There’s no question that music is one of the most powerful forms of art.
It can evoke emotions and feelings that words alone cannot, and it has the ability to touch our souls in a way that nothing else can.
This is especially true when it comes to songs about art.
Whether it’s a classical piece inspired by a work of art or a modern rock anthem that references the world of art in its lyrics, these songs have the power to make us appreciate the beauty and emotion of art in all its forms.
Here are 20 of the best songs about art:
By the way, if you’re interested in songs about art, you may also be interested in songs about butts, songs about diamonds, songs about lips, songs about paintings, and songs about signs.Vincent – Don McLean
Vincent by Don McLean is a song about one of the most renowned painters of the post-impressionism era, Vincent Van Gogh.
The song highlights various elements of Van Gogh’s life, from his struggles with mental health to his relationships with his family and friends.
McLean paints a picture of a troubled yet immensely talented artist who was tragically misunderstood in his lifetime.
While Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime, today his work is some of the most valuable in the world.
Vincent is a moving tribute to an artist who has inspired countless people with his unique vision.
Andy Warhol – David Bowie
Bowie’s song “Andy Warhol” is a tribute to the artist, and it perfectly captures the enigmatic nature of Warhol’s work.
The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is both mysterious and alluring, and they capture the essence of Warhol’s public persona.
The song also includes a nod to one of Warhol’s most famous works, Campbell’s Soup Cans.
By referencing this work, Bowie makes it clear that he sees Warhol as an important figure in the world of art.
Picasso Baby – Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s “Picasso Baby” is a song about art and its power to transform and inspire.
In the song, Jay-Z references a number of famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jackson Pollock.
He also pays tribute to the street art scene in New York City.
The song reflects Jay-Z’s belief that art is essential to the human experience, and that it has the ability to transcend class and race.
“Picasso Baby” is an ode to the power of art, and a reminder that its beauty lies in its ability to provoke thought and inspire change.
Art for Art’s Sake – 10cc
Art for Art’s Sake is a song by the British rock band 10cc.
The song was written by band members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman, and it was released in 1975 as the lead single from the band’s third studio album, The Original Soundtrack.
Art for Art’s Sake was a commercial success for 10cc, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, where it peaked at number 7.
The song is an ode to art and creativity, and it encourages people to follow their dreams and pursue their passions.
The lyrics are hopeful and uplifting, and the chorus is catchy and memorable.
Overall, Art for Art’s Sake is a classic 10cc song that perfectly captures the band’s unique style and sense of humour.
Picasso’s Last Words – Paul McCartney And Wings
Picasso’s Last Words is a song by Paul McCartney and Wings, released in 1973.
The song is a tribute to the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, who died in 1973.
McCartney met Picasso in 1964 and was greatly impressed by his work.
The song is written from Picasso’s perspective, with McCartney imagining what his last words might have been.
“Paint your own picture / any old way you want,” he sings.
“Make your own meaning / because there isn’t any.”
The song is an ode to creativity and self-expression, and it remains one of McCartney’s most personal and moving compositions.
Blue Period Picasso – Peter Bjorn And John
The song “Blue Period Picasso” by Peter Bjorn and John is a playful ode to the famed artist Pablo Picasso.
The lyrics describe Picasso’s “blue period” in a light-hearted way, making reference to his famously blue paintings.
The song also includes a mention of one of Picasso’s most famous paintings, “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.”
In addition to being a fun and catchy tune, “Blue Period Picasso” provides a brief but interesting introduction to the work of one of the world’s most celebrated artists.
Virginia Plain – Roxy Music
Roxy Music was a British art rock band that formed in 1970. The group was led by singer-songwriter Bryan Ferry and featured a rotating cast of musicians.
One of the band’s most successful songs is “Virginia Plain,” which was released in 1972.
The song is an ode to the American state of Virginia and its scenic beauty.
The lyrics make references to various landmarks and historical figures, such as the Shenandoah Valley and Thomas Jefferson.
The song’s catchy melody and arresting lyrics helped to cement Roxy Music’s reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of the 1970s.
Pablo Picasso – The Modern Lovers
The song Pablo Picasso by the Modern Lovers is a song about art. The narrator of the song is talking to Pablo Picasso, and he is asking him questions about his art.
The first verse of the song talks about how the narrator sees Picasso’s paintings, and how they make him feel.
The second verse is about how Picasso views art, and how he thinks about it.
The third verse is about how the narrator wants to be like Picasso, and how he wants to create art that is beautiful and makes people feel something.
The fourth verse is about how the art that Picasso creates is timeless, and how it will always be loved.
Pictures Of Matchstick Men – Status Quo
Pictures of Matchstick Men by Status Quo is a song about art.
The lyrics explore the concept of how art can be used to create meaning in our lives.
The song begins with the narrator describing a painting he has seen, and how it makes him feel.
He goes on to say that art is more than just a pretty picture, it can be used to express our emotions and experiences.
The chorus of the song reflects on how art can be used to connect with others, and how it can be used to make our lives more meaningful.
The song ends with the narrator saying that art is worth more than just a thousand words, it is worth a lifetime of experiences.
Interiors – Manic Street Preachers
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Interiors is a song by the Manic Street Preachers.
It was released as a single in 1996 and reached number two in the UK Singles Chart.
The song is about art, specifically the paintings of Van Gogh and Gauguin.
The lyrics make reference to several of Van Gogh’s paintings, including “Starry Night” and “The Night Café”.
The title of the song is a reference to Gauguin’s painting “Interior of a Cafe in Arles”.
The song was included on the band’s album Everything Must Go, which won the Brit Award for Best Album in 1997.
In 2010, NME ranked Interiors at number 16 on its list of the 100 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.
Max Ernst – Mission Of Burma
In the song “Max Ernst” by Mission of Burma, the narrator speaks about the German artist Max Ernst and his Surrealist paintings.
The song makes reference to several of Ernst’s most famous works, including “The Elephant Celebes” and “The Hat Makes the Man.”
The narrator describes Ernst’s paintings as “strange and beautiful,” and praises him for his ability to create art that is both Surreal and accessible.
Rene And Georgette Magritte – Paul Simon
Rene and Georgette Magritte were a husband and wife artist duo who were prominent in the Surrealist art movement.
Rene was a painter, while Georgette was a textile designer.
Together, they created many iconic pieces of art that explored the relationship between objects and their meanings.
The song “Rene and Georgette Magritte” by Paul Simon is a tribute to the couple’s artwork.
The song describes the couple’s unique approach to art, which often involved creating paradoxes or juxtaposing seemingly unrelated objects.
The Art Teacher – Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright is a singer-songwriter who has been making music since the 1990s.
In 2007, he released a song called “The Art Teacher,” which is about art education.
The song begins with the line, “Miss Meyerhoff taught me how to paint / She said that it was very important.”
From there, the song goes on to describe how art can be a way to express oneself, and how it can be used to connect with others.
Magritte – John Cale
“Magritte” is a song by the Welsh musician John Cale, released on his 1974 album Slow Dazzle.
The song is an ode to the Belgian Surrealist artist René Magritte, and makes reference to several of his most famous paintings, including “The Son of Man” and “The Treachery of Images”.
Cale’s lyrics are somewhat cryptic, but suggest that he sees Magritte as a kindred spirit, someone who blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
The song has been described as “haunting” and “atmospheric”, with Cale’s distinctive vocals backed by a sparse, ethereal arrangement.
“Magritte” is one of Cale’s best-known songs, and has been covered by a number of other artists, including David Bowie, who included it on his 1977 album Low.
Famous – Kanye West
In his song “Famous,” Kanye West reflects on the role that art plays in our lives.
He begins by asking, “What’s a black Beatle anyway?” This is a reference to John Lennon’s famous quote, “We’re more popular than Jesus Christ right now.”
By comparing himself to the Beatles, West is acknowledging his own place in the pantheon of great artists.
He goes on to say that “artists are the new rock stars,” and that they have the power to change the world.
He argues that we should all be treated equally, regardless of race or background.
In conclusion, West urges us to celebrate our differences and to use our creativity to make the world a better place.
Applause – Lady Gaga
Applause by Lady Gaga is a song about art. In the song, Gaga speaks about the importance of art and how it can inspire people.
She encourages her listeners to be creative and to express themselves through art.
Gaga also talks about how art can be used to make a difference in the world.
The song is an uplifting anthem about the power of art and creativity.
The Red And Yellow Blues – Greg Percy
“The Red and Yellow Blues” by Greg Percy is a song about art.
The lyrics describe the feeling of seeing a beautiful painting and being filled with emotion.
The song argues that art is important because it can evoke such strong feelings.
It also suggests that art is something that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their background or education.
The song is upbeat and optimistic, with a catchy tune that makes it easy to sing along.
This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about art and its importance.
From Matisse To You – Greg Percy
The song “From Matisse to You” by Greg Percy is a song about art.
In the song, Percy pays tribute to the great artist Henri Matisse.
He describes how Matisse’s work has inspired him and how he hopes to someday create art that is as beautiful and timeless as Matisse’s.
Percy also mentions other great artists such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, and how their work has influenced his own.
The song is a simply written but heartfelt tribute to the power of art and its ability to inspire us.
It is a reminder that, even though we may never achieve the greatness of Matisse or Picasso, we can still strive to create something beautiful in our own lives.
You Cezanne – Greg Percy
“You Cezanne” by Greg Percy is a song about the French artist Paul Cezanne. Cezanne was born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, and he is considered one of the great Post-Impressionist painters.
The lyrics of the song describe some of his most famous paintings, including “The Card Players” and “The Bathers”.
The song also talks about Cezanne’s unique approach to painting, which was characterized by bold brushstrokes and a focus on geometric forms.
Percy’s lyrics capture the essence of Cezanne’s work, and they provide listeners with a new way of looking at the world around them.
In addition to being a beautiful song, “You Cezanne” is also a great introduction to the work of one of history’s most important artists.
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds – The Beatles
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds is a song by the Beatles that was released in 1967 on their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The song is widely believed to be about the use of LSD, but John Lennon denied this, saying that it was inspired by a drawing his son Julian made of a classmate named Lucy O’Donnell.
The lyrics are written in a surreal, dreamlike style and contain many references to Alice in Wonderland.
The song was ranked #76 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
It is one of the Beatles’ most popular and well-known songs.
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