10 Best Songs About Boats

Songs About Boats capture the spirit of adventure, freedom, and connection with the open water.

Boats have long been a symbol of exploration, escape, and a life untethered from the ordinary.

From country hits to rock anthems, these songs evoke images of serene lakes, rolling waves, and nautical journeys.

Music about boats often tells stories of personal reflection, celebration, or simply enjoying the rhythm of life on the water.

In this post, we explore a collection of Songs About Boats that celebrate the joys and mysteries of life afloat.

1. “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation (1974) – Perfect R&B Song About Boats

About this song:

  • Album: Freedom for the Stallion
  • Released: 1974
  • Artist: The Hues Corporation
  • Genre: Disco, soul, R&B
  • Key Lyric: “Said I’d like to know where you got the notion. To rock the boat.”

“Rock the Boat” delivers a rhythmic invitation to embrace life’s uncertainties, paired with an irresistible disco beat.

This 1974 track, from their album Freedom for the Stallion, is often celebrated as one of the first disco hits.

The lyrics metaphorically encourage taking risks and challenging norms, blending smooth vocals with upbeat melodies.

The Hues Corporation crafted this song to reflect the era’s vibrant culture and energy, cementing its timeless appeal.

Its lively rhythm continues to make it a dance floor favorite across generations.

2. “Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett (1979) – Best Country Rock Song About Boats

About this song:

  • Album: Volcano
  • Released: 1979
  • Artist: Jimmy Buffett
  • Genre: Country rock, Gulf and Western
  • Key Lyric: “Nobody cares, they are way too far gone. Screamin’ “boat drinks”.”

“Boat Drinks” is a laid-back anthem that channels the carefree energy of tropical getaways and endless sunshine.

Appearing on his 1979 album Volcano, the track reflects Buffett’s signature tropical escapism style.

The lyrics humorously convey a yearning to escape cold weather and embrace a slower, relaxed pace of life.

Buffett wrote the song as a nod to beach culture and the camaraderie of like-minded souls enjoying island vibes.

Its catchy tune and relatable theme continue to resonate with fans seeking a musical escape.

3. “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” by Harry Belafonte (1956) – Recommended Mento Song About Boats

About this song:

  • Album: Calypso
  • Released: 1956
  • Artist: Harry Belafonte
  • Genre: Mento, calypso, exotica
  • Key Lyric: “Work all night on a drink a rum. (Daylight come and me wan’ go home).”

“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” captures the rhythm of life for dock workers, blending calypso charm with work chants.

Released in 1956, it became a defining track on Harry Belafonte’s album Calypso, bringing Caribbean music to a global audience.

The song’s call-and-response format reflects the communal spirit of laborers loading bananas onto ships at night.

Belafonte’s smooth delivery and vivid storytelling make the track both culturally significant and widely adored.

Its catchy refrain has cemented its status as a classic celebration of hard work and shared experiences.

4. “Boats” by Kenny Chesney (2008) – Awesome Country Song

About this song:

  • Album: Lucky Old Sun
  • Released: 2008
  • Artist: Kenny Chesney
  • Genre: Country 
  • Key Lyric: “Boats. Vessels of freedom.”

“Boats” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the serenity and simplicity of life spent on the water.

Featured on Chesney’s 2008 album Lucky Old Sun, the track captures his deep connection to the ocean.

The lyrics speak to the freedom and escape that boating offers, creating a calming and reflective tone.

Inspired by Chesney’s own experiences, the song blends personal passion with universal themes of peace and exploration.

Its soothing melody and vivid imagery offer listeners a moment of tranquility and introspection.

5. “I’m on a Boat” by The Lonely Island (2009) – Remarkable Comedy Hip Hop Song About Boats

About this song:

  • Album: Incredibad
  • Released: 2009
  • Artist: The Lonely Island featuring T-Pain
  • Genre: Comedy hip hop
  • Key Lyric: “I’m on a boat (I’m on a boat). Everybody look at me, ’cause I’m sailing on a boat (Sailing on a boat).”

“I’m on a Boat” is a comedic anthem that blends absurd humor with a catchy hip-hop beat.

Released in 2009 as part of Incredibad, it showcases The Lonely Island’s knack for turning mundane situations into over-the-top entertainment.

The track satirizes extravagant lifestyles while celebrating the thrill of a memorable boat ride.

The collaboration with T-Pain added a layer of comedic flair, elevating the song’s appeal to a wider audience.

Its humorous lyrics and infectious energy have made it a cult favorite and a playful celebration of the boating experience.

6. “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Boat” by Jimmy Buffett (2013) – Stunning Country Song

About this song:

  • Album: Songs from St. Somewhere
  • Released: 2013
  • Artist: Jimmy Buffett
  • Genre: Pop, Country
  • Key Lyric: “Somethin’ ’bout a boat sitting on the sea. Out there in the wind, floatin’ on the free.”

“Somethin’ ‘Bout a Boat” by Jimmy Buffett is a reflective tune celebrating the simple joys and freedom that boats symbolize.

Released in 2013, the song appeared on Buffett’s album Songs from St. Somewhere, highlighting his signature laid-back style.

The lyrics weave imagery of calm seas and open horizons, portraying a life of serenity and escape.

Buffett was inspired to write the song after years of personal connection to the ocean and its timeless allure.

Its heartfelt melody and vivid storytelling resonate deeply with those who find peace and adventure on the water.

7. “If I Had A Boat” by Lyle Lovett (1988) – Excellent Country Song About Boats

About this song:

  • Album: Pontiac
  • Released: 1988
  • Artist: Lyle Lovett
  • Genre: Country 
  • Key Lyric: “And if I had a boat. I’d go out on the ocean.”

“If I Had A Boat” by Lyle Lovett offers a whimsical take on the idea of escape and personal freedom.

Released in 1988 as part of Pontiac, the song combines Lovett’s characteristic wit with a playful yet introspective tone.

The lyrics imagine a world of simple joys, blending fantasy and a longing for independence in a lighthearted way.

Lovett drew inspiration from his storytelling roots, creating a piece that resonates with its quirky yet meaningful perspective.

Its unique blend of humor and charm ensures its place as one of the most memorable tracks about seafaring dreams.

8. “Love Boat Theme” by Jack Jones (1979) – Wonderful Disco Song

About this song:

  • Album: Nobody Does It Better
  • Released: 1979
  • Artist: Jack Jones
  • Genre: Disco
  • Key Lyric: “Love Boat soon will be making another run. The Love Boat promises something for everyone.”

“Love Boat Theme” by Jack Jones is an iconic tune that captures the fun and romance of life aboard a cruise ship.

Recorded in 1979, it became instantly associated with the popular TV show The Love Boat, cementing its cultural legacy.

The lyrics celebrate connection and adventure, wrapped in a disco-inspired melody that evokes joy and optimism.

Jones’ smooth delivery and vibrant arrangement ensure the song remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of classic television.

Its cheerful vibe and memorable lines make it a timeless anthem of maritime fun and exploration.

9. “Where the Boat Leaves From” by Zac Brown Band (2006) – Ideal Country Song About Boats

About this song:

  • Album: Live – The Rock Bus Tour
  • Released: 2006
  • Artist: Zac Brown Band
  • Genre: Country
  • Key Lyric: “There’s a place where the boat leaves from. It takes away all of your big problems.”

“Where the Boat Leaves From” by Zac Brown Band transports listeners to a worry-free world of sunshine and simplicity.

This 2006 track highlights the band’s knack for combining relatable themes with engaging melodies.

The lyrics describe leaving behind life’s troubles and setting sail for a place of peace and relaxation.

It reflects the band’s experiences touring coastal regions, channeling the laid-back energy of beach culture.

The track’s infectious rhythm and carefree message make it a go-to anthem for lovers of the open water.

10. “Six Months in a Leaky Boat” by Split Enz (1982) – Amazing Pop Song

About this song:

  • Album: Time and Tide
  • Released: 1982
  • Artist: Split Enz
  • Genre: Pop, rock
  • Key Lyric: “I just spent six months in a leaky boat. Lucky just to keep afloat.”

“Six Months in a Leaky Boat” by Split Enz is a vibrant and metaphorical track about endurance and navigating life’s challenges.

Released in 1982, it appeared on the album Time and Tide, reflecting the band’s creative peak during that period.

The lyrics blend humor and resilience, using nautical imagery to explore themes of perseverance and survival.

Inspired by both historical journeys and personal struggles, the song strikes a balance between whimsy and depth.

Its lively rhythm and clever wordplay ensure its enduring appeal among fans of imaginative pop-rock music.

Songs About Boats

Conclusion

Songs About Boats take us on journeys of freedom, adventure, and reflection, capturing the essence of life on the water.

These songs remind us of the beauty of sailing away, the thrill of exploration, and the serenity of open seas.

From heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, they resonate with anyone drawn to the water’s magic.

Whether you’re reminiscing about past voyages or dreaming of future adventures, these tracks provide the perfect soundtrack.

Explore these Songs About Boats and let the music carry you to new horizons.

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