31 Songs About Ghosts


best songs about ghosts

Songs about ghosts and spirits have long captured the imagination of artists across genres. Whether they delve into the paranormal directly, use spectral imagery as a metaphor, or feature “ghost” or “ghosts” in the title, these 31 songs evoke haunting atmospheres and mysterious themes that will captivate anyone drawn to the supernatural. Explore the list below to uncover a mix of eerie ballads, spooky anthems, and tracks that use the otherworldly to tell their stories.

Be sure to check out the Songs About Ghosts Playlist at the bottom of this page.

Best Songs About Ghosts

1. “Ghost Town” – The Specials

Terry Hall - songs about ghosts

Lyric Sample: “This town is coming like a ghost town, why must the youth fight against themselves?”

A ska classic, “Ghost Town” captures the eerie feeling of a desolate place where spirits of the past linger. Its haunting melody and socio-political commentary make it a ghostly anthem for the times.


2. “Ghost” – Justin Bieber

Lyric Sample: “That if I can’t be close to you, I’ll settle for the ghost of you, I miss you more than life.”

“Ghost” is an emotional track about missing someone dearly and longing for their presence, even in spirit. Its haunting lyrics and soft melody capture the essence of love lost, making it a fitting addition to any playlist centered around ghosts and the supernatural.


3. “Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones” – Machine Head

Lyric Sample: “Ghosts will haunt my bones, they won’t leave me alone.”

“Ghosts Will Haunt My Bones” by Machine Head is a heavy and intense track that dives deep into the emotional turmoil of inner demons and haunting memories. The dark, powerful lyrics evoke a sense of relentless suffering, with the ghosts representing unshakable regrets and struggles that continue to torment the narrator.


4. “Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr.

Lyric Sample: “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!”

An iconic and upbeat anthem, “Ghostbusters” is synonymous with the supernatural and the fight against paranormal forces. Its catchy chorus and playful lyrics make it a fun and spirited (no pun intended) take on ghostly themes.


5. “The Ghost Who Walks” – Karen Elson

Lyric Sample: “The ghost who walks, she’s on the prowl for the man she loved, he cut her down.”

In “The Ghost Who Walks,” Karen Elson weaves a haunting narrative of betrayal and vengeance. The song tells the story of a woman who is murdered by the man she loves, only to return as a ghost, seeking revenge.


6. “Ghost” – Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls - ghost songs

Lyric Sample: “There’s a letter on the desktop, I dug out of a drawer, the last truce we ever came to, from our adolescent war.”

In “Ghost,” Indigo Girls explore the haunting aftermath of an intense and unresolved relationship. The song beautifully captures the mix of longing and pain that comes with being in love with someone who is no longer physically present but remains deeply ingrained in one’s life.


7. “Haunted” – Poe

Lyric Sample: “I’m haunted by the lives that I have loved and actions I have hated.”

“Haunted” conveys a deep emotional struggle with the past, where the narrator is trapped by memories and regrets. The lyrics reflect a sense of being overwhelmed by unresolved emotions and promises made, all of which continue to haunt their mind.


8. “Ghost” – Ella Henderson

Lyric Sample: “But your ghost, the ghost of you, it keeps me awake.”

This song explores the torment of unresolved emotions, where the narrator attempts to move on but is constantly haunted by the ghost of a past lover. The repetitive cycle of trying to escape their presence but failing creates an intense, almost supernatural feeling of being trapped in the past.


9. “Casper the Friendly Ghost” – Little Richard

Lyric Sample: “Casper, the friendly ghost, the friendliest ghost you know.”

Any Songs About Ghosts list has to have this one! This cheerful song tells the story of Casper, the beloved cartoon ghost. Its upbeat tune and whimsical lyrics make it an endearing take on the idea of friendly ghosts, as opposed to those who bring fear.


10. “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” – Johnny Cash

Lyric Sample: “Yippee-yi-yo, yippee-yi-ay, ghost riders in the sky.”

A classic Western ballad, “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” tells the tale of ghostly cowboys chasing the winds in the sky. Its eerie tone and vivid imagery perfectly capture the spirit of the paranormal in the Wild West.


11. “Ghost” – Neutral Milk Hotel

Neutral Milk Hotel - best ghost songs

Lyric Sample: “I love you, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, I love you, yes I do.”

This atmospheric and abstract track weaves surreal lyrics with haunting instrumentation, creating a sense of otherworldliness. It captures the feeling of being haunted by a greater force, with its raw emotion and cryptic references.


12. “Ghosts” – Japan

Lyric Sample: “Just when I think I’m winning, when I’ve broken every door, The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before.”

This song reflects the haunting presence of past failures and regrets, symbolized by the “ghosts” that continue to disrupt the narrator’s sense of progress and peace. The repeated line conveys the idea that no matter how much the narrator tries to move forward, the shadows of past mistakes continue to haunt and challenge them.


13. “The Ghost of You” – My Chemical Romance

Lyric Sample: “I never said I’d lie in wait forever, if I died, we’d be together.”

From the excellent album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, this emotionally charged song revolves around the longing for a lost love, with the ghost of a person lingering in the protagonist’s memory. The dramatic delivery and haunting lyrics make it a standout track for those experiencing emotional loss.


14. “Ghosts” – Bruce Springsteen

Lyric Sample: “It’s just your ghost moving through the night, your spirit filled with light, I need, need you by my side, your love and I’m alive.”

In this song, the narrator reflects on the lingering presence of someone important, whose ghost continues to inspire and energize them, symbolized through music and memories. The emotional resonance of the ghost’s influence fills the narrator with life and purpose, even as they navigate the loss.


15. “Phantom Bride” – Deftones

Lyric Sample: “You spend your life trapped in this void where you will stay always, waste your life, attached to this poison, you will drain all of you.”

In this intense track, the narrator describes a life consumed by emotional numbness and detachment, trapped in a void of their own making. The phantom-like presence of this void symbolizes an inner struggle, where the individual feels disconnected and unable to escape their own toxic patterns.


16. “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum

Lyric Sample: “When I die and they lay me to rest, gonna go to the place that’s the best.”

This iconic song blends elements of gospel and rock, reflecting on the hope of spiritual salvation after death. The lyrics express a desire to reach a better place, one of peace and joy, offering an uplifting perspective on life’s end.


17. “Bury Me With My Guns On” – Bobaflex

Bobaflex - songs about spirits and ghosts

Lyric Sample: “Bury me with my guns on, so when I reach the other side, I can show him what it feels like to die.”

This intense and gritty song explores themes of vengeance, defiance, and rebellion, wrapped in a powerful and gritty rock atmosphere. The speaker imagines being buried with their weapons, determined to confront even the afterlife with force, symbolizing a refusal to be passive in the face of their struggles.


18. “Haunting” – Halsey

Lyric Sample: “I’m begging you to keep on haunting, I know you’re gonna keep on haunting me.”

In this haunting ballad, Halsey explores the themes of love, regret, and emotional torment. The speaker reflects on a past relationship that continues to haunt her, despite her attempts to move on. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and yearning for something that can never truly be erased, as she remains drawn to the ghost of the relationship that lingers in her life.


19. “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” – Blue Öyster Cult

Lyric Sample: “Come on, baby, don’t fear the reaper, take my hand.”

A chilling yet tender song about death and eternal love, “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” is a rock classic. The song captures the notion of embracing the inevitable and the ghostly connection that transcends life.


20. “The Ghost of Tom Joad” – Bruce Springsteen

Lyric Sample: “I’m sitting down here in the campfire light, waiting on the ghost of Tom Joad.”

This song captures the haunting presence of Tom Joad’s spirit, as it reflects on the struggles and hardships faced by individuals living in poverty. Bruce Springsteen uses the ghost of Tom Joad to explore themes of social injustice and perseverance, blending folk and rock elements to create a hauntingly powerful narrative.


21. “Spirits” – The Strumbellas

Lyric Sample: “I got guns in my head and they won’t go, Spirits in my head and they won’t go.”

This song captures the tension of battling inner demons while still striving for meaning and hope. The haunting lyrics and uplifting folk-pop melody juxtapose the struggle for peace with a desire to escape from mental and emotional turmoil.


22. “Ghost” – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - ghost and spirit songs

Lyric Sample: “There’s a ghost down in the hall, There’s a ghoul upon the bed.”

This eerie track blends elements of funk, pop, and rock to create a chilling atmosphere, as Jackson sings about a haunting presence that disrupts his life. The haunting lyrics and energetic beat reflect an internal struggle with jealousy and intrusion, offering a dramatic exploration of fear and emotion.


23. “Ghost of You” – 5 Seconds of Summer

Lyric Sample: “So I drown it out like I always do, dancing through our house with the ghost of you.”

This song captures the haunting feeling of a past relationship, with the speaker still dancing through memories of their lost love. The lyrics paint a picture of trying to move on, but the ghost of the relationship continues to linger, emotionally and physically, in their everyday life.


24. “She Talks to Angels” – The Black Crowes

Lyric Sample: “She talks to angels, they call her out by her name.”

This song tells the story of a troubled woman who finds solace in talking to angels, suggesting that spirits are guiding or watching over her. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and otherworldly connection, as the singer reflects on the presence of spirits in the woman’s life.


25. “Bury a Friend” – Billie Eilish

Lyric Sample: “”What do you want from me? Why don’t you run from me? What are you wondering?”

Billie Eilish’s eerie track explores the unsettling presence of a sinister figure, possibly a ghost or inner demon, who haunts the narrator’s mind. The chilling tone and cryptic lyrics evoke a sense of psychological torment, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural.


26. “The Family Ghost” – King Diamond

Lyric Sample: “The darkness came closer to home, On the following night, and Miriam slept like a rock.”

This haunting song from King Diamond blends elements of horror and the supernatural as it tells the eerie tale of a family ghost, Count de LaFey, guiding the protagonist through chilling secrets. It delves into themes of death, possession, and the supernatural, making it a perfect fit for a list about ghostly or spirit-related songs.


27. “Ghost Behind My Eyes” – Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne - best songs about ghosts

Lyric Sample: “You are the ghost behind my eyes, I can’t see through you.”

This haunting track from Ozzy Osbourne delves into the overwhelming presence of a ghostly figure that occupies the narrator’s mind, blurring the line between reality and torment. With its eerie lyrics and intense emotional undercurrent, the song paints a vivid picture of inner conflict and struggle.


28. “Walking with a Ghost” – Tegan and Sara

Lyric Sample: “I was walking with a ghost, I said please, please don’t insist.”

This introspective track by Tegan and Sara captures the feeling of being haunted by a lingering presence, with its repetitive yet captivating chorus conveying a sense of being unable to escape from the past. The ghostly imagery throughout the song creates an eerie atmosphere, reflecting the internal struggle of trying to move on while being weighed down by memories.


29. “Little Ghost” – The White Stripes

Lyric Sample: “Little ghost, little ghost, one I’m scared of the most, can you scare me up a little bit of love?”

This song tells the story of a man who falls in love with a ghost, struggling with the tension between his desire and the supernatural barrier between them. The eerie yet tender lyrics capture the bittersweet longing for a love that cannot fully exist.


30. “The Ghost in You” – The Psychedelic Furs

Lyric Sample: “Inside you the time moves, and she don’t fade, the ghost in you.”

In this track, The Psychedelic Furs blend existential musings with an ethereal sense of longing, as the narrator reflects on a presence that lingers, almost like a haunting force. The song captures the idea of a ghost that doesn’t fade with time, symbolizing an enduring influence on the narrator’s life and emotions.


31. “Ghost of the Navigator” – Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden - ghost songs

Lyric Sample: “I see the ghosts of navigators but they are lost, as they sail into the sunset they’ll count the cost.”

This powerful track from Iron Maiden brings together a vivid maritime journey with themes of fate and loss, as the protagonist navigates both the seas and the mysteries of life. The ghosts of past navigators serve as haunting reminders of the perils of the voyage, while the protagonist presses forward with resolve, battling the sirens and the unknown.


What Makes Songs About Ghosts Special?

Songs about ghosts often carry an otherworldly, mysterious quality that draws listeners into a realm of the unknown. These tracks explore the theme of spirits—whether literal or metaphorical—and evoke emotions ranging from fear to nostalgia. The ability to combine eerie atmospheres, haunting melodies, and poetic lyrics allows these songs to transcend genres and capture the essence of the supernatural.

Ghost songs can serve as an emotional release, allowing listeners to confront themes like loss, regret, and unresolved emotions. The ghostly presence in these songs isn’t always a literal apparition; sometimes it’s a metaphor for the past, a lost love, or an unshakable memory. This flexibility in interpretation makes these songs compelling for anyone who enjoys music that taps into the unknown.


Conclusion

Songs about ghosts capture the haunting beauty of the supernatural, blending eerie sounds with deep emotions. Whether exploring the spirits of the past, lost love, or literal hauntings, these songs invite listeners to reflect on themes of memory, longing, and the otherworldly.

From rock anthems to introspective ballads, these tracks highlight the versatility of the ghostly theme. Whether you’re looking for something spooky for Halloween or just a song that taps into the mysterious, this list offers a diverse range of songs that will leave you thinking about ghosts long after the music fades.

Interested in more themed lists? Check out all the Song Themes we’ve covered here at Lyric Stories!


Songs About Ghosts Playlist


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