Songs About Art capture the essence of creativity, imagination, and expression in music.
Art has inspired countless musicians to craft songs that celebrate painting, sculpture, design, and the artistic process itself.
Whether reflecting on the life of an artist, paying tribute to famous artworks, or exploring the emotions behind creativity, these songs bring art to life through music.
In this post, we’ll explore a collection of Songs About Art that showcase the deep connection between music and visual expression.
1. “The Art Teacher” by Rufus Wainwright (2004) – Perfect Rock Song About Art
About this song:
- Album: Want Two
- Released: 2004
- Artist: Rufus Wainwright
- Genre: Alternative/Indie, Rock
- Key Lyric: “There I was in uniform. Looking at the art teacher.”
Released in 2004, “The Art Teacher” by Rufus Wainwright tells a melancholic story of youthful admiration for an art teacher.
The song explores themes of unrequited love and nostalgia, and how art can evoke deep emotional connections.
Wainwright composed this track with a classical piano arrangement, giving it a sophisticated and theatrical feel.
The lyrics detail a student’s admiration for their art teacher, showing how artistic passion can intertwine with human emotion.
It’s a poignant piece that highlights how art and love can leave a lasting impression on our lives.
2. “Vincent” by Don McLean (1971) – Best Folk Song About Art
About this song:
- Album: American Pie
- Released: 1971
- Artist: Don McLean
- Genre: Folk
- Key Lyric: “Weathered faces lined in pain. Are soothed beneath the artist’s loving hand.”
In 1971, “Vincent” by Don McLean became one of the most poignant tributes to an artist ever written, dedicated to Vincent van Gogh.
The song beautifully describes van Gogh’s emotional struggles, referencing his iconic painting The Starry Night and his tragic life.
McLean wrote this song after being deeply moved by the artist’s story, seeing parallels between suffering and artistic genius.
Through poetic lyrics, it paints a vivid picture of loneliness, passion, and the misunderstood brilliance of the painter.
It remains a timeless folk classic, reminding us that art is often created from deep emotion and personal battles.
3. “Night Windows” by The Weakerthans (2007) – Recommended Folk Song About Art
About this song:
- Album: Reunion Tour
- Released: 2007
- Artist: The Weakerthans
- Genre: Alternative/Indie, Folk
- Key Lyric: “But you’re not coming home again (Night Windows). And I won’t ever get to say (Night Windows).”
“Night Windows” by The Weakerthans was released in 2007 and carries deep artistic imagery throughout its lyrics.
The song’s title references Edward Hopper’s famous painting Night Windows, known for its depiction of urban loneliness.
Lyrically, it captures the feeling of loss and longing, mirroring the silent, contemplative nature of the painting.
Songwriter John K. Samson crafted it as an introspective piece, blending folk influences with indie rock sensibilities.
This track showcases how music can channel the mood of visual art, turning emotions into melody.
4. “Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole (1950) – Awesome Pop standard Song
About this song:
- Album: The Nat King Cole Story
- Released: 1950
- Artist: Nat King Cole
- Genre: Popular music, Pop standard
- Key Lyric: “Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa? Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?”
In 1950, “Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole became an instant classic, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting.
The song’s lyrics ponder the mysterious expression of Mona Lisa, turning the painting into a metaphor for hidden emotions.
Cole’s smooth, velvety voice adds depth to the theme of love and longing that the song portrays.
Composed by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, cementing its legacy.
This timeless piece proves that visual art and music can seamlessly blend to evoke deep emotional resonance.
5. “Andy Warhol” by David Bowie (1971) – Remarkable Folk-pop Song About Art
About this song:
- Album: Hunky Dory
- Released: 1971
- Artist: David Bowie
- Genre: Folk-pop
- Key Lyric: “Andy Warhol looks a scream. Hang him on my wall.”
David Bowie’s “Andy Warhol” is an artistic tribute to the legendary pop artist, blending folk and avant-garde elements.
Bowie admired Warhol’s work but also poked fun at his persona, resulting in a song filled with both homage and irony.
Lyrically, the track reflects on Warhol’s fame, his influence on modern art, and the perception of his personality.
During a meeting with Warhol, Bowie played the song for him, but the artist reportedly disliked it, adding to its mystique.
This song captures how musicians can be inspired by visual artists, blending different forms of creativity into one piece.
6. “Painter Man” by The Creation (1966) – Stunning Power Pop Song
About this song:
- Album: We Are Paintermen
- Released: 1966
- Artist: The Creation
- Genre: Power pop, art pop, avant-garde pop
- Key Lyric: “Painter man. Who would be a painter man?.”
The Creation’s “Painter Man” was released in 1966 and tells the story of an artist struggling to make a name for himself.
Its upbeat tempo and bold energy contrast with the frustration expressed in the lyrics about the hardships of being an artist.
This song became a defining track for The Creation, a band known for its experimental approach to rock and visual arts.
With its rebellious spirit, it questions the expectations placed on creative people and the challenges they face in the art world.
Decades later, its message about the struggles of making a living as an artist remains just as relevant.
7. “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder (1976) – Excellent Pop Song About Art
About this song:
- Album: Songs in the Key of Life
- Released: 1976
- Artist: Stevie Wonder
- Genre: Pop, R&B, jazz, soul
- Key Lyric: “They can feel it all over. They can feel it all over people.”
Released in 1976, “Sir Duke” is Stevie Wonder’s vibrant tribute to jazz legend Duke Ellington and the impact of music as an art form.
The lyrics celebrate how music transcends time and culture, bringing joy to everyone who experiences it.
Wonder composed this song to honor not only Ellington but also other pioneers who shaped modern music and artistic expression.
Its upbeat melody and infectious brass section make it a joyous anthem for the universal power of creativity.
With its lively energy, it reminds listeners that art, in all its forms, is a unifying and timeless force.
8. “When I Paint My Masterpiece” by The Band (1971) – Wonderful Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Cahoots
- Released: 1971
- Artist: The Band
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Oh, the hours we’d spend inside the Colosseum. Dodging lions, and a-wasting time.”
Bob Dylan wrote “When I Paint My Masterpiece”, and The Band brought it to life in their 1971 album Cahoots.
The song reflects an artist’s lifelong journey to create something truly great, filled with struggles and self-doubt.
Its lyrics mix artistic ambition with travel and history, symbolizing the search for creative fulfillment.
Dylan’s poetic touch makes it a timeless reflection of what it means to strive for perfection in one’s art.
It’s a song for dreamers, reminding them that the artistic process is often as important as the final masterpiece.
9. “Applause” by Lady Gaga (2013) – Ideal Electropop Song About Art
About this song:
- Album: Artpop
- Released: 2013
- Artist: Lady Gaga
- Genre: Electropop, dance-pop, Eurodance
- Key Lyric: “Give me that thing that I love (I’ll turn the lights out). Put your hands up, make ’em touch, touch (Make it real loud).”
Lady Gaga’s “Applause” is an electrifying dance track that explores the relationship between an artist and their audience.
Released in 2013, it plays with themes of artistic expression, fame, and the desire for validation through applause.
The song was inspired by Gaga’s experiences in the entertainment industry, where public reception often defines an artist’s success.
With pulsating beats and theatrical lyrics, it transforms the pressure of performance into a celebration of creativity.
This song highlights the duality of art—both a personal expression and something that thrives on public appreciation.
10. “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay (2008) – Amazing Art rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
- Released: 2008
- Artist: Coldplay
- Genre: Art rock, baroque pop, orchestral pop
- Key Lyric: “I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’. Roman cavalry choirs are singin’.”
Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” is a sweeping, artful composition that takes inspiration from historical and artistic themes.
Its title, meaning “Long Live Life,” was inspired by a Frida Kahlo painting, reflecting on the passage of time and power.
The song’s grand orchestral elements and storytelling lyrics evoke images of fallen kings and lost glory.
With its layered production, it creates a musical painting, full of color, emotion, and poetic depth.
It serves as a powerful example of how music can draw inspiration from visual art, history, and philosophy.
Conclusion
Songs About Art highlight the powerful connection between music and creativity, turning artistic expression into sound.
From celebrating famous painters to exploring the emotions behind creativity, these songs remind us of the beauty of artistic inspiration.
Music and visual art share the ability to evoke feelings, tell stories, and inspire new perspectives.
Explore these Songs About Art and let them spark your imagination, just like a masterpiece on canvas.