Northern Sky has long been a fan-favorite from Nick Drake. Its lyrics seem to depict an emotional release for Drake while also touching on spiritual themes such as fate and karma.
Jeff Lynne explained that this 1977 hit from ELO has an obscure lyric at its conclusion which many fans have recently discovered. This track may have been asked people to flip over their record player as part of its message.
1. Northern Sky by Nick Drake
Nick Drake remains one of the most revered figures in folk music despite being commercially unsuccessful during his lifetime. Northern Sky from Bryter Layter features John Cale (of Velvet Underground fame) performing stunning piano arrangements to evoke feelings of beauty and wonder with natural imagery in its composition.
This song’s lyrics highlight the transformative power of love. Repeating “But now you’re here, brighten my northern sky,” suggests that love has opened his eyes to see life’s hidden beauties. This is an ideal song to remind oneself of all of its joy and happiness that come with being loved.
2. Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
ELO’s lesser-known hit “Heart to Heaven” tells a romantic love story with the sky as its backdrop. Lyrically it conveys melancholy and references to loss while musically it features moving drum patterns and echoing vocals to create an atmospheric vibe that conjures images of heaven.
Through song, the singer promises her lover they are two bright stars in an endless sky, yet this song ends on an optimistic note when the singer promises that their love won’t fade over time.
This song serves as an excellent demonstration of how AI technology can be leveraged to create stunning visual art based on song lyrics. YouTube user SolarProphet created digital images based on Mr. Blue Sky by ELO using Midjourney software – be sure to watch! There are more examples of such art on Genius too.
3. Ghost Riders in the Sky by J. Cash
Ghost Riders in the Sky by Stan Jones was written in 1948 and tells the tale of a cowboy being pursued by evil spirits. It became popular among several artists including Vaughn Monroe, Burl Ives, Frankie Laine and Johnny Cash as well as recording artists like the Outlaws (minus one verse).
This song by Bono and The Edge was released as a political protest against US military intervention in Nicaragua. His powerful vocals are supported by heavy riffs that conjure up an image of heaven; his lyrics express sadness while its musical arrangement is aggressive – an excellent example of protest rock! Metallica later covered this tune, adding their signature metal sound with stunning metal-sound riffs which perfectly complimented this powerful protest song.
4. Goodbye Blue Sky by Bruce Springsteen
Nick Drake’s debut album Darkness on the Edge of Town contains one of our most beautiful blue sky songs with lyrics that use blue skies as metaphors, perhaps reflecting his time spent living in Nebraska where financial stress, poor luck and feelings of helplessness often take hold.
This song is truly moving with its soft vocal and guitar lines – almost as though Drake is singing from a place of catharsis – making it the ideal track to listen to when looking for ways to feel good about life.
Goodbye Blue Sky builds to an emotional crescendo towards its conclusion, serving as a compelling soundtrack for movie plotlines or acting as the basis for film plotlines themselves. Bruce conveys so much in just few lines; you can appreciate why he’s such an esteemed songwriter.
5. The Sky Is Blue by The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band formed during the 1960s. Their songs became instantly iconic due to their catchy melodies and profound lyrics; George Harrison wrote Dear Prudence for his late wife as a tribute on Let It Be, then released it as a single. Additionally, numerous artists such as Jerry Garcia Band and Siouxsie and the Banshees covered it later.
This music video for this song showcases a young woman wandering through a field of flowers – it will leave you smiling!
6. Where the Sky Is Blue by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is widely considered one of the most influential bands in music history. Beginning with tragic genius Peter Green’s blues visions and transitional records featuring guitarists Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan before reaching their zenith under Christine McVie and Southern California songwriting duo Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’ influence.
Fleetwood Mac’s album Behind the Mask showcases their songwriting at its finest with this breathtaking ballad from Behind the Mask titled ‘Love Is All Around Us.’ The soundscape transports listeners into heaven as drum machine patterns and echo vocals create an otherworldly setting. Meanwhile, lyrics depict love that transcends boundaries, yet their freedom depends upon being one with their lover.
This track is a stunning tribute to love, its mystical references perfectly captured by Wonder’s soft voice and piano accompaniment. Additionally, elements from Kabbalah – an ancient spiritual system which holds that fate is determined by our actions – have also been included within its lyrics.
7. Where the Sky Is Blue by The White Stripes
Jack and Meg White formed The White Stripes in 1996, merging punk, folk, country music, and Mississippi Delta blues into one unique sound. After meeting while touring with Goober and the Peas they already had experience as musicians in other groups before forming The White Stripes together.
The Stripes made their mark on the rock scene with their debut album, White Blood Cells, featuring Michel Gondry’s eye-catching video for “Seven Nation Army.” Their follow up album Elephant also was well received.
The band is best known for their minimalist approach to music. Their recordings often only include drums, guitar, and vocals; in many instances these recordings were done quickly. Furthermore, the duo has refused to compile set lists prior to live performances as this could ruin their spontaneous shows.
8. Where the Sky Is Blue by The Rolling Stones
Though later years saw some stunning stylistic shifts for The Stones, their early-career covers often failed to capture that same spark of inspiration. Jagger’s lively vocals and solid rock-and-roll execution help this slow blues tune succeed, featuring Barrett Strong original, Marvin Gaye recording it and The Beatles recording a Holland-Dozier-Holland Motown classic covered by both. Benefiting from strong riff work by Keith as well as Keith’s siren guitar leads, this Barrett Strong original finds success among listeners and reviewers alike.
Hoagy Carmichael ballad may sound too familiar at first, but this lively rendition by Jagger and company gives it a welcome edge with instruments you won’t typically hear on authentic country recordings from that era – including mellotron, tabla and maracas! Although his voice may coo a bit too much during certain sections, its charm should make this tune enjoyable nonetheless.
9. Where the Sky Is Blue by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s classic progressive rock track “I Feel Free,” with its melodious piano patterns, silky vocal and guitar lines, and powerfully passionate lyrics, remains one of my all-time favorites. The song conveys how love can give us wings to fly; while its title refers to freedom brought on by being with your lover.
Written before Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac, this moving folk song serves as an indelible reminder of life’s fragility. Its lyrics recall Rhiannon, a Welsh goddess associated with supernatural and suggest that Nick may have developed her spiritual side while with Fleetwood Mac. A timeless track that has been covered by artists ranging from Little Big Town to Dixie Chicks alike – featuring Lindsey Buckingham’s gentle melody flow and powerful harmonies from Nicks. The final chorus is particularly moving – an absolute must listen!