny Ray
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1951 |
| Album | Single |
“The Little White Clouds That Cried” is a song written and recorded by Johnny Ray. It was the sixth most-played song in the United States on the Billboard Most Played Juke Box Rhythm & Blues Records chart, the predecessor to the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The lyrics tell the story of a man that was feeling sad and lonely. He takes a walk by a river and personifies his feelings through a cloud that he then uses to reassure himself that the sun will always shine and things will get better with time. Enjoy this classic video of Ray performing the song on The Ed Sullivan Show.
50. CLOUDS by Prince (Featuring Lianne La Havas)
| Genre | R&B, Electro-Funk |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Art Official Age |
“CLOUDS” is a keyboard-driven, electro-funk R&B tune written and recorded by Prince. It features British singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas on background vocals. The song was released on Prince’s 2014 album Art Official Age, which peaked at #5 and #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, respectively. Prince, his new backing band 3rdeyegirl, and La Havas performed “CLOUDS” and three other songs live on Saturday Night Live in late 2014. Released just two years before an overdose, “CLOUDS” shows that Prince’s musical genius was strong up until his untimely death.
51. Far Above the Clouds by Mike Oldfield
| Genre | Progressive Rock, Electronica |
| Year Released | 1998 |
| Album | Tubular Bells III |
“Far Above the Clouds” is a song written, produced, and recorded by British singer-songwriter Mike Oldfield. The song is known for its emotional, whining guitar solo. Oldfield uses personification to describe the rain as a man that journeys to the mountaintop, far above the clouds and disappears when his job is done. “Far Above the Clouds” peaked at #53 on the UK Singles chart but is best known for Oldfield’s performance of the song at the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony during a segment about the National Health Service.
Spotify Playlist of Songs About Clouds
That does it for this playlist. Let us know if you know of any great songs that we should add to it; 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.