Coffee is more than just a morning ritual; it’s a muse for countless artists who have poured their love for the brew into song.
From smooth jazz to upbeat pop, Songs About Coffee capture the comfort, energy, and even the romance found in a cup of joe.
Whether you’re sipping your favorite blend or searching for the perfect coffeehouse playlist, this blog explores the rich tapestry of melodies inspired by coffee.
Get ready to discover songs that celebrate the drink that keeps the world turning, one cup—and one note—at a time.
1. “Coffee Club” by Spandau Ballet (1982)
About this song:
- Album: Diamond (Special Edition)
- Released: 1982
- Artist: Spandau Ballet
- Genre: Alternative/Indie, Pop, UK R&B, Rock
- Key Lyric: “No coffee club will have the rub; When product is your answer; Discuss the man, he’ll break your plan.”
Released in 1982, “Coffee Club” by Spandau Ballet came out during the early days of the band’s career when they were pioneering the New Romantic movement in the UK.
The song was written by Tony Hadley, the band’s lead singer, who drew inspiration from the lively café culture where artists and musicians gathered to share ideas and shape the music scene.
“Coffee Club” is not just a nod to the social hubs of the time but also a reflection of the sense of community and shared creativity that fueled much of the early 80s music scene in London.
The production of the song embodies the signature synth-pop and glam influences that defined Spandau Ballet’s sound during this era, mixing modernity with a nostalgic feel.
Though “Coffee Club” never achieved the chart success of some of their other hits, it remains a piece that captures the youthful energy and cultural vibrancy of its time, making it a beloved track among the band’s early fans.
2. “Black Coffee” by Peggy Lee (1956)
About this song:
- Album: Black Coffee
- Released: 1956
- Artist: Peggy Lee
- Genre: Jazz
- Key Lyric: “I walk the floor from nine to four; In between I drink; Black coffee.”
“Black Coffee,” released by Peggy Lee in 1956, became one of her most iconic recordings, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the jazz and pop music world.
The song was originally written in 1948 by Sonny Burke and Paul Francis Webster and was interpreted by Lee with a deep, bluesy style that brought out its themes of sorrow and longing.
The lyrics of “Black Coffee” use the imagery of coffee to express a deep sense of loneliness and unfulfilled desire, resonating with listeners who find solace in its melancholic tones.
Recorded at a time when Peggy Lee was shifting from her big band roots to more intimate, jazz-infused performances, “Black Coffee” marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her ability to convey profound emotion through her voice.
The track, with its smoky atmosphere and Lee’s evocative delivery, has since become a jazz standard, remembered for its emotional depth and the way it captures the essence of longing and solitude in a simple cup of coffee.
3. “Coffee Homeground” by Kate Bush (1978)
About this song:
- Album: Lionheart
- Released: 1978
- Artist: Kate Bush
- Genre: Pop, Holiday, Folk
- Key Lyric: “Well, you won’t get me with your Belladonna (In the coffee).”
Released in 1978, “Coffee Homeground” is a track from Kate Bush’s second studio album, Lionheart, which was written entirely by Bush at the young age of 19.
Kate Bush’s fascination inspired the song with dark and quirky narratives, and it tells the story of paranoia as if the protagonist suspects someone is trying to poison her coffee.
“Coffee Homeground” showcases Bush’s unique ability to weave complex and theatrical storytelling into her music, blending humor with an underlying sense of dread.
Bush’s vocal performance on this track is particularly theatrical, capturing the eccentric and somewhat manic energy that the lyrics convey.
The song is a reflection of Bush’s early work, where she pushed the boundaries of pop music by incorporating elements of literature, drama, and psychology into her lyrics and compositions.
4. “40 Cups of Coffee” by Ella Mae Morse (1953)
About this song:
- Album: Capitol Collectors Series
- Released: 1953
- Artist: Ella Mae Morse
- Genre: Pop, Vocal/Easy Listening, Rock, Blues
- Key Lyric: “Forty cups of coffee, waiting for you to come home.”
“40 Cups of Coffee” was released by Ella Mae Morse in 1953, a time when she was known for blending pop, jazz, and R&B in a way that was both innovative and commercially successful.
The song was written by Danny Overbea and became popular for its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, which describe the jittery effects of drinking too much coffee while waiting for a lover.
Morse’s vibrant song delivery added a layer of excitement and energy, making it a danceable hit that resonated with audiences during the early 50s.
This track exemplifies Morse’s ability to straddle different musical genres, and it showcases her knack for bringing a sense of fun and liveliness to her performances.
“40 Cups of Coffee” remains a memorable example of the era’s music, highlighting how everyday experiences, like drinking coffee, could be transformed into catchy, relatable tunes.
5. “One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)” by Bob Dylan (1976)
About this song:
- Album: Desire
- Released: 1976
- Artist: Bob Dylan
- Genre: Folk
- Key Lyric: “One more cup of coffee for the road. One more cup of coffee ’fore I go.”
Bob Dylan’s “One More Cup of Coffee” was released in 1976 on his album Desire, during a period when Dylan was experimenting with different musical styles, including the incorporation of gypsy and Middle Eastern influences.
Co-written with French musician Jacques Levy, the song paints a haunting picture of a relationship that is about to end, with the protagonist seeking one last moment together over a cup of coffee.
The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and evoke a sense of impending separation, reflecting Dylan’s knack for capturing complex emotions in simple, relatable scenarios.
Dylan’s use of minor chords and a violin accompaniment by Scarlet Rivera gives the song a distinctive, almost mystical quality that sets it apart from much of his other work.
This track is often noted for its lyrical depth and the way it conveys a profound sense of melancholy, making it a standout piece on the Desire album.
6. “Cigarettes and Coffee Blues” by Lefty Frizzell (1958)
About this song:
- Album: The Complete Columbia Recording Sessions, Vol. 5 – 1957-1958
- Released: 1958
- Artist: Lefty Frizzell
- Genre: Rock, Folk, World, Country
- Key Lyric: “Smokin’ cigarettes and drinkin’ coffee all night long. Wonderin’ how a love so right could suddenly go wrong.”
“Cigarettes and Coffee Blues,” released in 1958, is one of Lefty Frizzell’s classic country hits, known for its straightforward storytelling and emotional honesty.
The song was written by Marty Robbins and captures the despair of a man who is heartbroken and alone, finding comfort only in cigarettes and coffee.
Frizzell’s smooth and sorrowful vocal style perfectly complements the song’s theme of loneliness, making it a poignant reflection of the small comforts people cling to in times of sadness.
This track is a fine example of Frizzell’s influence on the country music genre, particularly in how he blended honky-tonk sounds with a more polished vocal delivery.
“Cigarettes and Coffee Blues” has endured as a country standard, celebrated for its simple yet effective portrayal of heartache and the solace found in life’s everyday rituals.
7. “Cup of Coffee” by Johnny Cash (1966)
About this song:
- Album: Everybody Loves a Nut
- Released: 1966
- Artist: Johnny Cash
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “Yeah I just dropped in to have a cup of coffee friend.”
“Cup of Coffee” was released by Johnny Cash in 1966 as part of his album Everybody Loves a Nut, which showcased a more humorous and lighthearted side of Cash’s music.
The song is a short, tongue-in-cheek narrative about a man’s simple desire for a cup of coffee, using it as a metaphor for the small but essential pleasures in life.
Cash’s deep, resonant voice adds a layer of gravitas to the otherwise playful lyrics, creating a unique blend of humor and sincerity that only he could deliver.
The track stands out in Cash’s discography for its brevity and wit, highlighting his ability to tell a compelling story in just a few lines.
Although “Cup of Coffee” is less well-known than some of Cash’s other work, it remains a beloved song among fans for its charm and the way it captures the everyday moments that make life enjoyable.
8. “The Coffee Song” by Frank Sinatra (1961)
About this song:
- Album: The Columbia Years (1943-1952): The Complete Recordings, Vol. 4
- Released: 1961
- Artist: Frank Sinatra
- Genre: Vocal jazz, Jazz
- Key Lyric: “They’ve got an awful lot of coffee in Brazil.”
“The Coffee Song” was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1961, though the song originally debuted in 1946 by The Andrews Sisters, showcasing Sinatra’s ability to breathe new life into older songs.
Written by Bob Hilliard and Dick Miles, the song humorously exaggerates Brazil’s coffee production, suggesting that the entire country is overflowing with coffee, which was a playful nod to Brazil’s major role in the global coffee industry at the time.
Sinatra’s rendition of “The Coffee Song” added his signature swing and charisma, turning the lighthearted tune into a memorable part of his repertoire.
The lively arrangement and upbeat tempo made this track stand out in Sinatra’s catalog, highlighting his versatility and willingness to experiment with different themes and styles.
Despite being a novelty song, “The Coffee Song” remains popular among Sinatra fans, celebrated for its catchy melody and the whimsical way it pokes fun at the ubiquity of coffee.
9. “Cigarettes and Coffee” by Otis Redding (1966)
About this song:
- Album: The Soul Album
- Released: 1966
- Artist: Otis Redding
- Genre: R&B/Soul
- Key Lyric: “We’re sitting here talking over cigarettes and drinking coffee, now, lord.”
Released in 1966, “Cigarettes and Coffee” by Otis Redding is a soulful ballad that captures the intimacy of quiet moments shared over late-night conversations.
Redding co-wrote the song with Eddie Thomas and Jerry Butler, creating a piece that beautifully combines his powerful, emotive voice with deeply reflective lyrics.
The song uses the simple act of sharing cigarettes and coffee as a metaphor for the closeness and understanding between two people, making it a tender and poignant track in Redding’s discography.
The slow, deliberate rhythm of “Cigarettes and Coffee” underscores the song’s mood of contemplation and longing, setting it apart from the more upbeat soul hits of the time.
This track is often hailed as one of Redding’s finest performances, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions through his voice and everyday life’s lyrical simplicity.
10. “Coffee Blues” by Mississippi John Hurt (1966)
About this song:
- Album: Today!
- Released: 1966
- Artist: Mississippi John Hurt
- Genre: Blues
- Key Lyric: “Good mornin’, baby, how you do this mornin’? Well, please, ma’am, just a lovin’ spoon…”
Mississippi John Hurt recorded “Coffee Blues” in 1966, although the song had been part of his repertoire long before, rooted in the traditional blues of the early 20th century.
The song is a playful ode to Maxwell House coffee, which Hurt refers to as “the lovin’est woman in town,” blending humor with the classic blues theme of yearning.
Hurt’s fingerpicking guitar style and gentle voice give “Coffee Blues” a warm, inviting quality, making it feel like a personal conversation rather than just a performance.
The lyrics also reflect the everyday struggles and simple pleasures of life, themes that were central to much of Hurt’s music, offering a glimpse into the rural life of the American South.
“Coffee Blues” remains a beloved song among blues enthusiasts, admired for its authenticity and the way it captures the essence of Mississippi John Hurt’s understated yet profound artistry.
11. “One Cup of Coffee” by Bob Marley (1963)
About this song:
- Album: Songs of Freedom
- Released: 1963
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Genre: Reggae
- Key Lyric: “One cup of coffee, then I’ll go; Though I just dropped by to let you know That I’m leaving you tomorrow.”
“One Cup of Coffee,” released in 1963, is one of Bob Marley’s early recordings, showcasing his talents before he became an international reggae superstar.
Marley wrote the song, which features a rocksteady rhythm that reflects the musical trends in Jamaica before Marley fully embraced the reggae sound that would define his career.
“One Cup of Coffee” tells the story of a man preparing to leave his lover, sharing one last cup of coffee as a metaphor for their final goodbye.
The song’s simple yet poignant lyrics reveal Marley’s early knack for storytelling, a skill that would later be central to his success as a global musical icon.
Though not as well-known as his later hits, “One Cup of Coffee” is cherished by fans as an important piece of Marley’s musical history, capturing his beginnings and the evolution of his sound.
12. “Java Jive” by The Ink Spots (1940)
About this song:
- Album: Instant Classics
- Released: 1940
- Artist: The Ink Spots
- Genre: Pop
- Key Lyric: “I love coffee, I love tea. I love the java jive and it loves me.”
“Java Jive,” released by The Ink Spots in 1940, became an instant hit with its catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics celebrating the joys of coffee.
Written by Milton Drake and Ben Oakland, the song humorously praises coffee and tea, reflecting the popular culture of the 1940s when these beverages were central to American social life.
The Ink Spots’ smooth vocal harmonies and distinctive style made “Java Jive” a standout track, blending pop and jazz elements to create a timeless tune.
The song’s playful and upbeat nature offered a welcome escape during the challenging years of World War II, making it a beloved anthem for coffee lovers everywhere.
“Java Jive” has since been covered by numerous artists and remains a classic, remembered for its infectious charm and the way it captures life’s simple pleasures in song form.
Conclusion
We’ve explored various genres, eras, and emotions, all linked by a common theme—coffee.
From the playful and humorous to the deeply reflective, each song highlights how this simple beverage has inspired artists to create music that resonates with listeners across generations.
Whether it’s a symbol of love, loneliness, or just the small joys of life, coffee has proven to be a versatile muse in music.
As we’ve seen, these Songs About Coffee capture the essence of the human experience, making them as timeless as the drink itself.
So next time you sip your morning brew, perhaps you’ll find yourself humming one of these tunes, knowing you’re part of a long tradition of coffee-inspired creativity.