A Ranking of Iconic Songs Inspired by the Moon

As the Artemis II crew prepare for humanity’s first moon mission since 1972, The Guardian has curated a ranking of songs inspired by Earth’s celestial companion. The list spans decades and genres, from the ethereal and delicate to the dark and dramatic. Paul Simon tops the chart with ‘Song About the Moon,’ emphasising the moon’s versatility as a metaphor for human emotion. Other highlights include Gil Scott-Heron’s politically charged ‘Whitey on the Moon,’ Frank Sinatra and Count Basie’s jazzy ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ and Audrey Hepburn’s timeless ‘Moon River.’ Iconic rock entries like REM’s ‘Man on the Moon,’ The Police’s ‘Walking on the Moon,’ and David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ illustrate the moon’s influence on popular culture, blending personal reflection, social commentary, and imaginative storytelling. The list also features modern interpretations, including Julie Byrne’s reflective ‘Moonless’ and Public Service Broadcasting’s historical narrative in ‘Go!’ The compilation underscores how the moon has inspired musicians to explore themes of love, loss, ambition, and wonder, serving as a symbol both intimate and universal across time.