21 Most Iconic Songs about Clouds You Must Hear
Drift Away: 21 Songs About Clouds, Sky, and Emotion
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Clouds have long inspired musicians, serving as metaphors for change, uncertainty, hope, and transcendence. From the soft white shapes drifting across a blue sky to the dark, brooding masses of stormy weather, clouds represent both the emotional highs and lows of life. In this playlist, we’ve gathered 21 songs about clouds across genres like folk, pop, rock, hip-hop, metal, and electronic music. Each one uses the imagery of clouds to explore themes like memory, grief, escape, confusion, and clarity.
You’ll find timeless ballads like Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” empowering rap tracks like NF’s “Clouds,” dreamy synth-pop from The RAH Band, and even reggae-fusion covers like “Drifting on a Cloud.” Whether symbolic of emotional haze or a sign of spiritual elevation, these cloud-inspired songs float between realism and metaphor. Some tracks look at clouds with childlike wonder, while others use them to navigate the weight of loss, stress, and imagination. There’s a cloud song here for every mood.
Here’s a curated list of 21 songs about clouds, featuring a wide range of genres and emotional tones—from dreamy and reflective to moody and metaphorical. Each of these tracks references clouds in title, lyrics, or theme, and many use them as symbols of change, emotion, or transcendence.
#1 “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell (1969) – Poetic Folk Classic About Life and Clouds
About this song:
- Album: Clouds
- Release Date: May 1969
- Artist: Joni Mitchell
- Genre: Folk / Singer-Songwriter
- Key Lyric: “I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now / From up and down, and still somehow…”
“Both Sides Now” is one of Joni Mitchell’s most beloved and enduring songs, using clouds as a central metaphor for perspective, change, and the bittersweet nature of life. Originally released on her album Clouds, the song reflects on how innocence fades and understanding evolves. Her poetic lyrics and gentle guitar picking elevate this track to a timeless meditation on love, loss, and growing older. It remains one of the most iconic folk songs about clouds and shifting worldviews.
#2 “Cloudbusting” by Kate Bush (1985) – Art-Pop Masterpiece Inspired by Sky and Science
About this song:
- Album: Hounds of Love
- Release Date: August 5, 1985
- Artist: Kate Bush
- Genre: Art Pop / Synthpop
- Key Lyric: “I just know that something good is gonna happen / And I don’t know when…”
“Cloudbusting” tells the story of Wilhelm Reich and his controversial cloud-seeding invention, through the eyes of his son. Kate Bush pairs orchestral arrangement with emotional storytelling, turning this surreal topic into a hauntingly beautiful piece. The clouds in this song represent belief, memory, and the invisible forces that shape our lives. With its soaring chorus and cinematic energy, it’s one of the most unique and visionary songs about clouds and imagination.
#3 “Get Off of My Cloud” by The Rolling Stones (1965) – Rebellious Rock Anthem of Personal Space
About this song:
- Album: December’s Children (And Everybody’s)
- Release Date: September 1965
- Artist: The Rolling Stones
- Genre: Rock / Garage Rock
- Key Lyric: “Hey! You! Get off of my cloud / Don’t hang around ’cause two’s a crowd.”
Released as a follow-up to their hit “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” this song is a defiant statement from The Rolling Stones about pressure, fame, and autonomy. The “cloud” becomes a metaphor for personal freedom and the need for space in a chaotic world. With its raw energy and punchy rhythm, the track captures youthful frustration and the urge to push back. It stands out as one of the most energetic and iconic rock songs about clouds and independence.
#4 “Clouds” by Zach Sobiech (2012) – Heartbreaking Pop Ballad About Hope and Legacy
About this song:
- Album: Fix Me Up
- Release Date: December 2012
- Artist: Zach Sobiech
- Genre: Pop / Acoustic
- Key Lyric: “And we’ll go up, up, up / But I’ll fly a little higher…”
Zach Sobiech wrote “Clouds” as a farewell song after being diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 17. The song went viral, touching millions with its honesty, courage, and beauty. His use of clouds reflects a peaceful ascent, freedom from pain, and spiritual transition. With gentle guitar and powerful vocals, it’s one of the most emotional and uplifting songs about clouds and saying goodbye. The song inspired a 2020 Disney+ film, keeping Zach’s legacy alive.
#5 “Just a Cloud Away” by Pharrell Williams (2014) – Uplifting Pop Track About Optimism
About this song:
- Album: Despicable Me 2 (Original Soundtrack)
- Release Date: March 2014
- Artist: Pharrell Williams
- Genre: Pop / Funk
- Key Lyric: “Your golden smile is just a cloud away…”
Pharrell’s “Just a Cloud Away” is a cheerful, retro-inspired song about hope just beyond the storm. Backed by a breezy groove and sunshine-soaked production, the lyrics remind listeners that bad times are temporary and joy is near. Originally part of the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, the track shares the upbeat energy of “Happy” but adds a visual metaphor of clouds parting to reveal brighter skies. It’s one of the most joyful and funky pop songs about clouds and emotional resilience.
#6 “Clouds” by Prince (1985) – Funky, Futuristic Meditation on Love and Memory
About this song:
- Album: Art Official Age
- Release Date: September 30, 2014
- Artist: Prince
- Genre: Funk / R&B / Electronic
- Key Lyric: “Clouds / No just don’t seem the same / And lies / No longer fall like rain.”
In “Clouds,” Prince combines elements of funk, soul, and experimental pop to create a sensual and spiritual reflection on transformation. Though released later in his career, the song still showcases his genre-bending brilliance. The cloud imagery here symbolizes memory storage, love in a digital age, and the fluidity of identity. It’s futuristic yet grounded, with layered production and dreamy harmonies. Among songs about clouds and transcendence, this one explores the mind-body connection and romantic longing in classic Prince fashion.
#7 “Clouds Over California” by DevilDriver (2007) – Heavy Metal Storm of Chaos and Inner Struggle
About this song:
- Album: The Last Kind Words
- Release Date: June 19, 2007
- Artist: DevilDriver
- Genre: Groove Metal / Heavy Metal
- Key Lyric: “This is my conviction / That I am innocent / I’ve seen and done things in my life / That you never dream of.”
“Clouds Over California” is a thunderous, aggressive metal track that uses cloud imagery to signal emotional and environmental unrest. With fierce riffs, relentless drumming, and growling vocals, the song conveys defiance in the face of personal demons and societal collapse. The “clouds” serve as a visual cue for something brewing—conflict, rebellion, or awakening. For fans of metal, this is one of the most powerful songs about clouds and inner darkness.
#8 “Heavy Cloud No Rain” by Sting (1993) – Jazz-Infused Pop Song with Witty Wordplay
About this song:
- Album: Ten Summoner’s Tales
- Release Date: March 1, 1993
- Artist: Sting
- Genre: Jazz Pop / Rock
- Key Lyric: “There’s a cloud in the sky and it’s heavy and black / I’ve got no silver lining.”
“Heavy Cloud No Rain” finds Sting at his most ironic, blending jazz rhythms with clever lyrics about disappointment and false hope. The phrase itself becomes a metaphor for high emotional pressure with no release—a build-up that never resolves. With its infectious groove and polished production, the track takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to the frustrations of daily life. It’s a standout example of clever pop songwriting about clouds and emotional build-up.
#9 “Cloud Nine” by The Temptations (1968) – Psychedelic Soul Breakthrough About Escapism
About this song:
- Album: Cloud Nine
- Release Date: October 25, 1968
- Artist: The Temptations
- Genre: Psychedelic Soul / Motown
- Key Lyric: “You can be what you wanna be / On cloud nine.”
“Cloud Nine” marked a bold new direction for The Temptations, launching their psychedelic soul era. Produced by Norman Whitfield, the song departs from classic Motown love songs and instead focuses on social commentary, escapism, and altered states. “Cloud nine” becomes a symbol of freedom from hardship, whether real or imagined. With wah-wah guitars and rhythmic experimentation, it was groundbreaking in both message and sound—earning them their first Grammy. It remains a landmark Motown song about clouds and psychedelic escape.
#10 “Little Fluffy Clouds” by The Orb (1990) – Ambient House Classic Sampling Childhood Sky Memories
About this song:
- Album: The Orb’s Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld
- Release Date: November 1990
- Artist: The Orb
- Genre: Ambient House / Electronic
- Key Lyric: “What were the skies like when you were young?”
“Little Fluffy Clouds” helped define the ambient house movement with its hypnotic beats and dreamy soundscape. Built around a sample of Rickie Lee Jones recalling the skies of her youth, the track evokes nostalgia, simplicity, and meditative bliss. The clouds referenced aren’t stormy—they’re soft, soothing, and surreal. This song invites listeners into a state of relaxed contemplation, making it one of the most atmospheric electronic songs about clouds and memory.
#11 “Clouds” by Imagine Dragons (2012) – Anthemic Rock Reflection on Change and Uncertainty
About this song:
- Album: Night Visions (Deluxe Edition)
- Release Date: September 4, 2012
- Artist: Imagine Dragons
- Genre: Alternative Rock / Pop Rock
- Key Lyric: “But these clouds stick to the sky / Like a floating question why…”
“Clouds” by Imagine Dragons taps into feelings of uncertainty and searching, pairing pounding percussion with Dan Reynolds’ soaring vocals. Though lesser known than their radio hits, this song carries emotional weight through metaphor—clouds represent the hazy questions and doubts that hover in life. Its sound builds from introspection to catharsis, making it a standout alternative rock song about clouds as emotional ambiguity. A hidden gem from their debut album, it delivers both tension and hope.
#12 “Clouds” by Montgomery Gentry (2002) – Country Ballad About Grief, Heaven, and Letting Go
About this song:
- Album: Carrying On
- Release Date: May 21, 2002
- Artist: Montgomery Gentry
- Genre: Country / Country Rock
- Key Lyric: “Somewhere between the clouds and the stars / That’s where you are…”
“Clouds” is a deeply emotional track from country duo Montgomery Gentry, dedicated to those who’ve passed on. The lyrics reflect the pain of loss and the belief that loved ones are watching from above. With warm harmonies and heartfelt delivery, the song becomes a comforting tribute to the departed. The clouds act as a gentle veil between worlds, offering solace to those left behind. It’s one of the most touching country songs about clouds and remembrance.
#13 “Clouds” by NF (2021) – Rapid-Fire Rap About Pressure, Success, and Control
About this song:
- Album: Clouds (The Mixtape)
- Release Date: March 29, 2021
- Artist: NF
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap
- Key Lyric: “Clouds are low and I’m seein’ rain, I just need a break…”
NF’s “Clouds” is a high-intensity lyrical showcase exploring the challenges of fame, self-doubt, and creative control. The clouds in the song represent the mental fog and weight he battles as he navigates the industry and his internal struggles. With dark production and sharp delivery, NF peels back the curtain on pressure and perseverance. It’s a standout rap song about clouds as metaphor for mental stress and ambition.
#14 “Clouds” by Børns (2015) – Dreamy Indie Pop Song Floating Through Romantic Confusion
About this song:
- Album: Dopamine
- Release Date: October 16, 2015
- Artist: Børns
- Genre: Indie Pop / Glam Rock
- Key Lyric: “Clouds hanging over me, clouding my eyes…”
“Clouds” by Børns is a lush, synth-laced indie pop track that swirls through themes of lust, distance, and confusion. His falsetto vocals and glittery production evoke a dreamlike state where nothing is quite clear—just like skies filled with thick, shifting clouds. It’s part love song, part psychedelic trip, and wholly entrancing. This is a top pick among indie pop songs about clouds and emotional disorientation.
#15 “Above the Clouds” by Gang Starr (1998) – Lyrical Hip-Hop Classic About Vision and Elevation
About this song:
- Album: Moment of Truth
- Release Date: March 31, 1998
- Artist: Gang Starr feat. Inspectah Deck
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Boom Bap
- Key Lyric: “Above the clouds, where the sounds are original…”
“Above the Clouds” is a spiritual and lyrical high point from Gang Starr’s acclaimed album Moment of Truth. Featuring Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan, the track uses clouds as a symbol for mental elevation, wisdom, and clarity above worldly chaos. DJ Premier’s hypnotic production pairs perfectly with the sharp, conscious verses. It’s one of the most revered hip-hop songs about clouds and intellectual elevation, merging street wisdom with philosophical insight.
#16 “Head in the Clouds” by Hayley Williams (2021) – Intimate Indie Pop Confession of Emotional Drift
About this song:
- Album: Flowers for Vases / descansos
- Release Date: February 5, 2021
- Artist: Hayley Williams
- Genre: Indie Pop / Acoustic
- Key Lyric: “Head in the clouds, feet on the ground / Love never felt so upside-down.”
“Head in the Clouds” is a tender, introspective track from Paramore’s frontwoman Hayley Williams, reflecting on vulnerability, self-doubt, and escapism. The lyrics explore the tension between emotional detachment and the desire for connection. Clouds here symbolize distraction and internal fog—a mental haze that’s both beautiful and blinding. The stripped-down acoustic style underscores the song’s quiet intensity, making it one of the most poignant songs about clouds and emotional drift in modern indie pop.
#17 “Clouds Never Get Old” by Bas (2016) – Laid-Back Hip-Hop Track with Romantic and Uplifting Vibes
About this song:
- Album: Too High to Riot
- Release Date: March 4, 2016
- Artist: Bas
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Alternative Rap
- Key Lyric: “We could be, we could be / Flying free on the regular.”
Bas’s “Clouds Never Get Old” is a smooth, jazz-infused hip-hop track that celebrates freedom, joy, and romantic connection. Clouds are used as a recurring image of elevation, playfulness, and timeless pleasure. The mellow beat and melodic hook give the track an easygoing, breezy vibe—perfect for road trips or reflective moments. It’s a standout example of hip-hop songs about clouds and emotional uplift, blending clever lyricism with laid-back production.
#18 “Drifting on a Cloud” by Easy Star All-Stars (feat. Frankie Paul) (2003) – Reggae Reimagining of Pink Floyd’s Psychedelia
About this song:
- Album: Dub Side of the Moon
- Release Date: February 2003
- Artist: Easy Star All-Stars feat. Frankie Paul
- Genre: Reggae / Dub
- Key Lyric: “I’m drifting on a cloud / Floating through space and time.”
Part of the reggae tribute to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, “Drifting on a Cloud” is a lush, hypnotic track led by Frankie Paul’s soulful vocals. It captures the psychedelic spirit of the original album while adding a laid-back island groove. The cloud imagery reflects detachment from reality, spiritual release, and cosmic serenity. It’s a beautifully layered reggae song about clouds and psychedelic escape, reinterpreting classic rock through a dub lens.
#19 “Clouds Across the Moon” by The RAH Band (1985) – Sci-Fi Synth-Pop Love Song Through Time and Space
About this song:
- Album: Mystery
- Release Date: March 1985
- Artist: The RAH Band
- Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic
- Key Lyric: “There were clouds across the moon / It had to be so soon.”
This cult synth-pop hit by The RAH Band tells the story of a woman trying to reach her lover across a galactic war zone. Set in the future, “Clouds Across the Moon” blends fantasy, romance, and science fiction with shimmering synths and spoken word verses. The clouds become symbolic of disruption—cosmic interference between hearts. It’s one of the most unique and cinematic electronic songs about clouds and long-distance love.
#20 “A Cloud in Trousers” by Esthetic Education (2005) – Indie Rock Song Inspired by Russian Poetry
About this song:
- Album: Face Reading
- Release Date: May 2005
- Artist: Esthetic Education
- Genre: Indie Rock / Art Rock
- Key Lyric: “I am a cloud in trousers / Screaming down your street.”
Taking its title from a poem by Vladimir Mayakovsky, “A Cloud in Trousers” by Esthetic Education is a bold, expressive track filled with surreal imagery and emotional tension. The cloud in this case is symbolic of conflicted masculinity—soft, powerful, erratic, and misunderstood. With dramatic vocals and angular guitars, the song feels like a performance piece. It’s a standout in the world of avant-garde rock songs about clouds and identity, appealing to fans of literary-inspired music.
#21 “White Cloud” by John Denver (1972) – Gentle Folk Tribute to Native American Spirituality and Nature
About this song:
- Album: Rocky Mountain High
- Release Date: September 15, 1972
- Artist: John Denver
- Genre: Folk / Country
- Key Lyric: “White Cloud was an Indian brave / A man of dignity and grace.”
“White Cloud” is a lesser-known gem from John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High album, paying homage to a Native American figure named White Cloud. The song blends Denver’s signature acoustic guitar and warm vocals with reverent lyrics about strength, wisdom, and harmony with the earth. Here, the word “cloud” represents not just the sky, but a deeper spiritual connection to nature and ancestral heritage. It stands out as a heartfelt folk song about clouds and cultural reverence, capturing Denver’s admiration for indigenous traditions and the natural world.
Final Thoughts on Songs About Clouds
Whether you’re chasing the sky or lost in a mental fog, clouds provide rich terrain for musical reflection. These 21 songs prove that clouds can mean many things—romance, sorrow, mystery, peace—and are as versatile in song as they are in nature. From indie pop to reggae dub, this collection captures how artists around the world use clouds to express what can’t always be said directly. Add these tracks to your playlist and let them lift you up—or let you fall gently back to earth.
