Songs About Whales have captivated musicians and listeners alike, blending the mystery of the ocean with the beauty of sound.
From haunting ballads to energetic anthems, these songs reflect humanity’s fascination with whales and their deep connection to nature.
Some draw inspiration from whale songs themselves, while others tell stories of these gentle giants and their journeys across the seas.
Whether you’re looking for soothing melodies or thought-provoking lyrics, this collection of Songs About Whales offers a diverse and immersive experience.
1. “Sounds of Humpback Whales” by Humpback Sounds (2019) – Perfect New Age Song About Whales
About this song:
- Album: Humpback Whale Sounds
- Released: 2019
- Artist: Humpback Sounds
- Genre: New Age
- Key Lyric: “They’re the beautiful sounds of the humpback whales. Singing their songs, telling their tales in oceans.”
Released in 2019, “Sounds of Humpback Whales” captures the mesmerizing and natural vocalizations of whales in their oceanic environment.
Humpback Sounds curated this piece to bring listeners closer to the deep-sea symphonies of these intelligent marine mammals.
The song serves both as a meditative experience and an educational piece, highlighting the intricate communication methods of humpback whales.
It was produced to raise awareness of how whales use sound to navigate, bond, and express emotions across vast distances.
Through its tranquil and immersive atmosphere, “Sounds of Humpback Whales” allows listeners to appreciate the beauty of nature’s own music.
2. “Save the Whales!” by Country Joe McDonald (1975) – Best Folk Song About Whales
About this song:
- Album: Paradise With An Ocean View
- Released: 1975
- Artist: Country Joe McDonald
- Genre: Folk
- Key Lyric: “There’re lots of whales in the deep blue sea. We kill them for the company.”
“Save the Whales!” was released in 1975 as part of the folk movement advocating for environmental awareness and conservation.
Country Joe McDonald, known for his activism, wrote this song to protest commercial whaling and raise public consciousness about endangered marine life.
With its simple yet powerful lyrics, the song criticizes human exploitation of whales and the destructive nature of corporate greed.
McDonald was deeply influenced by the growing environmental movements of the 1970s, and the song became an anthem for ocean conservation efforts.
Even decades later, “Save the Whales!” remains a compelling call to action against the destruction of marine ecosystems.
3. “Whale Song” by Pearl Jam (1999) – Recommended Rock Song About Whales
About this song:
- Album: Music for Our Mother Ocean 3
- Released: 1999
- Artist: Pearl Jam
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “The sun was in clouds. The sun looked out. Exposed a trail of mist and spouts.”
In 1999, Pearl Jam released “Whale Song”, a track that showcases their deep concern for environmental issues, especially marine conservation.
This song was included in Music for Our Mother Ocean 3, an album dedicated to raising awareness about ocean protection.
Inspired by the grace and mystery of whales, the song poetically describes their movements and presence in the vast sea.
Eddie Vedder’s distinct vocal style, combined with atmospheric instrumentals, enhances the song’s dreamy and reflective mood.
With its lyrical imagery and environmental message, “Whale Song” encourages listeners to appreciate and protect these magnificent creatures.
4. “Mother Whale Eyeless” by Brian Eno (1974) – Awesome Art rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
- Released: 1974
- Artist: Brian Eno
- Genre: Art rock, experimental pop
- Key Lyric: “What do I care? I’m wasting fingers like I had them to spare.”
Released in 1974, “Mother Whale Eyeless” is a track from Brian Eno’s avant-garde album Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy).
Eno, a pioneer of ambient and experimental music, crafted this song with cryptic lyrics that evoke images of the ocean and its enigmatic creatures.
The title references whales, potentially symbolizing something vast, wise, and misunderstood in a surrealist narrative.
During the recording process, Eno experimented with unconventional production techniques, adding to the song’s ethereal and unpredictable sound.
Although its meaning is open to interpretation, “Mother Whale Eyeless” conveys a sense of mystery that mirrors the deep and uncharted world of whales.
5. “Home of the Whale” by Massive Attack (1998) – Remarkable Trip hop Song About Whales
About this song:
- Album: Singles 90/98
- Released: 1998
- Artist: Massive Attack
- Genre: Trip hop
- Key Lyric: “Oh my love he works upon the sea. On the waves that blow wild and free.”
Massive Attack’s “Home of the Whale” was released in 1998 as part of their Singles 90/98 collection, showcasing their signature trip-hop sound.
The song features dreamy vocals and deep basslines, creating a hypnotic, oceanic atmosphere reminiscent of a whale’s underwater world.
Lyrically, it tells the story of someone longing for a loved one who is lost at sea, metaphorically connecting human emotions to the vastness of the ocean.
Massive Attack, known for their atmospheric and cinematic music, composed this track with layered sounds that evoke the movement of waves and the mystery of the deep.
By blending melancholic storytelling with electronic elements, “Home of the Whale” immerses listeners in an introspective journey through the ocean’s depths.
6. “Flying Whales” by Gojira (2005) – Stunning Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: From Mars to Sirius
- Released: 2005
- Artist: Gojira
- Genre: Progressive metal, Metal, Groove metal, Rock
- Key Lyric: “Under heavy sea. I’ll search the flight of whales.”
The track “Flying Whales” was released in 2005 as part of Gojira’s acclaimed concept album From Mars to Sirius.
It paints a surreal picture of whales soaring through the sky, symbolizing both environmental themes and spiritual awakening.
Gojira’s powerful sound, combining intricate guitar riffs with deep, guttural vocals, mirrors the immense force of the ocean.
The song was inspired by the band’s fascination with nature and its connection to the mystical side of existence.
With its heavy instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics, “Flying Whale” remains one of Gojira’s most celebrated tracks.
7. “Starving in the Belly of a Whale” by Tom Waits (2002) – Excellent Folk Song About Whales
About this song:
- Album: Blood Money.
- Released: 2002
- Artist: Tom Waits
- Genre: Alternative/Indie, Folk
- Key Lyric: “Starving in the belly, starving in the belly. Starving in the belly of a whale.”
In “Starving in the Belly of a Whale,” Tom Waits draws from biblical imagery, referencing the tale of Jonah trapped inside a whale.
The song, featured on his 2002 album Blood Money, explores themes of despair, confinement, and existential struggle.
Waits’ signature raspy voice and unconventional instrumentation add to the haunting, almost theatrical quality of the track.
Its lyrics are open to interpretation, making the whale a metaphor for life’s challenges, fate, or personal entrapment.
This folk-driven composition stands as a testament to Waits’ ability to transform folklore into something deeply personal and evocative.
8. “Last Great American Whale” by Lou Reed (1989) – Wonderful Pop Song
About this song:
- Album: New York
- Released: 1989
- Artist: Lou Reed
- Genre: Pop, Holiday, Rock, Country
- Key Lyric: “Last great American whale. Last great American whale.”
Lou Reed’s “Last Great American Whale” takes a poetic and melancholic look at environmental destruction and American culture.
Released in 1989 as part of his album New York, the song criticizes society’s disregard for nature and indigenous wisdom.
Through slow, spoken-word lyrics and a minimalistic arrangement, Reed presents the whale as both a literal and metaphorical symbol of loss.
His storytelling style makes this song feel like a folk tale, warning listeners about the dangers of greed and ignorance.
Over time, “Last Great American Whale” has remained a thought-provoking piece that resonates with environmental activists and music lovers alike.
9. “Hunting the Whale” by It Bites (1988) – Ideal Rock Song About Whales
About this song:
- Album: Once Around the World
- Released: 1988
- Artist: It Bites
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Why can’t you leave them alone? They’ll soon all be gone.”
It Bites released “Hunting the Whale” in 1988, delivering a direct message about the cruel and senseless killing of whales.
The song, which appears on their album Once Around the World, combines progressive rock elements with a strong environmental stance.
Its lyrics question humanity’s destructive nature and plea for the protection of these majestic marine creatures.
Written at a time when whaling was still a major issue, it aligns with the activism that pushed for stricter conservation laws.
Even decades later, “Hunting the Whale” remains a reminder of the need for wildlife preservation and ethical responsibility.
10. “Tower Whales” by Frank Watlington (1991) – Amazing Natural sounds Song
About this song:
- Album: Songs of the Humpback Whale
- Released: 1991
- Artist: Frank Watlington
- Genre: New Age, Natural sounds
- Key Lyric: NA
“Tower Whales” is a collection of real whale songs, recorded and compiled by marine acoustics researcher Frank Watlington in 1991.
Watlington was one of the first to capture and study the vocalizations of humpback whales, uncovering their complex and mysterious communication patterns.
This piece is not a traditional song but rather an authentic auditory experience, allowing listeners to hear the raw and haunting calls of whales.
It has been used in scientific studies, meditation practices, and environmental awareness campaigns advocating for whale conservation.
With its mesmerizing and calming sounds, “Tower Whales” immerses audiences in the underwater world of these intelligent marine giants.
Conclusion
Songs About Whales offer a unique blend of music and nature, capturing the mystery and majesty of these incredible creatures.
Whether inspired by their haunting calls or symbolic journeys, these songs remind us of the deep connection between humans and the ocean.
Exploring Songs About Whales is not just a musical experience—it’s a tribute to the beauty and wonder of marine life.