20 Best Songs About Europe

Richard Ellison

It’s no secret that music is a powerful way to connect with different cultures.

A song can take you right to the heart of a place, transporting you to its streets, its landscapes, and its people.

And there’s no better way to experience Europe than through its music.

From Irish ballads to Spanish flamenco, and everything in between, Europe has a rich musical heritage that spans centuries.

Here are 20 of the best songs about this amazing continent.

By the way, if you’re looking for more songs about europe, you might find some good songs in our other articles, such as songs about christmas, songs about ohio, and songs about stalkers.

When The Lights Go Out All Over Europe – The Divine Comedy

When The Lights Go Out All Over Europe

The Divine Comedy’s “When the Lights Go Out All Over Europe” is a song about the continent of Europe.

The song begins with the narrator talking about how he has always wanted to see Europe, and how he finally got his chance when he was given a ticket to go there.

He describes all of the different places he visited, and how each one was unique and special in its own way.

He talks about how he was able to see everything from the Eiffel Tower to the beaches of Spain, and how each place left a lasting impression on him.

In the end, the narrator reflects on how lucky he was to have been able to see all of these amazing places, and how grateful he is for the experience.

Rotterdam – The Beautiful South

The Beautiful South - Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) [Official Video]

“Rotterdam” is a song by the English band The Beautiful South, released as the lead single from their album Carry on Up the Charts in 1994.

Written by band members Dave Rotheray and Paul Heaton, the song is a ballad about two lovers spending a weekend together in Rotterdam.

The lyrics paint a picture of two people who are deeply in love but have different outlooks on life, with the man being more optimistic and the woman being more realistic.

Despite its subject matter, the song is upbeat and catchy, with a memorable chorus that includes the line “I’ll meet you in Rotterdam, my love”.

A Song For Europe – Roxy Music

A Song for Europe is a song by Roxy Music, released as a single in 1973.

It was written by band leader Bryan Ferry and produced by Phil Manzanera.

The song was included on the band’s third studio album, For Your Pleasure (1973).

It peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. 

The song is an ode to Europe, with Ferry taking inspiration from a European vacation he had taken with his then-girlfriend Jerry Hall.

The lyrics reference various European destinations, including Paris, Rome, Vienna, and Amsterdam.

The song also contains references to Greek mythology, with Ferry comparing Europe to the “isle of Aphrodite”.

Ibiza – The Prodigy

The Prodigy feat. Sleaford Mods - "Ibiza" (Official Video)

The Prodigy’s 1996 track “Ibiza” is a surprising anthem for the European clubbing mecca of the same name.

The song, which samples the melody of Nina Simone’s “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life,” is a high-energy ode to hedonism, featuring lines like “I want to get wasted!” and “All night, all day!”

On the surface, it seems like a typical club track, but a closer listen reveals that it’s actually a love letter to Ibiza and its unique party culture.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Liam Howlett explained that the song was inspired by a trip he took to the island in 1995.

Just Like Christmas – Low

Just Like Christmas

Just Like Christmas is a song by Low, released as a single in 2002.

The song is based on the band’s experiences touring Europe during the Christmas season.

The song reflects on the feeling of alienation that comes with being away from home during the holidays, as well as the sense of wonder that comes with seeing new places.

In spite of its somber lyrical content, Just Like Christmas is a beautiful and optimistic song, with a simple but catchy melody. 

Copenhagen – Scott Walker

Scott Walker - Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a song written by Scott Walker and released in 1967.

The song is about Europe and the city of Copenhagen in Denmark.

Walker reported that he was inspired to write the song after visiting Copenhagen and seeing the city’s many tourists.

The lyrics of the song describe the sights and sounds of the city, as well as the feeling of being in a foreign place.

Walker’s lyrics paint a picture of a bustling city full of life and activity.

The song has been praised for its accurate portrayal of Copenhagen, and it continues to be popular with tourists and music lovers alike.

Where Are We Now? – David Bowie

David Bowie - Where Are We Now? (Video)

“Where Are We Now?” is a song by David Bowie, released on his 2013 album The Next Day.

The song is a reflection on Bowie’s time in Europe, and how the continent has changed since he first visited it in the 1970s.

The lyrics are full of nostalgia, as Bowie recalls the people and places that he remembers from his youth.

However, there is also a sense of hope in the song, as Bowie looks to the future and how Europe will continue to evolve.

“Where Are We Now?” is a beautiful tribute to Bowie’s time in Europe, and a reminder of how the continent has always been a place of change and growth.

Bedlam In Belgium – AC/DC

AC/DC - Bedlam in Belgium (Capital Center, Landover MD, December 1983)

AC/DC’s “Bedlam in Belgium” is a song about the band’s experiences touring Europe in the 1980s.

The song features some of the band’s signature elements, including Angus Young’s distinctive guitar work and Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals.

The lyrics describe the chaos and confusion of life on the road, with references to various European cities where the band performed.

In many ways, “Bedlam in Belgium” is a typical AC/DC song, full of energy and attitude.

However, it also provides a rare glimpse into the band’s day-to-day lives on tour, making it an essential part of their discography.

White Car In Germany – The Associates

White Car in Germany (2000 Remaster)

“White Car in Germany” is a song by the Scottish group The Associates.

It was released as a single in 1982 and reached the Top 40 in the UK.

The song is about traveling through Europe in a white car.

The lyrics describe the scenery and experiences of the journey, including stops in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany.

The song has been praised for its atmospheric sound and its evocative lyrics.

In particular, the line “I’m just a white car in Germany / dreaming of the sea” has been singled out as a particularly beautiful and evocative image.

The song is widely considered to be one of The Associates’ best-known and most-loved tracks.

Europe Is Our Playground – Suede

Suede - Europe Is Our Playground

Suede’s “Europe Is Our Playground” is a celebration of all that Europe has to offer.

The song captures the spirit of exploration and adventure, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement.

With its catchy rhythms and optimistic lyrics, “Europe Is Our Playground” is the perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever dreamed of exploring the Continent.

So whether you’re planning your next vacation or just daydreaming about far-off lands, give this song a listen.

It might just inspire you to book that ticket to Europe.

German Overalls – Peter Hammill

German Overalls (2006 Digital Remaster)

“German Overalls” is a song by Peter Hammill, originally released on his 1974 album Nadir’s Big Chance.

The song is about Europe, and specifically about the division between East and West Germany during the Cold War.

Hammill lived in West Germany at the time, and he was able to see firsthand the effects of the Berlin Wall.

In the song, he reflects on the ways that people on both sides of the wall were affected by the division.

He also expresses hope that someday the wall will come down and people will be able to live in peace.

Paris 1919 – John Cale

“Paris 1919” is a song by John Cale, released on his 1973 album of the same name.

The song is about the aftermath of World War I, and its lyrics make reference to various European cities that were impacted by the war.

The song opens with the line “First we took Berlin, then we took Rome,” which references the Allied Powers’ victory over the Axis Powers in 1945.

The next verse talks about how “the Russians came out of the East” and how they ” liberated all of Eastern Europe.”

This is a reference to the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany.

A Sunday In Madrid – Robert Wyatt

A Sunday In Madrid

“A Sunday In Madrid” is a song by English musician Robert Wyatt.

The song is about Europe, and specifically about the feeling of isolation that can come from living in a foreign country.

The lyrics describe the narrator’s experience of being in Madrid on a Sunday when all the shops are closed and there is no one around.

The experience leaves the narrator feeling lonely and out of place.

However, the song also has a hopeful message, as the narrator ultimately decides to stay in Madrid and enjoy the city’s sights and sounds.

Australians In Europe – The Fall

Australians in Europe

Australians in Europe is a song by the Australian rock band The Fall.

The song was released as a single in 1981 and reached number one on the Australian singles chart.

The song is about Europe and the different cultures that exist there.

The lyrics talk about the differences between Australia and Europe, and how Australians feel when they travel to Europe.

The song also talks about how Europe is a place where you can find anything you want, and how it is a place where people from all over the world come together.

Lost In Europe – The Electric Sunrise

Electric sunrise is an American rock band from new york city.

The song “lost in Europe” is about the band’s experience of touring Europe.

Europe is a large continent with a lot of history and culture.

The band was amazed by the beauty of the continent and the friendly people they met. however, they also found that it was easy to get lost in all of the different countries and cities.

Overall, they had a great time touring Europe and the song reflects their positive experience.

Europe Is Our Playground Song – Suede

Suede - Europe Is Our Playground

Europe has always been a playground for the rich and famous.

For centuries, people have flocked to the continent in search of adventure, love, and opportunity.

And while the countries of Europe may differ in their customs and traditions, they all share a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them irresistible.

In the song “Europe Is Our Playground,” British band Suede captures this magical quality perfectly.

Set against a backdrop of sweeping landscapes and historic landmarks, the song is an ode to the continent’s endless possibilities.

With its catchy melody and optimistic lyrics, “Europe Is Our Playground” is sure to put a smile on your face and make you long for distant shores.

Vienna – Ultravox

Ultravox - Vienna (Official Music Video)

Vienna is a song by the British band Ultravox.

It was released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Ha!-Ha!-Ha!.

The song is about Europe and its relationship with the United Kingdom.

The lyrics talk about how Europe is a “wasteland” and how the UK is “the only place worth living in”.

The song also criticizes the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Vienna at the time.

The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, making it Ultravox’s highest-charting single.

It also reached the top 10 in several other countries, including Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland.

The song has been described as one of Ultravox’s best-known songs and has been used in a variety of media, including films and television shows.

Lost Weekend – Lloyd Cole And The Commotions

Lloyd Cole And The Commotions - Lost Weekend

Lloyd Cole and the Commotions’ song “Lost Weekend” is a ode to Europe and all of its various attractions.

The lyrics describe a person’s journey through different European cities, with each verse mentioning a different location.

The song starts in London, then moves on to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and finally Rome.

In each city, the narrator experiences something new and exciting, from seeing the sights to meeting new people.

By the end of the song, he has fallen in love with Europe and is reluctant to leave.

“Lost Weekend” captures the essence of travel and discovery, and it is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who has ever had their own adventures in Europe.

As It Was – Harry Styles

Harry Styles - As It Was (Official Video)

Harry Styles’ As It Was is a haunting ballad about the singer’s experiences in Europe.

The song is written in first person, and begins with the lines “I took a walk around the streets of Paris / I tried to find you / But your ghost was everywhere.”

These opening lines establish a sense of loss and nostalgia, which is further reinforced by the lyrics that follow.

The song goes on to describe the singer’s travels through various European cities, all while searching for someone who is no longer there.

Throughout the song, Harry captures the feeling of being lost and alone in a foreign place, making it an incredibly relatable and emotional track.

I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango) – Grace Jones

Grace Jones - I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango) [Official Video]

“I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango)” is a song by Grace Jones, released in 1981 as the lead single from her album Nightclubbing.

The song was co-written by Jones and Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, and it samples Piazzolla’s tango composition “Libertango”.

Although “I’ve Seen That Face Before” is primarily associated with Jones, it has also been covered by a number of other artists, including Sade, Malena Ernman, and was created for a Levi’s jeans commercial in 2007.

The song is one of Jones’ most successful singles, reaching the top 10 in several countries.