Songs About Stars: 20 Greatest Hits

Stars have been a source of fascination for humans since the beginning of time. For millennia, these dazzling lights in the night sky have enthralled humanity and served as inspiration for myths, religions, and science alike. However, they have also served as an inspiration to many story tellers, artists, composers and musicians who have frequently used stars as metaphors in their compositions.

Many musicians have written songs that listeners may enjoy and relate to by using stars, either literally or figuratively. In this article we will traverse genres and eras, discovering how artists harness the cosmic imagery of stars to create timeless and evocative melodies. We have compiled the top 20 songs about stars.

Best 20 Songs About Stars

1. “Starman,” By David Bowie

David Bowie’s “Starman” is a cosmic anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of star-themed music. It was first published in 1972 and narrates the tale of a celestial being that, like the stars in the night sky, brings hope to Earth.

The enchantment of stargazing is captured in Bowie’s words and catchy melodies, which entice listeners to embrace their dreams. Its unique, ageless song, which combines pop, rock, and glam elements, is a prime example of how musicians may use star imagery to produce emotionally charged music. “Starman” is still a brilliant example of a song with a celestial theme, demonstrating Bowie’s ability to combine inventive music, fascinating storytelling, and cosmic imagery.

There's a starman waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds

2. “A Sky Full of Stars” By Coldplay

Coldplay’s song “A Sky Full of Stars” expresses love and gratitude for a special someone. The beauty of being with that person and the experience of falling in love are both captured in the words. The song’s lyrics describe a starry sky and suggest that the love of the song is a dazzling light in the singer’s life.

The singer is prepared to offer their heart and be loyal to their partner in spite of any adversity or challenges in the relationship.

Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
I'm gonna give you my heart
'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
'Cause you light up the path

3. “Counting Stars” By OneRepublic

This song also uses stars as a methapoh. The iconic line “No more counting dollars, we’ll be counting stars” suggests that pursuing something more meaningful than material possessions is the true meaning of life, rather than just counting money.

The lyrics also stress the value of pursuing your goals and living life on own terms rather than giving in to peer pressure and simply counting money. It talks about living life to the fullest, making the most of it, and making passionate, purposeful decisions—even if they go against what other people might expect.

4. “We Are All Made of Stars” By Moby

In this song, Moby illustrates how interconnected we are all by pointing out that we are essentially made of stardust. It is intended to be an optimistic song and was inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York City.

“We are all made of stars, so no one can stop us now.” is a strong statement advocating for unity. It implies that although connections are ephemeral, our shared essence never changes. The same cosmic stuff makes up all of us, and our ties go beyond fleeting ones.

5. “All Of The Stars” By Kendrick Lamar Ft. SZA

You might recognise this as one of the soundtracks of Black Panther. The song is about accepting contradiction and ambiguity while pursuing love. The message of the song is to let go of preconceived notions and embrace the idea that, in all cases, “stars are closer.”

6. “All of the Stars” by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s “All of the Stars” is a love song that perfectly captures the sentimental core of songs about stars. This song was published in 2014 and can be heard on the “The Fault in Our Stars” soundtrack. Sheeran compares the depth of emotions to the majesty of the stars in his lyrics, which explore themes of love, hope, and the vastness of the universe. 

The song is about a long distance relationship. The two are on different discs of the world but they both see the same stars in the sky and miss each other so much. They think that the stars will reunite them since they represent their connection to one another.

But both of our hearts believe
All of these stars will guide us home

7. “Shining Star” By Earth, Wind & Fire

Shining Star was released in January 1975 and it rose to number 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100.

The song is about recognizing and embracing one’s potential. The song’s lyrics exhort the listener to seize their dreams and use them as a means of achieving their objectives.

The message of the chorus is that everyone, regardless of identity, has the potential to become a shining star. The song serves as a gentle reminder that, if we put in the necessary effort and have faith in our abilities, we can all be strong and accomplished anything.

8. “Starboy” by The Weeknd Feat. Daft Punk

“Starboy” is about accepting the better version of yourself and achieving stardom. The mindset of someone who is risk-takers and unafraid of change in order to achieve something greater than themselves is praised in the song.

9. “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” By Don McLean

Don McLean honours Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh in this song. The lyrics allude to both the beauty of Van Gogh’s legacy and the moments of hopelessness and sorrow he experienced prior to his passing.

The song’s narrator is gazing out on a “starry, starry night,” as if they are staring at a Van Gogh painting, and they are struck with empathy and understanding as they realize “what you tried to say to me, and how you suffered for your sanity.”

The conclusion that “this world was never meant for one, as beautiful as you” and grief over the mistreatment and misunderstanding Van Gogh endured during his life are also expressed in the lyrics.

10.  “Under the Milky Way” By The Church

This song is a somber and introspective song about searching and longing, feeling lost but also looking for something worthwhile to connect with in life. It captures the feeling of being abandoned to consider the purpose and wonder of existence, as well as the longing for connection and explanation in an empty environment.

It speaks to the feeling of being overtaken by the enormity of each location we call home and the necessity of seeing beyond our own constrained viewpoints in order to find something greater.

11. “City of Stars” By Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone

This song performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, and it’s taken from the film “La La Land.” This lovely duet paints a dreamlike picture of love and aspirations while encapsulating the spirit of Hollywood’s golden age. The captivating vocals of Gosling and Stone tell the story of star-crossed lovers set against the glittering lights of Los Angeles.

With lyrics that convey both optimism and longing, the song captures the bittersweet essence of chasing dreams amid a busy urban. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and received critical acclaim thanks to its delicate melodies and moving performances by Gosling and Stone.

12. “Shooting Star ” By Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “Shooting Star” displays a metaphorical use of the stars. Dylan tells the story of his rapid rise to popularity, utilizing the idea of a “shooting star” as a metaphor for short-lived and fleeting achievement. The song alludes to the temporary nature of fame and stardom by equating the transient brightness of a shooting star with the transient aspects of cosmic components linked to stars in the night sky.

13. “There’s a Star for Everyone” By Aretha Franklin

This upbeat and emotional song employs the idea of stars to metaphorically express optimism, encouragement, and individuality.

Aretha Franklin’s vocals give the song a motivational message, implying that every individual is a special star in the universe. The symbolic stars stand for chances, aspirations, or destiny that are just waiting for people to recognize and seize. Insinuating that everyone has a place to shine brightly in their own right, just like stars in the sky, Franklin’s words exhort listeners to believe in themselves.

14. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

This song mentions a “black hole sun” in its lyrics, but it’s crucial to understand that it doesn’t concentrate on stars specifically. Rather, it figuratively depicts a strange and perhaps scary scene while hinting to existential issues, disillusionment, and a sense of impending doom.

15. “Stars” By Simply Red

“Stars”uses the concept of stars to capture the essence of the cosmos to symbolize love and admiration. It portrays the brilliance and enduring nature of stars to express deep emotions and affection. The song sounds like a love song, with the narrator expressing how much they want to be with their significant other. The song’s lyrics express the singer’s intense love for someone and her desire to fall out of the sky and into their arms.

16. “Waiting for a Star to Fall” by Boy Meets Girl

This song has a similar meaning to the previous one. It’s a love song that makes use of star imagery to convey a sense of optimism and expectation for a love so exceptional that it is compared to a falling star.

The song expresses a sense of desire and yearning for an unusual and magical love to occur when it talks of waiting for a star to fall. The song effectively conveys the image of a heavenly event combined with the desire for a deep emotional relationship. The idea of a falling star is generally associated with making wishes or discovering something unusual and beautiful.

17. “Stars” by VIZE Feat. Laniia

This is an electronic dance song that uses starts as a way to represent hopes, aspirations, and pursuing one’s own objectives.

In the song’s lyrics, it compares pursuing goals and aspirations to the alluring yet unachievable quality of stars in the sky. The song suggests that dreams are as far-off and brilliant as stars in the galaxy, capturing the essence of desire and the will to pursue one’s goals.

18. “Intergalactic” – Beastie Boys

This rap song references cosmic components and intergalactic travel while including space and future themes. The lyrics take listeners beyond Earth and into space and interstellar travel.

It incorporates allusions to galaxies, space travel, and otherworldly adventures while fully submerging the reader in a space-themed narrative. “Intergalactic” is a future, sci-fi-inspired musical trip as it explores a lighthearted and inventive portrayal of intergalactic travel and cosmic encounters.

19. “Lucky Star” By Madonna

“Lucky Star” by Madonna is a pop song that uses the metaphor of stars to express the luck, adoration, and intrigue that come with falling in love. The song’s lyrics, which refer to that individual as a “lucky star,” convey awe or admiration for someone exceptional.

In the song Madonna compares the exceptional and fortunate presence of the person she admires to a star. The song’s lyrics describe this person as a celestial being who bestows luck and happiness onto her, evoking feelings of admiration and an almost supernatural bond.

20. “The Prettiest Star” By David Bowie

This song is also a celebration of love and devotion that uses a star as a metaphor to represent a particular and cherished person. This song, which Bowie penned for his then-wife Angie Bowie, expresses his deep affection for her.

Bowie compares his sweetheart’s beauty, individuality, and brightness to a star. The song’s lyrics compare the subject to the most beautiful star in the sky, expressing a deep sense of love and devotion. 

Best Songs About Stars – Final Thoughts

Songs about stars combine dreams, feelings, and the wonders of the cosmos. These songs wrap us in emotions, tales, and great aspirations—they do more than merely talk about stars.

Consider David Bowie’s cosmic songs or Madonna’s “Lucky Star.” They are about our connections, aspirations, and hopes more than they are about stars in the sky.

From Ed Sheeran’s emotional “All of the Stars” to Coldplay’s  beats in “A Sky Full of Stars,” these songs are about searching for something greater, something universal, rather than just stargazing.

These songs serve as a helpful reminder to dream big, look up, and discover beauty in the vast unknown. They serve as a reminder that our feelings and dreams can be felt all the way across the cosmos, much like stars do in the night sky. 

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