29 Most Famous Songs About Fish in the Sea of All Time

Songs about fish open a window into the depths of the human imagination, using aquatic themes to explore freedom, survival, and emotional currents.

Whether fish are literal or symbolic, their appearance in music reflects the natural world’s profound influence on artistic expression.

From lighthearted, whimsical tunes to deeper reflections on existence, these songs evoke the vastness of the ocean and our place within it.

29 Most Popular Songs About Fish for Kids & Toddlers (Preschooler Playlist)

These songs dive into oceanic themes, fish, and other watery wonders.

Here’s a list of 29 songs that are either about fish, reference fish, or have something to do with the underwater world:

#1 “Octopus’s Garden” by The Beatles

“Octopus’s Garden” is a whimsical, aquatic-inspired tune from The Beatles, written by Ringo Starr. The song takes listeners on a journey under the sea, where the narrator dreams of escaping the surface world’s troubles to a peaceful garden maintained by an octopus. The imagery of the ocean reflects both a sense of wonder and a desire for tranquility. Starr was inspired by an actual conversation about octopuses’ habits of collecting stones for their seabeds.

The childlike innocence of the lyrics creates a playful environment, perfectly suited to the dreamy, underwater world. While light and fun on the surface, the song also touches on themes of retreating into nature, seeking a simpler, more harmonious life.

#2 “Party at Ground Zero” by Fishbone

Though primarily a ska-punk fusion about apocalyptic times, Fishbone’s “Party at Ground Zero” brings in quirky, surreal imagery, often incorporating various fish-related metaphors. While the song isn’t literally about fish, the bizarre contrast of life in destruction lends itself to a comparison with the chaotic, free-floating existence of fish in water. The band’s high-energy brass and guitar riffs propel the idea that life’s unpredictability can feel like being cast adrift in an uncontrollable ocean.

Midway through the track, the song becomes an anthem of unrelenting joy amidst the madness, turning an imagined disaster into a surreal celebration. Like fish navigating turbulent currents, we flow through the chaos.

#3 “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin

Bobby Darin’s classic “Beyond the Sea” is a romantic ode to love set against the backdrop of the ocean. This jazzy number beautifully describes longing for a distant lover, with the sea serving as both a physical and metaphorical barrier. The smooth, crooning vocals transport listeners to a world where the ocean’s vastness symbolizes the distance between two hearts, yet also a bridge to reunion and hope.

The song’s charm lies in how it elevates the imagery of water, using it to reflect the yearning and deep connection between the narrator and their beloved. Like fish swimming toward one another across endless seas, love remains the song’s guiding force.

#4 “Creatures of Love” by Talking Heads

In “Creatures of Love,” Talking Heads explore the basic instinct of love and life, likening humans to fish or other primal creatures. The lyrics take a quirky, philosophical approach, drawing on animalistic metaphors to depict the essence of life and love as something simple yet profound. Much like fish swimming through the currents, humans also follow the basic flow of nature, governed by primal forces.

The song’s offbeat structure adds to the surreal feeling of being part of a much larger biological cycle. The band’s characteristic use of strange, rhythmic beats enhances the notion that life itself is an odd yet beautiful journey.

#5 “Float On” by Modest Mouse

“Float On” by Modest Mouse is a buoyant anthem about perseverance, with a title and theme that suggests a metaphorical connection to fish and water. The idea of “floating on” through difficult times draws parallels to fish effortlessly gliding through water, undisturbed by external turmoil. The song’s upbeat tone is matched by its underlying message: no matter what happens, keep moving forward, like a fish in a stream.

The track’s fluid rhythm and carefree lyrics encourage listeners to adopt the same attitude, staying afloat amid life’s challenges. As with fish that adapt to their environment, humans, too, are capable of finding peace by letting go.

#6 “Something in the Way” by Nirvana

“Something in the Way” by Nirvana is a haunting, introspective song that features subtle aquatic imagery. Kurt Cobain uses the metaphor of living “underneath the bridge,” a space often associated with water and isolation, to describe feelings of alienation and detachment. While not overtly about fish, the underwater vibe is there, evoking the sensation of being submerged in one’s own thoughts and emotions.

The slow, somber guitar and Cobain’s pained vocals add to the sensation of drowning, like a fish trapped in a suffocating environment. The song captures a raw, deep sense of existential despair, making the underwater setting all the more poignant.

#7 “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz

Though “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz is more about freedom and escape, the lyrics evoke a sense of soaring above nature, including oceans where fish dwell. Kravitz dreams of leaving his worries behind and becoming part of the natural world, like a bird gliding over vast waters. The imagery of the ocean gives listeners a sense of both flight and weightlessness, reflecting the same effortless movement that fish experience underwater.

The song’s anthemic quality reinforces this desire for ultimate freedom. Just as fish swim through the currents, navigating the world’s rhythms, Kravitz wants to break free from gravity, floating in a space where life’s challenges no longer pull him down.

#8 “Island in the Sun” by Weezer

Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” creates a serene escape, where water and the creatures within it form the backdrop of a dreamy paradise. The song conjures images of sun-drenched beaches, waves crashing, and the simple joys of life by the sea. While fish aren’t directly mentioned, the oceanic environment they inhabit sets the tone for this tranquil getaway. Listeners can imagine fish swimming lazily under the water as they float on the surface, enjoying the sun.

Weezer’s laid-back melodies complement the theme, adding a sense of timelessness. Like fish drifting in tropical waters, the song invites listeners to lose themselves in the rhythm of life, leaving stress far behind.

#9 “John the Fisherman” by Primus

Primus’ “John the Fisherman” dives deep into the life of a fisherman, who navigates the ocean in search of his daily catch. The song’s protagonist, John, is tied to the sea, where he interacts with the fish that sustain his life. The song’s heavy, driving bass reflects the weight of his connection to the water, while the lyrics tell the story of a man who lives by the sea’s unpredictable nature.

As John casts his lines, the song paints vivid imagery of the ocean’s depths and the creatures that live there. Fish serve as both the bounty and challenge, embodying the delicate balance between man and nature.

#10 “The Rifle’s Spiral” by The Shins

“The Rifle’s Spiral” by The Shins is a song filled with metaphors, including subtle references to the animal world, like fish caught in a spiral of fate. The lyrics explore the entrapments of life and the choices we make, much like fish that can get ensnared by a fisherman’s hook or a whirlpool. The rhythmic pulse of the music feels like the undertow of the ocean, pulling everything deeper into its cycle.

The Shins’ cryptic lyrics reflect the darker side of existence, where, like fish, we may swim freely but are never far from the forces that control us. The song’s intricate layering echoes the complexity of life under the surface.

#11 “Bouncing Around the Room” by Phish

Phish’s “Bouncing Around the Room” isn’t directly about fish, but the band’s name and the song’s flowing, free-form style evoke the feeling of being a fish in an ever-changing current. The repetitive nature of the lyrics and melody mimics the experience of being tossed around by life, much like fish swimming through shifting tides. The song’s buoyant, upbeat energy captures the unpredictability of life’s journey.

Like fish that constantly adjust to their environment, the song’s message is about embracing the unknown and bouncing through whatever life throws your way. The playful, carefree mood of the track fits well with the whimsical nature of the band’s aquatic moniker.

#12 “Under the Sea” by Prince

“Under the Sea,” from The Little Mermaid soundtrack and performed by Samuel E. Wright, was famously covered by Prince, adding his own smooth, funky twist. The song brings the underwater world to life, teeming with fish and aquatic creatures who revel in the joys of the sea. The lyrics highlight the vibrant, colorful existence of life beneath the waves, contrasting it with the drudgery of the human world above.

With rhythmic Caribbean-inspired melodies, the song celebrates the interconnectedness of ocean life, where fish and other sea creatures live in harmony. It’s an ode to the carefree beauty of life underwater, inviting listeners to escape their landlocked lives.

#13 “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” draws its title from the literal sea, but the song itself is more of a tribute to the band’s audience—the ocean of fans that greeted them at every show. The rolling, wave-like rhythm of the track mimics the movement of water, while the lyrics celebrate the feeling of being carried by a massive, unstoppable force, like fish riding the ocean’s currents. There’s a sense of freedom and power that comes with this comparison.

As Robert Plant’s vocals soar over Jimmy Page’s guitar riffs, listeners are reminded of the boundless energy and depth the ocean holds—an energy mirrored by the band’s performances and the fans’ overwhelming response.

#14 “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John

While Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” is more about youthful nostalgia than literal crocodiles or fish, the playful imagery of the song’s title evokes a connection to aquatic creatures. The track is filled with vibrant energy, just like the lively crocs in a river or fish jumping in a stream. The carefree, danceable rhythm reflects a time when life was simpler, and fun was the only priority.

The song’s infectious melody captures the joy of moving freely through life, much like fish moving through the water. It’s a celebration of youth, freedom, and the uninhibited spirit that flows as naturally as a fish in its element.

#15 “Jack Johnson” by The Horizon Has Been Defeated

“The Horizon Has Been Defeated” by Jack Johnson is a smooth, laid-back song that explores environmental themes, touching on the exploitation of nature. The ocean plays a critical role in Johnson’s narrative, with its horizon marking the limits of the world as we know it. While fish aren’t explicitly mentioned, the ocean’s presence looms large, symbolizing the balance that humans must maintain with nature.

The song’s mellow tone mirrors the calm of the sea, yet beneath the surface, there’s a message about the consequences of human actions. Much like fish in the ocean, our lives are intertwined with nature’s health—when the horizon is defeated, so too are we.

#16 “End of the Movie” by Cake

“End of the Movie” by Cake subtly incorporates fish-related symbolism into its poignant message about life’s inevitable cycles. While the song doesn’t explicitly mention fish, its melancholic reflection on how life’s stories reach their conclusion mirrors the experience of fish moving with the current, trapped in the larger flow of nature. The gentle, minimalistic instrumentation feels like a slow drift in the water, evoking a sense of surrender to life’s unchangeable tides.

Cake’s deadpan delivery, paired with the resigned tone of the lyrics, reflects the futility of resisting fate. Like a fish swimming toward its end, the song embraces the bittersweet beauty of reaching life’s inevitable final chapter.

#17 “We Are All Made of Stars” by Moby

Moby’s “We Are All Made of Stars” draws from cosmic imagery but subtly evokes the vastness of the ocean, where fish swim in their own endless universe. The song’s celestial theme suggests that all living creatures, including those underwater, share the same stardust origins, connecting us to the fish that glide through the sea. The ethereal electronic beats create a sensation of floating, much like fish suspended in water, navigating through the waves of the cosmos.

The ambient atmosphere of the song makes it easy to picture the vast ocean depths, where fish exist in a realm as mysterious and awe-inspiring as outer space. The song blurs the line between the infinite sky and the sea.

#18 “Shark” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

“Shark” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds uses the predator of the sea as a metaphor for danger, power, and instinct. In this dark and intense track, Cave paints the shark as a symbol of primal fear, lurking beneath the surface, ready to strike. The song explores themes of vulnerability and survival, with the shark representing both a literal and figurative threat. Like fish avoiding predators, the characters in the song navigate their own dangerous environments, trying to stay afloat in a world filled with unseen dangers.

Cave’s deep, haunting vocals add to the suspense, turning the shark into a foreboding presence that dominates the narrative, much like its reign over the ocean.

#19 “Beechwood 4-5789” by The Marvelettes

While “Beechwood 4-5789” by The Marvelettes is a classic Motown love song centered on a telephone number, there’s a playful, fluid quality to its rhythm that evokes the carefree movement of fish swimming through water. The upbeat melody and harmonies glide effortlessly, much like fish darting through an underwater current, giving the song a buoyant and lighthearted energy.

Though not directly related to fish, the song’s breezy, flirtatious vibe captures the same sense of freedom and joy that fish exhibit in their natural habitat. It’s a celebration of spontaneity and connection, qualities that resonate in both the ocean and human interaction.

#20 “It’s Only Time” by The Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields’ “It’s Only Time” is a love song that uses timeless metaphors, some of which evoke the endless, flowing nature of water where fish live. The lyrics speak of eternal devotion, comparing the infinite nature of love to forces as vast and unstoppable as the ocean’s waves. Just as fish swim through ever-moving waters, the song suggests that love endures through the passing of time, flowing forward without end.

The song’s slow, steady rhythm reflects the calm persistence of the sea, reinforcing the idea that love, like the ocean, is a constant in a world of change. It’s a delicate, poetic exploration of love’s ability to transcend time and space.

#21 “Pool Party!” by The Aquabats

“Pool Party!” by The Aquabats is a playful, upbeat song that brings fish to mind as part of the larger celebration of water-based fun. While it’s centered around a human pool party, the imagery of splashing, swimming, and aquatic joy can easily extend to the fish that might join the festivities in their own watery world. The song’s high-energy ska-punk vibe mirrors the quick, darting movements of fish having fun in their environment.

The Aquabats inject a sense of humor and carefree attitude into the song, making it easy to imagine fish zipping around the pool, celebrating in their own way. It’s a fun, lighthearted anthem for all things aquatic.

#22 “1983…(A Merman I Should Turn to Be)” by Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix’s “1983…(A Merman I Should Turn to Be)” is a surreal, sprawling journey into an underwater realm where fish and other sea creatures reign supreme. The protagonist dreams of becoming a merman, fully immersing himself in the ocean’s depths. Hendrix’s intricate guitar work creates a swirling, liquid soundscape, evoking the sensation of swimming through water and connecting with the marine world.

The song’s epic, psychedelic atmosphere is both otherworldly and intimate, reflecting the beauty and mystery of life beneath the surface. As the protagonist imagines his transformation, fish and ocean creatures become symbols of freedom, peace, and escape from the chaos above.

#23 “Wave of Mutilation” by Pixies

“Wave of Mutilation” by Pixies takes listeners on a turbulent ride through both literal and emotional waves, using oceanic imagery to explore themes of self-destruction and loss. The “wave” in the song acts as both a destructive force and a metaphor for the internal turmoil of the protagonist, much like fish caught in a powerful current. The ocean becomes a dark, unpredictable force that sweeps everything away, including the people and memories the narrator holds dear.

With its jagged guitar riffs and relentless pace, the song captures the chaotic energy of a wave, with fish-like creatures riding the surge toward their inevitable end. It’s a raw, powerful track filled with both beauty and destruction.

#24 “Barbie Girl” by Aqua

Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” might be a sugary pop anthem about plastic perfection, but beneath its bubblegum exterior lies subtle aquatic references. The song presents an idealized world where everything is flawless, much like the surface of a calm sea, hiding the complexities below. The vibrant energy of the song is reminiscent of fish darting around a brightly colored coral reef, living in a surreal, almost artificial world.

In the song, the exaggerated perfection of Barbie’s life reflects a superficial, shiny world akin to a perfectly manicured aquarium. The catchy beats and lighthearted lyrics mask deeper questions about the pressure to conform, making the song’s aquatic metaphors swim just beneath the surface.

#25 “Pipes of Peace” by Paul McCartney

“Paul McCartney’s “Pipes of Peace” conjures images of hope, unity, and healing, with subtle water-based metaphors woven throughout. While not directly referencing fish, the song’s underlying message of flowing with life’s currents reflects the natural movement of fish navigating their aquatic environments. McCartney’s gentle, melodic tone feels like a peaceful stream, guiding listeners toward a vision of harmony and resolution.

The lyrics’ plea for global peace can be likened to the way fish harmoniously coexist in the ocean, adapting to the rhythms of nature. McCartney’s song becomes a tranquil space where humans and the natural world, including the fish in the sea, find common ground.

#26 “The Lonely Island” by I’m on a Boat

“The Lonely Island’s “I’m on a Boat” is an absurd, hilarious take on rap braggadocio, but it takes place squarely on the ocean, the domain of fish. The ridiculousness of the song’s premise, with its over-the-top celebration of being on a boat, contrasts sharply with the calm, natural world beneath them. While the focus is on partying, listeners can’t help but imagine the fish beneath the boat, unaffected by the chaotic scene above.

As the crew shouts about their nautical exploits, fish remain the silent witnesses, peacefully swimming beneath the water’s surface. The song, while comedic, reminds us of the stark differences between human excess and the simple, enduring life beneath the waves.

#27 “Private Idaho” by The B-52’s

“Private Idaho” by The B-52’s dives into a surreal, paranoid world filled with obscure metaphors, including aquatic references that evoke fish swimming in a strange, isolated environment. The song’s frenetic energy mirrors the rapid, unpredictable movements of fish navigating unfamiliar waters. The lyrics reference being “out of the pool,” suggesting a disconnect from a controlled environment, leaving the listener adrift in a sea of confusion.

The bizarre, quirky sound of the song feels like being submerged in a dreamlike underwater world, where fish swim through odd, distorted currents. The B-52’s offbeat style adds to the sense of being in an aquatic, surreal landscape, far from the safety of land.

#28 “Jimi Hendrix” by The Horizon Has Been Defeated

Jack Johnson’s “The Horizon Has Been Defeated” paints a picture of environmental degradation, with subtle references to the ocean and its delicate balance. While fish aren’t explicitly mentioned, the horizon itself symbolizes the boundary between land and sea, the space where fish swim and thrive. Johnson’s mellow, laid-back tone contrasts with the serious message of exploitation, suggesting that while the ocean may appear calm, beneath the surface, ecosystems are under threat.

The song’s soothing melody feels like floating on the ocean, while the lyrics highlight the tension between humanity and nature. Much like fish unknowingly affected by human actions, the ocean’s horizon slowly fades under the weight of environmental destruction.

#29 “Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s

“Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s is a wild, aquatic party song that brings fish and other sea creatures to life in a colorful, cartoonish underwater world. The lyrics describe an over-the-top beach party where lobsters and other marine animals take center stage, dancing and celebrating in the waves. The band’s quirky sound, with its high-energy guitars and eccentric vocals, creates a vivid image of an underwater disco, where fish and crustaceans are the stars.

The song’s playful, surreal nature reflects the unpredictable, lively behavior of fish in their natural habitat. “Rock Lobster” captures the spirit of fun, embracing the chaos and beauty of the ocean’s creatures with a sense of humor and whimsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do musicians use fish as a metaphor in songs?

Musicians often use fish as symbols of freedom, fluidity, or survival, drawing on their connection to nature and water. Fish metaphors help convey emotions of being lost, peaceful, or adapting to life’s unpredictable currents.

What genres of music commonly feature songs about fish?

Songs about fish appear across many genres, from rock and folk to jazz and ska, reflecting the versatility of aquatic imagery. The theme can evoke whimsical, serious, or philosophical tones depending on the genre.

Are there songs that explicitly mention fish or ocean creatures?

Yes, several songs explicitly reference fish or ocean creatures, like “Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s or “John the Fisherman” by Primus. These songs often use vivid underwater imagery to create imaginative or symbolic narratives.

How does aquatic imagery enhance the mood of a song?

Aquatic imagery creates a sense of depth, tranquility, or danger, helping shape the emotional landscape of a song. Whether evoking calm seas or turbulent waters, it can mirror the complexity of human experiences and emotions.