20 Best Songs About Astronauts

Eddy Villa

This list features 20 of the best songs about astronauts, from the perspective of musicians and songwriters.

There are songs that are purely instrumental, others that tell a story or describe what it’s like to be in space. Some may even have been written as an anthem for someone who was an astronaut at one time.  Whatever the case, these songs offer a different perspective on what it’s like to be an astronaut and the challenges and triumphs that come with the job.

By the way, if you’re interested in songs about astronauts, you may also want to read songs about planets, songs about disease, songs about eclipse, songs about rocket, and songs about snakes.

Astronauts – Bounce Patrol

Astronauts! Children's Song - Kids Space Adventure | Bounce Patrol

The song “Astronauts” by Bounce Patrol is a fun and catchy song that is perfect for young kids. The lyrics tell the story of a group of friends who go on an imaginary space mission. Throughout the song, the astronauts sing about the different planets they visit and the exciting adventures they have. The song is also full of fun sound effects that help bring the story to life. “Astronauts” is a great song for kids of all ages, and it is sure to get them moving and singing along.

Rocket Man – Elton John

Elton John - Rocket Man (Official Music Video)

Elton John, born as Reginald Dwight, is a British singer, songwriter, and pianist who has achieved international success with his catchy, pop-influenced songs. “Rocket Man” is one of his most famous hits, and it tells the story of a man who is sent to work on a rocket ship but dreams of returning to his family on Earth. The song reflects John’s own feelings of isolation and homesickness when he first moved to the United States to pursue his music career. “Rocket Man” remained a popular radio staple throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and it was eventually inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

American Flag on the Moon – Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley - American Flag on the Moon (Audio)

Brad Paisley’s “American Flag on the Moon” is a song that celebrates humanity’s accomplishments while also looking to the future. The song opens with a description of the American flag on the moon, symbolizing mankind’s ability to reach for the stars. However, the flag is also seen as a sign of hope, with the lyrics proclaiming that “there’s still so much left to do.” The song goes on to list some of humanity’s greatest achievements, from landing on the moon to curing disease. However, each accomplishment is followed by a note of hope for the future, with lines like “we’ll put a man on Mars yet” and “someday we’ll figure it all out.”

Space Oddity – David Bowie

David Bowie – Space Oddity (Official Video)

David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” is aSong popularly regarded as one of the first ever recordings to concern itself with the topic of spaceflight. It was released in July 1969, just a few weeks before the Apollo 11 mission launches, and its protagonist Major Tom floats off into his own personal space Odyssey. The song is often seen as a comment on the loneliness of space exploration, but it also shows the exhilaration and sense of wonder that comes with leaving Earth behind. Bowie himself was an enthusiastic advocate for space exploration, and his commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in “Space Oddity.” The song remains an enduring classic, and its themes are still relevant today.

Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra

Fly Me To The Moon (2008 Remastered)

Released in 1963, Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” quickly became a classic. The song has a simple, catchy melody that is easy to sing along to, and its lyrics are both romantic and upbeat. Over the years, the song has been covered by many different artists, ranging from Tony Bennett to Garth Brooks. In 2004, it was even used as the theme song for NASA’s mission to send a spacecraft to Mars. Despite its popularity, the meaning of the song’s lyrics is actually quite mysterious. Some believe that they are about a man who is trying to woo a woman with a trip to the moon, while others believe that they are about longing for a simpler time.

Spaceman – The Killers

The Killers - Spaceman

“Spaceman” is a song by the American rock band The Killers. It was released as the first single from their fourth studio album, Battle Born (2012). The song was written by lead singer Brandon Flowers and produced by Stefano Pilia. “Spaceman” is an up-tempo track with new wave influences. The lyrics describe a hypothetical scenario in which an astronaut returns to Earth after being gone for years, only to find that his loved ones have all died. Upon its release, “Spaceman” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy hook and also drew comparisons to the work of English rock band Duran Duran.

We Are All Made of Stars – Moby

Moby - We Are All Made Of Stars

The song “We Are All Made of Stars” by Moby is a reflection on the interconnectedness of all life. The lyrics suggest that everything in the universe, from the smallest particle to the largest star, is connected. This idea is supported by scientific evidence, which shows that all matter in the universe was created in the Big Bang. Furthermore, the atoms that make up our bodies were once part of stars that exploded billions of years ago. In this way, we are literally made of stardust. The song also reflects on the transience of life, with the lines “You’re just a moment / and then you’re gone.”

Starlight – Muse

Muse - Starlight [Official Music Video]

Starlight is a song by the English rock band Muse. It was released as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations (2006), on 18 June 2006. The song was written by frontman Matt Bellamy, and produced by the band and Rich Costey. Upon release, “Starlight” peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Muse’s fourth top-ten single in the United Kingdom. In the United States, “Starlight” peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, making it their highest-charting single on that chart. The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and radio-friendly sound.

Band Space Cowboy – Steve Miller

Space Cowboy is the tenth studio album by Steve Miller Band, released in September 1968 by Capitol Records. The album was a moderate commercial success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 29 on the UK Albums Chart. The title track was released as a single and reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 24 on the UK Singles Chart. “Livin’ in the USA” was also released as a single and reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Space Cowboy was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1986.Space Cowboy is generally considered to be one of the band’s best albums. 

Space Truckin – ‘Deep Purple

Space Truckin' (Remastered 2012)

Space Truckin’ is a song by the English rock band Deep Purple. It was first released on their 1972 album Machine Head. The song is about interstellar space travel, and it features some of the band’s most well-known lyrics, including the opening line, “We’re goin’ space truckin’, yeah!” The song is also notable for its heavy use of synthesizers, which was somewhat unusual for a rock song at the time. Deep Purple has stated that the song was inspired by the novel Dune, which also features space travel and advanced technology. Space Truckin’ remains one of Deep Purple’s most popular songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

Mr. Spaceman – The Byrds

The Byrds - Mr. Spaceman (Audio)

” Mr. Spaceman” is a song by the American rock band The Byrds, released as the lead single from their 1966 album Fifth Dimension. Written by bandleader Roger McGuinn, “Mr. Spaceman” was one of the first songs recorded for Fifth Dimension and was inspired by a dream McGuinn had about meeting aliens. The song features an unusual chord progression and space-themed lyrics, which were indicative of the band’s growing interest in science fiction and the psychedelic experience. Upon its release, “Mr. Spaceman” reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the Byrds’ second highest-charting single in the United States.

Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bad Moon Rising (Official Lyric Video)

Bad Moon Rising is a song written and performed by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was released in 1969 on their album Green River. The song was a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam. The lyrics of the song are apocalyptic, with lead singer John Fogerty singing about a “bad moon” that is rising and portending disaster. The song has been interpreted as being about the Vietnam War, with Fogerty himself saying that it is “not really about Vietnam specifically, but about folly.

David Cook - Light On

David Cook’s “Life on the Moon” is an intriguing song that offers a glimpse into what life might be like if we were to colonize the moon. The lyrics tell the story of a group of astronauts who are sent to the moon on a mission to set up a base camp. However, once they arrive, they quickly realize that they are not alone. There are other people on the moon, and they are not happy to see the newcomers. The lyrics go on to describe the challenges that the astronauts face as they try to establish their base camp and deal with the hostile natives. 

To the Moon and Back – Savage Garden

Savage Garden - To The Moon & Back (Extended Version)

“To the Moon and Back” is a song by Australian duo Savage Garden, released as the third single from their self-titled debut album in September 1996. The song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number three in Australia. It also reached the top 40 in several other countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards. “To the Moon and Back” is a mid-tempo pop ballad with influences of electronic dance music.

Everyone’s Gone to the Moon – Jonathan King

Everyone's Gone To The Moon - Jonathan King

In Jonathan King’s song “Everyone’s Gone to the Moon,” he laments the fact that everyone seems to be more interested in going to the Moon than they are in staying on Earth. He argues that there is much more to life than “a man in a spacesuit” and that we should be exploring our own planet instead of leaving it behind. King’s lyrics suggest that we are missing out on the beauty and mystery of our own world by fixating on the Moon. He asks, “How can you keep on looking up when there’s so much down here to see?” It’s a questions that’s still relevant today, as we continue to explore the solar system while neglecting the needs of our own planet.

Counting Stars – OneRepublic

OneRepublic - Counting Stars

Counting Stars is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic released as the third single from their second studio album, Native (2013). The song was written by lead singer Ryan Tedder, and produced by Tedder and Noel Zancanella. Musically, “Counting Stars” is an indie pop[4][5] song with elements of folk,[6][7] and features programmed drums, finger-picked guitars and piano. The song’s lyrical content speaks of overcoming hardships and finding hope in the midst of difficult times. Themes of perseverance, faith and hope are present throughout the song.

Supermassive Black Hole – Muse

Muse - Supermassive Black Hole [Official Music Video]

Supermassive Black Hole is a song by English rock band Muse. It was released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations, on 24 June 2006. The song peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. The song’s title and lyrics are a reference to the astronomical object of the same name. The music video for the song was directed by Floria Sigismondi and features actress Kiera Knightley as a patient in a mental institution who experiences a vision of the end of the world. The video received acclaim from music critics and won multiple awards, including Best Editing at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Walking on the Moon – Cas Haley

Walking on the Moon (Acoustic)

“Walking on the Moon” is a song by American singer-songwriter Cas Haley. The song was released as a single on May 28, 2019, and is included on Haley’s album La Si Dah. “Walking on the Moon” is a mid-tempo pop song with reggae influences. The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of being in love and feeling like one is walking on the moon. The song’s music video was shot in black-and-white and features Haley walking around various locations in Los Angeles. Walking on the Moon was written by Cas Haley and produced by Matt Squire. The song was mixed by Serban Ghenea and mastered by Chris Gehringer.

Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart (Turn Around) (Official Video)

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a song recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler. It was released on 6 June 1983 as a single from her fifth studio album, Faster Than the Speed of Night. The song was written and produced by Jim Steinman, and reached number one in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the song spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1983. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Nicki French, Celine Dion, Air Supply, and Westlife.

E.T – Katy Perry.

Katy Perry - E.T. ft. Kanye West (Official Music Video)

“E.T.” is a song by American singer Katy Perry from her third studio album, Teenage Dream (2010). The song was produced by Perry, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin, and written by Perry, Martin, and Bonnie McKee. “E.T.” was released to radio on February 16, 2011 as the album’s third single. An electronic and space-themed ballad featuring auto-tuned verses and a minimalistic approach to production, the song lyrically speaks of falling in love with a alien. Upon its release, “E.T.” received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics who praised its production and compared it favorably to Perry’s previous material.