As you may or may not know, a Solar Eclipse is coming on August 21, 2017. We at GeekDad/GeekMom are quite excited, and are offering numerous posts to help you plan your own celebration. And, of course, no party is complete without music. So we’ve put together this list Solar Eclipse Playlist to add to your celebration.
Solar Eclipse Playlist
#1: “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
Suggested by GeekDad Anthony Karcz, this song title nicely introduces the theme I’m going with here for the solar eclipse song list. Songs about the sun, the moon, or the eclipse.
#2: “New Moon on Monday” by Duran Duran
Incidentally, this moon that will be eclipsing the sun will in fact be a new moon on Monday. So how could I not celebrate my favorite Duran Duran song?
#3: “Why Does the Sun Shine” by They Might Be Giants
Back to the sun, this catchy TMBG tune should be required listening for, well, everyone ever. As you wait for the big moment (or rather, big two to two-and-a-half minutes), why not learn a thing or two? Great for all ages.
#4: “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes
Suggested by GeekMom Patricia Vollmer, this particular solar eclipse song may not be educational, but singing the refrain may be a useful reminder to don your solar eclipse sunglasses.
#5: “Good Morning Moon” by Marian Call
Suggested by GeekDad Anton Olsen, this solar eclipse song celebrates not just the sun and the moon, but also the stars and the joy of being yourself. What’s not to love about this catchy tune?
#6: “Walking On the Sun” Smash Mouth
Yes, it’s a metaphor. But why does that have to eliminate this catchy ditty from being considered a solar eclipse song? It’s catchy, and if you feel like getting up and dancing while waiting for the eclipse, more power to you.
#7: “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
If you’re not already up and dancing, this song is sure to get you on your feet. This happy tune from the 80’s is delightful, and perfect for the occasion.
#8: “A Place In the Sun” by Stevie Wonder
Play this next solar eclipse song when you’re sitting down to enjoy your Solar Eclipse Picnic. A lovely song (that my kids sing yearly to celebrate the solstice at school). It seemed fitting.
#9: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” by George Michael and Elton John
If everyone’s still busy munching on their Sun Butter and jelly sandwiches, moon cakes, and Sun Chips, you don’t want the kids tempted to jump up and dance now, do you? Let them chill to this recommendation by GeekMom Patricia Vollmer.
#10: “Eclipse” by Pink Floyd
Technically, you could just listen to the whole Dark Side of the Moon album, as recommended by GeekMom Karen Walsh, or just stick with the solar eclipse song “Eclipse.”
#11: “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Sure, it’s a bit pessimistic if you listen to the lyrics, but this song is catchy and classic. A great way to introduce kids to music of all eras, if you can time this song to play just as the eclipse begins, how cool would that be?
#12: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
You had to know this song would make the list of solar eclipse songs. What more can I say?
#13: “Solar Eclipses” by Hollywood Principles featuring Dr. Awkward
Best known from the Rocket League video game, how could I not include this as a solar eclipse song?
#14: “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles
Once the eclipse has passed, what better song to play to welcome the return of daytime? There are, of course, many versions of this song out there, but I enjoyed this video of George Harrison performing with Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and others.
Updated 8/17/2017: I’ve created a Spotify playlist with these songs (including the ones in the comments), so if you’d like to listen to it, click here. You may want to download it ahead of time in case cell coverage is spotty wherever you’re enjoying the Cosmic event.
Other Solar Eclipse News
If you’re busy planning your solar eclipse viewing party, be sure to check out the following posts. And be aware there’s more to come in the coming month:
- 7 Steps To Prepare For Solar Eclipse
- Smart Solar Eclipse Viewing: The Celestron EclipSmart Travel Scope 50
- 10 Preparation Tips for the Gridlock Drive to the Solar Eclipse
So what songs would you add to the Solar Eclipse Playlist? Anything I missed?
That Lucky Old Sun: I like the Dean Martin version. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI3fBkHTCC0)
This is a perfect list for the solar eclipse. Looking forward to a once in a lifetime in Nashville, Tennessee!
For symmetry: Here Comes the Moon by George Harrison
To poke fun at the terror people used to feel: Superstition by Stevie Wonder
The next two are more obvious as to why I included them:
Invisible Sun by the Police
Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
This is a fantastic list, and I really love Owen’s additions too! I hadn’t heard Here Comes the Moon before, but it’s perfect!
How about Moonshadow by Cat Stevens?
Fly Me To The Moon, how can we leave out Frank
Carly Simon, ‘You’re So Vain’!…
“You flew your Lear jet to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun!”
“Total Eclipse” by Klaus Nomi – song from the 80’s that ROCKS
Da Doo from Little Shop Of Horrors. Great list!
Cat Stevens Moon Shadow
Another appropriate song would be “Save the Best for Last” by Vanessa Williams. The line “Sometimes the sun goes ’round the moon” is perfect:)
Blinded by the Light – Springsteen Version
Witchy Woman – Eagles — “she’s got the moon in her eyes”
Goodnight Moon, by Shivaree
Nik Kershaw – I won’t let the sun go down on me
I don’t care if the sun don’t shine
Blue moon of kentucky
both by Elvis!
Lol! #4…did you listen to the song before you chose it? Isn’t that song about masturbation?