By the Beautiful Sea

Some of the best songs about the sea have been recorded across many different music genres such as pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, country, jazz, and disco. Songs about the sea are sung just about the sea as the main topic or about water sports, and a great deal are about love and romance which include many different lyrical interpretations. Here are some of the most popular.

“Beyond the Sea” is the English-language version of the French song “La Mer” written by Charles Trenet. The song was made popular by American singer and actor Bobby Darin in 1959. The English lyrics were composed by Jack Lawrence who made it into a love song. The best-known version was recorded by Darin and charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

“Sea of Love” is a song that was written by Phil Phillips and George Khoury. This became the only Top 40 chart maker for Phillips. He never recorded another hit. His recording of this song in 1959 went to number one on the Billboard R&B chart and also charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. A notable version of this song was recorded in 1989 by American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor Tom Waits. It is featured on the soundtrack for the movie “Sea of Love” and is also on his album Orphans.

“Sea of Heartbreak” is a song that was written by Paul Hampton and Hal David. It was recorded in 1961 by American country musician Don Gibson. The song charted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. A notable version was recorded by American country singer and songwriter Johnny Cash. It is on his 1996 album Unchained.

“Under the Sea” is a song from the 1989 Disney animated film “The Little Mermaid”. It was composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Asman. The song was influenced by the calypso style of the Caribbean originating in Trinidad and Tobago as well as reggae from Jamaica. The song was performed in the film by Samuel E, Wright the voice for the crab Sebastian and the track won the Academy Award for the Best Original Song as well as the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

“Sailing on the Seven Seas” is a song by the English electronic music band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark OMD released in 1991. It became the band’s highest-charting hit in the UK.

“Across the Sea” was written by American singer and songwriter Rivers Cuomo. His inspiration was receiving a fan letter from Japan. He fell in love with the Japanese girl by reading the letter. The lyrics to the song’s opening verse are taken almost verbatim from the fan letter. At the beginning of the song, as the piano plays, there are the sounds of a door opening, drummer Pat Wilson laughing, and several random notes on a nylon guitar. The song was also the namesake for the Across the Sea: Live in Japan concert video that was filmed in 2000 while on the Japanese Mos Burger Tour.

“Everlasting Sea” is a lovely and poetic song written by Scottish musician and songwriter Donovan. It is featured on his 1996 album Sutras. The song reflects many deep emotions and the deep love for someone compared to the vastness and eternity of the sea, earth, and the sun.

“Come Sail Away” is a song by American pop-rock group Styx. It was written and sung by singer and songwriter Dennis DeYoung. The song is featured on the 1977 album The Grand Illusion and released as the lead single. It charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of the biggest hits for Styx.