Light is a constant in our lives, which is why many songs about light have been written over the years. Daylight, moonlight, and starlight are all natural sources of light that inspire musicians the world over. A person with good energy or that has a positive influence on others is also said to be a light.
Then there’s light in the spiritual sense, where people seek enlightenment, often using light as a metaphor for God. There is no shortage of great songs about this topic, and below we’ll be sharing many of our favorites. We also have a Spotify playlist with all of the songs covered below at the bottom of the page.
1. Lights by Ellie Goulding
| Genre | Synth Pop |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Bright Lights |
“Lights” is an upbeat dance song co-written and recorded by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding. The song was inspired by Goulding’s childhood fear of the dark that compels her to still sleep with the lights on. Incredibly, “Lights” charted in the Top 40 on nine separate Billboard charts, including the Mainstream Top 40 and Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts, where it reached #1. The song also spent more than a year on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, on its path to becoming certified Multi-Platinum.
2. Lights by Journey
| Genre | Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Infinity |
“Lights” is about the dawning of a new day when the sun begins to rise, and the city lights start turning off. It was co-written by Journey lead singer Steve Perry. Originally, Perry penned the lyrics about his then-home of Los Angeles. He even had LA as the last word in the chorus but never finished the song because the phrasing didn’t seem quite right. After moving north to join Journey in San Francisco, the song’s lyrics came together one early morning as he was crossing the Golden Gate bridge while overlooking the Bay Area.
3. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
| Genre | Synth-Pop, New Wave |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | After Hours |
“Blinding Lights” is a wildly popular song that sounds like a blast from the 80s past with its energetic synth-pop production. Lyrically, it is about driving to see someone after a night on the town, being blinded by the bright lights, but not stopping until you can be with them. The song earned The Weeknd numerous awards, including Top Hot 100 Song, Top Radio Song, and Top R&B Song at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2020, the song spent 90 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the longest charting song by a solo artist in the chart’s history. By the end of 2022, “Blinding Lights” became the most streamed song of all time on Spotify.
4. Leave a Light On by Tom Walker
| Genre | Pop-Rock, Folk |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | What a Time to Be Alive |
Scottish-English singer-songwriter Tom Walker stepped into the limelight with the release of “Leave a Light On,” which peaked at #7 on the UK Singles chart. The song is about being there for someone when they are in peril and need help the most. Walker assures his lost friend who is dealing with drug abuse, that he will leave a light on for them and provide hope to help them find their way out of the darkness. Walker teamed up with legendary British songwriter and record producer, Steve Mac to create “Leave a Light On.” It earned Walker the Best Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Brit Awards.
5. Prayin’ For Daylight by Rascal Flatts
| Genre | Country Pop |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | Rascal Flatts |
“Prayin’ For Daylight” is the debut single by country-pop band Rascal Flatts. According to bassist Jay DeMarcus, not only was it the first song the group ever recorded together, but it also played a huge part in securing a record deal for the band. Lyrically, the song is about dealing with a breakup. The narrator doesn’t want to spend nights alone so he distracts himself while waiting for a new day to begin. The song peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sparked a successful 22-year career for Rascal Flatts.
6. Hunger For The Great Light by Dave Matthews Band
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | Stand Up |
“Hunger For The Great Light” is a song co-written by Dave Matthews and the band’s new producer Mark Batson. It was an instant creative connection and the resulting album earned Dave Matthews Band their fourth #1 album in a row on the Billboard 200 chart. The group’s bassist, Stefan Lessard, actually wrote the guitar riff for the song and when asked by Dave Matthews which direction he wanted him to take with the lyrics, Lessard responded that he didn’t really care but that Dave should make them dirty. Matthews obliged, and the lyrics can be interpreted as performing sexual acts for one’s partner.
7. Shine A Light by BANNERS
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Banners EP |
“Shine a Light” is an uplifting ballad about desperation, hope, and salvation. It was written and recorded by Liverpool-based artist Michael Nelson, known by his stage name, Banners. The song gained worldwide popularity from being featured on the soundtrack to the FIFA 16 video game. Nelson has mentioned in interviews that “Shine a Light” is about feeling lost at sea and nearly running out of hope. He dedicates the song to the person in one’s life that provides shelter from the storm and offers salvation.
8. Hit The Lights by Selena Gomez & The Scene
| Genre | Synth-Pop, Dance-Pop |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | When the Sun Goes Down |
Many of us have had at least one person in our lives that, looking back, we think could have been the one. “Hit The Lights” by Selena Gomez is about living in the moment and not being handicapped by past regrets or heartbreak. Musically, the song hits like a huge summer dance track with its synth-pop sounds and dance beats. “Hit The Lights” earned Gomez a Choice Music Group Award at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. After accepting the award, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to the young singer. Not a bad way to celebrate your twentieth birthday.
9. Bright Lights by Matchbox Twenty
| Genre | Pop Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | More Than You Think You Are |
“Bright Lights” is a song written by the lead singer of the band Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas. The lyrics are about the narrator’s partner moving away to the bright lights of the big city in order to chase her dreams. Reluctantly, he encourages his girlfriend to leave their hometown for New York, but at the same time tells her that if it doesn’t work out, she should come back home. The music video for the song was taken from an electric live performance on the band’s DVD Show: A Night in the Life of Matchbox Twenty.
10. Morning Light by Justin Timberlake (Featuring Alicia Keys)
| Genre | Pop, R&B, Funk, Soul |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Man of the Woods |
Co-written by Justin Timberlake and recorded for his 2018 album Man of the Woods, “Morning Light” features vocals from Alicia Keys, as well as Chris Stapleton on guitar. The song is about cherishing the special time spent with your lover and feeling perfectly content to just hold each other through the night. According to the song’s producer, Rob Knox, the song was written in about a half hour, thanks to the talented people working on it and creativity being through the roof during the songwriting session.
11. Light It Up by Luke Bryan
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | What Makes You Country |
“Light It Up” is a song about a man that had a fight with his girlfriend and is now waiting on the edge of his seat for her to reach out to him and light up his phone. The music video was produced by Michael Monaco and features acting by NBA star Jimmy Butler, who is a big fan of Luke Bryan and has gone to several of his concerts. The song earned Bryan a #1 record when it topped the Billboard Country Airplay and peaked at #4 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
12. My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up) by Fall Out Boy
| Genre | Pop Metal, Rock |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Save Rock and Roll |
“My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up)” is the comeback single released by Fall Out Boy after the band took a break for over three years. The song represents the evolution of the group’s sound, which once was exclusively emo-pop-punk and now incorporates elements of pop and metal. The tune earned Fall Out Boy a Top 15 hit on five separate Billboard charts and has been certified 6x Multi-Platinum. The music video, which has nearly 200 million views on YouTube, features rapper 2 Chainz throwing Fall Out Boy’s previous albums in a fire, a metaphor for the band reinventing their sound and not looking back anymore.
13. Daylight by Maroon 5
| Genre | Soft Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Overexposed |
“Daylight” was co-written by Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine alongside 11-time Songwriter of the Year recipient Max Martin. Also working as a producer on the album, Martin’s past production work seems to have leaked into “Daylight,” as many people have compared the sound to that of Coldplay. The song is about coming to terms with a failed relationship but spending one more night together, all the while being prepared to move on when the daylight from a new day begins to shine. “Daylight” earned Maroon 5 a #1 hit, and the band also performed the song with Alicia Keys at the 2013 Grammy Awards.
14. The Inner Light by The Beatles
| Genre | Raga Rock, Indian Rock |
| Year Released | 1968 |
| Album | Single |
Perhaps best known as the B-side of the famous “Lady Madonna” record, “The Inner Light” was written by George Harrison and showcases the Beatles’ versatility. The song has a distinct Indian sound as it reflects the band’s immersion into Eastern spirituality, as well as Harrison’s interest in transcendental meditation and enlightenment. Lyrically, the song was inspired by the Tao Te Ching sacred religious writings by Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu. The overall message is that inner peace and spiritual insight is found internally, or within us, rather than by traveling somewhere to seek illumination.
15. Lights Shine Bright by TobyMac (Featuring Hollyn)
| Genre | Christian Hip Hop, Christian Pop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | This Is Not a Test |
“Lights Shine Bright” is a Christian hip-hop and pop song about spreading the Light or word of God. It was recorded by TobyMac in collaboration with Hollyn, who just before had received a Dove Award nomination for Best New Artist by the Gospel Music Association. The song first appeared on TobyMac’s 2015 album, This Is Not a Test, which won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. “Lights Shine Bright” speaks to both artists’ efforts to help guide listeners closer to God and make music for the people to illuminate their souls. If you’re looking for Christian songs about light, then you’ll love this song.
16. Neon Lights by Demi Lovato
| Genre | Dance, Electropop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Demi |
“Neon Lights” marks a new direction and sound for the former Disney Channel star, Demi Lovato. The song features prominent EDM influences and is a classic dance song with the rhythm of a bass drum hitting on every beat. Lovato’s soaring vocals express her desire to live life to the fullest while young and vibrant. The lyrics detail Lovato igniting a spark with someone at a club and compare their fleeting encounter to that of a shooting star. The song topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
17. Light It Up Remix by Major Lazer (Featuring Nyla & Fuse ODG)
| Genre | Moombahton, Dancehall, EDM |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Peace Is the Mission: Extended |
“Light It Up Remix” is a head-nodding, electronic dance track with a fusion of reggaeton and house music. The song was co-written and produced by the DJ trio Major Lazer, which is comprised of Diplo, Walshy Fire and Ape Drums. It features vocals from Jamaican-based singer-songwriter, Nyla along with afro beats musician Fuse ODG. The original version of “Light It Up” earned Major Lazer a #1 hit on the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart. While the remix failed to chart, it is extremely popular in the dance scene and has amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify.
18. All Of The Lights by Kanye West (Featuring Rihanna & Kid Cudi)
| Genre | Hip Hop, Pop |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy |
In his 2011 hit single “All Of The Lights,” Kanye West raps about being a celebrity under scrutiny while having trouble in his very public life where anything he does is under the spotlight. The song was huge in the US where it was certified 5x Multi-Platinum. Kanye and Rihanna performed the song at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. West returned to LA for the Grammy Awards early the next year and won awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. “All Of The Lights” features Elton John on piano and guest vocals from numerous stars, including Alicia Keys, John Legend, Drake, Fergie, and many more.
19. One More Light by Linkin Park
| Genre | Electronic Rock, Ambient |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | One More Light |
One of Linkin Park’s most powerful songs, “One More Light,” is an emotional ballad about life and death. The lyrics convey an uplifting message that we should appreciate the people in our lives and that when someone passes away, a great way to cope with the trauma is to exalt them and the light they brought into your life. Linkin Park played the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in honor of their friend Chris Cornell, who died the day before their performance. Tragically, just months later, lead singer Chester Bennington committed suicide, and the song took on an even more personal meaning for the band and their fans. If you like songs with figurative language included in them, then you’ll love this song.
20. Darker Than The Light That Never Bleeds by Steve Aoki
| Genre | EDM, Electro Hous, Trap |
| Year Released | |
| Album | Chester Forever Steve Aoki Remix |
Steve Aoki collaboratively regularly with Linkin Park. Following the death of the band’s lead singer Chester Bennington, Aoki created “Darker Than The Light That Never Bleeds” as a tribute to his late friend. The song is a remix and mash-up of two songs he co-created with Linkin Park: “A Light That Never Comes” and “Darker Than Blood.” The song was released as a single and peaked at #20 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart. Aoki honorably donated all proceeds of the song in honor of Bennington to Music for Relief’s One More Light fund to help with suicide awareness and prevention.
21. Every Light In The House by Trace Adkins
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Dreamin’ Out Loud |
When Trace Adkins sings about leaving the lights on for his now-former lover, the lyrics have a dual meaning. Not only is he keeping a place in his heart open if she should decide to return, but the lights also represent a lighthouse, guiding the woman he obviously still cares about back home. “Every Light In The House” was written by songwriter Kent Robbins. He wrote it one year before he died in a car accident. Robbins was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. “Every Light In The House” peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, giving Adkins his first Top 5 hit.
22. Light On by Maggie Rogers
| Genre | Indie Pop, Electropop, Folk-Pop |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Heard It in A Past Life |
Maggie Rogers got her big break while attending NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Pharrell Williams dropped into her class to provide feedback to the student artists, and when Rogers played her song “Alaska” for him, Pharrel was left speechless and profoundly impressed. “Lights On” is the final song Maggie wrote for her debut album, which peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200. The song earned Rogers a #1 record and details her experience of going from an unknown musician to a viral sensation. Lyrically, “Lights On” can be seen as a thank-you letter to her friends, family, and fans for believing in her at a time when Rogers was feeling overwhelmed and at times uncertain of her new reality.
23. Under Control by Calvin Harris & Alesso (Featuring Hurts)
| Genre | EDM |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Motion and Forever |
With an irresistible beat, “Under Control” will have you losing control and dancing like no one’s watching in no time at all. It is a classic EDM ballad recorded by Calvin Harris and Alesso. It also features guest vocals by Hurts. The infectious dance song was featured on Harris’s album, Motion, and later appeared on Alesso’s first album, Forever. The music video for the song was filmed in Los Angeles and includes an end-of-the-world concert the artists put on for the first one thousand fans to arrive on set. Thankfully, the fictitious Earth-bound meteor was a near-miss, allowing the music and dancing to continue on.
24. Moondance by Van Morrison
| Genre | Blues Rock, Jazz Rock, Soul |
| Year Released | 1969 |
| Album | Moondance |
If you’re looking to spend a magical night with someone, dancing in the moonlight, indulge in “Moondance” and enjoy the brilliant fusion of smooth, jazzy-blues, accompanied by poetic lyrics by Northern Ireland’s most famous musician, Van Morrison. The song has a little bit of everything, including one of the most influential saxophone solos in music. A strong bass line and a mellow piano riff carry the tune, which is interspersed with the ethereal sound of a flute. “Moondance” is listed as one of the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
25. Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Post-Britpop |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | Onka’s Big Moka |
“Dancing in the Moonlight” was written by Sherman Kelly and first popularized by the French-American rock band King Harvest. But the foremost version was recorded by English rock band Toploader and released on their 2000 album, Onka’s Big Moka. The lyrics are about having a carefree and fun night while dancing in the light of the moon. The song saw a resurgence of popularity in the US when it appeared on the soundtrack of the 2002 Mandy Moore film, A Walk to Remember. This is without a doubt one of those songs that can make you want to dance.
26. Light in Your Eyes by Blessed Union of Souls
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Blessed Union of Souls |
When someone loves you, the way they look at you is different. There is a special light in their eyes that communicates what words may fail to say. “Light in Your Eyes” was written and recorded by the Ohio-based alternative rock band, Blessed Union of Souls. The lyrics detail a struggling relationship where one of the lovers challenges their partner to reignite the spark in their relationship, only to come to realize that while he may still love his partner, the relationship is destined to fail and so he begins the process of moving on.
27. Red Lights by Tiësto
| Genre | Progressive House, Dance-Pop |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | A Town Called Paradise |
“Red Lights” is a song produced by one of the greatest DJs of all time, Tiësto. The song marks an expansion of sound by the Dutch DJ as he incorporates acoustic elements into the tune. Tiësto, seen by many as the Godfather of EDM, described “Red Lights” as uplifting and euphoric. The lyrics are about defying the expectations of society, being brave, and living the life you want to live. The upbeat dance track peaked at #5 and #2 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and Dance Club Songs chart, respectively. Four years after its release, the song was certified Platinum.
28. Green Light by Lorde
| Genre | Electropop, Dance-Pop |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Melodrama |
“Green Light” was written at a pivotal time in Lorde’s life. She was reflecting on turning twenty and leaving behind her life as a teenager. The song is about her first major heartbreak and the aftermath of dealing with her new reality. After attending a Florence and the Machine concert with co-writer and producer Jack Antonoff, the two were inspired by the band’s piano player; Lorde credits that concert for influencing the musical direction of “Green Light.” The song peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
29. The Lighthouse’s Tale by Nickel Creek
| Genre | Progressive Bluegrass, Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Nickel Creek |
“The Lighthouse’s Tale,” tells the story of a lighthouse that stands resolute against the wind and waves while guiding sailors safely back to shore. The keeper of the lighthouse tragically loses his lover when her boat crashes against the rocky shoreline. He vows that they will be together again and leaves the lighthouse behind as he jumps from the top and plunges into the icy sea. The album was produced by Alison Krauss, the second most-awarded female artist in Grammy history. Fourteen years after its release, the album was certified Platinum for selling more than one million units.
30. I See the Light by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi
| Genre | Folk-Pop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Tangled: Original Soundtrack |
If you’ve seen the animated film Frozen, you certainly remember the lantern scene in which Rapunzel and Flynn Rider sing “I See the Light,” a song about their budding relationship. The setting is very romantic, with thousands of paper lanterns being illuminated and floating above the water. The song was written by esteemed composer Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Voiceover actors for the characters, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, sing the folk-pop duet. Menken considers the song the heart and center of the film. At the 2012 Grammy Awards, “I See the Light” won the Best Song Written for Visual Media Award.
31. Brand New Man by Brooks & Dunn
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | Brand New Man |
“Brand New Man” is the debut single by country duo Brooks & Dunn. It is the title track from their first studio album, which produced four consecutive #1 hits. Lyrically, the song is about leaving your wild, free-wheeling side behind because you’ve found the right person to settle down with. The pair sing about seeing the light and wanting to change for the better since they finally are in a relationship they can see going the distance. In 2019, Brooks & Dunn re-recorded many of their hits, including “Brand New Man,” which features a collaboration with Luke Combs.
32. Light Switch by Charlie Puth
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | Charlie |
“Light Switch” is an upbeat pop song co-written and produced by Charlie Puth. He teased the song while in the production process on TikTok in September 2021, gaining over 20 million views in just one day. Fans liked seeing the behind-the-scenes creation of the song, which caused it to go viral. Lyrically, the song is about Puth being unable to turn his feelings off for his ex-girlfriend. Despite all the things he does to try and get over her, she is able to turn his feelings back on like a light switch. “Light Switch” peaked at #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
33. Shine A Light by The Rolling Stones
| Genre | Rock and Roll, Blues Rock |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Exile on Main St. |
Mick Jagger began writing the song that would eventually become “Shine A Light” in 1968. The lyrics are about original Rolling Stones leader and guitarist Brian Jones and his battle with alcohol and drug addiction. Following Jones’ death just a year later, the song was picked up again, revised, and finally released on the 1972 album Exile on Main St. Mick Jagger must have known Jones was in peril as he implores throughout the song for the good Lord to shine his light upon his friend and help him deal with his troubles.
34. Lights Up by Harry Styles
| Genre | Pop, R&B |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Fine Line |
“Lights Up” is the much-anticipated first release from Harry Styles in two years. According to the former One Direction star, the song is about freedom, self-reflection, self-discovery and acceptance. Styles called “Lights Up” the most unorthodox song he’s ever created. After being criticized by some people for playing it safe on his debut solo album, Styles threw caution to the wind with his new album Fine Line, illustrating his growth as an artist. “Lights Up” climbed to #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the
RIAA.
35. Moonlight by XXXTentacion
| Genre | Pop Rap, Cloud Rap |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | ? |
“Moonlight” is a song written by Florida-based rapper Jahseh Onfroy, known by his stage name, XXXTentacion. Tragically, at just twenty years old, the young rapper was shot to death after being robbed. “Moonlight” appeared on XXXTentacion’s posthumous album released just two months following his death. The song peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified 7x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. Onfroy has been named by Billie Eilish and Juice Wrld as being influences to their music. The music video for “Moonlight” has over one billion views on YouTube. If you like songs about moonlight and the moon, you’ll love this song. The song also has many metaphors included in it that will really make you think.
36. Lost In The Light by Bahamas
| Genre | Indie, Folk |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Barchords |
“Lost In The Light” is an indie-folk song written and recorded by Canadian musician Afie Jurvanen, also known as Bahamas. The song was featured on Bahamas’ 2012 album Barchords, which was nominated for Adult Alternative Album of the Year at the 2012 Juno Awards. Jurvanen has noted that the song is about the end of a relationship. After a breakup, you’re forced to move on and accept the new reality. But it’s also about appreciating the good parts and learning from what went wrong. While “Lost In The Light” failed to chart in the US, it did earn Bahamas a certified Gold record.
37. Green Light by John Legend (Featuring Andre 3000)
| Genre | R&B, Funk, Electro |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Evolver |
John Legend is best known for his soulful R&B hits. “Green Light” sees Legend expand his musical repertoire to include this funky, electro-based, dance song complete with beats from a synthesizer. Legend teamed up with André 3000, best known for his work with the rap duo Outkast. It was a long time coming, but fourteen years after its release, the song was certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. The song charted well in the US, cracking the Top 25 on four different Billboard charts, including the Hot 100, where it peaked at #24.
38. Lights Down Low by Max (Featuring gnash)
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Hell’s Kitchen Angel |
“Lights Down Low” is a pop song co-written and recorded by Max Schneider, known simply as Max, and produced by Nathaniel Motte from the electropop group 3OH!3. The song slowly gained traction in the US, where it became a sleeper hit, eventually topping the Billboard Adult Top 40 on its way to earning Max a certified triple Platinum record. Lyrically, the song is about how our lives are shaped by individual moments in time that seem to go by in a flash. The growing popularity of “Lights Down Low” led to Max being nominated for Best New Pop Artist at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
39. New Light by John Mayer
| Genre | Pop Rock, Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Sob Rock |
In “New Light,” John Mayer departs from his usual acoustic, pop-rock sound to bring us a tune that sounds like it was inspired by 1980s soft rock. Lyrically, the song is about asking his love interest to give him a chance to prove that he is a new man. Mayer is a self-proclaimed recovered ego addict and insists that if the girl he is pursuing tries to get to know him, she will see him differently, or in a new light. Fans seemed to like Mayer’s new sound as “New Light” ended 2018 as the fourteenth-ranked song on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart.
40. Lost In Your Light by Dua Lipa (Featuring Miguel)
| Genre | Electropop |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Dua Lipa |
“Lost In Your Light” is one of the happier songs from Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut album. The British-Albanian singer describes it as being about the honeymoon stage early on in a relationship when you are buzzing at the sight of your new love interest. It’s about embracing those feelings and getting lost in the middle of it all. Dua Lipa collaborates with R&B singer Miguel on the disco-pop track, which was ranked #34 on Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Songs of 2017.
41. Long As I Can See The Light by Creedence Clearwater Revival
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Cosmo’s Factory |
“Long As I Can See The Light” is one of those songs that can make you miss home and the people there that shine their guiding lights in your life. Written by Creedence Clearwater Revival’s frontman John Fogerty, the song was never performed live but nevertheless became a fan favorite. Fogerty describes the song as being about feeling lonely while on the road, seeking understanding, and for his loved ones back at home to shine their lights so he can find his way back home.
42. Be a Light by Thomas Rhett (Featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban)
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Single |
“Be a Light” was co-written by Thomas Rhett and released as a single in March 2020, while Rhett and many others around the world were in quarantine at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The song has an uplifting message and is meant to encourage people to be positive and helpful in a time marked by uncertainty and fear. Rhett is accompanied on the track by several other country stars, including Reba McEntire and Keith Urban. All of the proceeds from “Be a Light” went to MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was established to provide relief to music industry professionals that lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.
43. Light My Fire by The Doors
| Genre | Psychedelic Rock, Baroque Pop |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | The Doors |
“Light My Fire” is considered one of the signature songs by The Doors. It spent three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1967. Primarily written by guitarist Robby Krieger, “Light My Fire” draws on influences from “Play With Fire” by the Rolling Stones and also the American rock standard “Hey Joe.” The song features a lively Bach-inspired organ and rocks with an infectious beat from start to finish. Rolling Stone ranked the song #35 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
44. Lights On by H.E.R.
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | H.E.R. |
“Lights On” is a smooth R&B song with sensual lyrics, co-written by Gabriella Wilson, who is best known by her stage name H.E.R. It first appeared on Wilson’s H.E.R. Vol. 2 EP, which became the longest-charting compilation album by a female artist in the history of the Billboard 200 chart. Lyrically, the song is about making love and exploring your sexuality with your partner. The song was also featured on Gabi Wilson’s breakthrough compilation album H.E.R., which earned her Best R&B Album at the 61st Annual Gramm Awards.
45. Blinded By The Light by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
| Genre | Progressive Rock |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | The Roaring Silence |
Originally written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen, “Blinded By The Light” was covered by the British rock band Manfred Mann three years later. The cover version was a big hit in the US, where it climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It contains some of the most misinterpreted lyrics of any popular song. The confusion lies in the way the word “deuce” is heard on the track. To be certain, the lyric is deuce, as in little deuce coupe, but due to a technical snafu on the tape recording, it came out sounding like douche. Needless to say, this confusion brought the band unintended publicity when people all over argued about what the words actually were.
46. Shine A Light by Paolo Nutini
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | Last Night in the Bittersweet |
After more than seven years since his last release, Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini is back with another chart-topping album called Last Night in the Bittersweet. The record debuted at #1 on the UK Albums chart, dethroning Harry’s House by Harry Styles, whose album spent six weeks atop the chart. The song “Shine A Light” is an uptempo, foot-tapping, pop-rock song about a lost soul whom Nutini wishes to shine his light upon. Lewis Capaldi credits Nutini’s music for inspiring him to find his sound that would eventually lead him to become an international star.
47. The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia by Reba McEntire
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | For My Broken Heart |
“The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” was written by Bobby Russell and originally recorded by his wife at the time, Vicki Lawrence. The song was initially pitched to Cher, but she turned it down over fears it would offend her fans from the South. It wasn’t until Reba McEntire recorded her cover of the gothic murder ballad that it really came to life. Reba’s version peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
48. Put Your Lights On by Santana (Featuring Everlast)
| Genre | Latin Rock |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | Supernatural |
“Put Your Lights On” was written by Erik Schrody, better known by his stage name Everlast. He contributed the song to Santana’s 1999 album, Supernatural. The lyrics were penned shortly after the musician suffered a heart attack. It’s a very personal song that details the inner struggles the singer faced following the traumatic event. Lyrically, the song is about questioning your worldview and reaffirming your beliefs, all the while holding on to hope. In 2000, “Put Your Lights On” earned Santana and Everlast a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
49. Starlight by Muse
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Space Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Black Holes and Revelations |
On moonless nights outside of the city, the sky seems to come alive with stars sprinkled across the black canvas of space. “Starlight” by British rock band Muse will take you on an extraterrestrial journey filled with adventure and longing. Bassist Chris Wolstenholme described the song as being about missing someone you love, someone that is a light in your life. “Starlight” earned Muse a Platinum certified record and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.
50. Daylight by Matt & Kim
| Genre | Indie Pop |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Grand |
“Daylight” is a keyboard-driven indie pop song written and recorded by Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino, known best by their stage name Matt & Kim. In the summer of 2009, “Daylight” finally landed on the Hot 100 chart, albeit just barely, peaking at #95. Billboard magazine noted that the song likely owed its 22*% jump in downloads due to it being featured in a commercial for Bacardi rum. Further exposure to the song came via video games, including NBA Live 10, FIFA 10, and The Sims 3: World Adventures.
Spotify Playlist of Songs About Light
Wrap Up:
That does it for this article. Let us know if there are any great songs that we should add to our playlist 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.