Storms have always been a powerful metaphor in music, symbolizing everything from emotional turbulence to natural disasters. Whether it’s the pounding chaos of a thunderstorm or the calm after the storm, songs about storms capture the complexity and unpredictability of life’s wildest moments.
From rock anthems to soulful ballads, these tracks evoke both the destructive power of nature and the hope that follows the storm.
Be sure to check out the Songs About Storms Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About Storms
1. “Storms” – Fleetwood Mac
Lyric Sample: “Living through each empty night, a deadly call inside.”
“Storms” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk album, capturing emotional conflict and inner turmoil. The song speaks to the way storms mirror the chaos and unpredictability of human emotions, making it a powerful addition to any playlist about storms.
2. “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC
Lyric Sample: “Thunder, thunder, thunder, thunder, thunderstruck!”
AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” is an energetic rock anthem that perfectly captures the raw power and intensity of a thunderstorm. Its electrifying riffs and energetic vocals make it an ideal addition to any storm-themed playlist, invoking the feeling of a storm both literal and metaphorical.
3. “Hurricanes and Hand Grenades” – Jason Isbell
Lyric Sample: “I’ve been through hurricanes and hand grenades, I’ve been around the world.”
This track from Jason Isbell showcases the storms of life and the way they shape our experiences. The lyrics blend natural disaster imagery with personal struggle, creating a powerful narrative of survival and resilience.
4. “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
Lyric Sample: “Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo, here comes the sun.”
While not directly about storms, “Here Comes the Sun” captures the relief and warmth that follows a stormy period. The song symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of better days after a time of darkness.
5. “Shelter From The Storm” – Bob Dylan
Lyric Sample: “Come in, she said, I’ll give ya shelter from the storm.”
Bob Dylan’s classic “Shelter From The Storm” beautifully combines imagery of nature and emotional vulnerability. The song tells the story of seeking refuge from life’s hardships, making it a perfect reflection of the comfort we seek when caught in the midst of a storm.
6. “I AM THE STORM” – Vo Williams
Lyric Sample: “I am the storm, the thunder that rumbles the night.”
Vo Williams’ “I AM THE STORM” is an empowering song that channels the power of a storm into personal strength. With its dynamic beats and anthemic lyrics, it’s a perfect reminder of the resilience that can arise from the most chaotic situations.
7. “Electrical Storm” – U2
Lyric Sample: “Electrical storm, baby, don’t cry.”
U2’s “Electrical Storm” captures the emotional chaos of a turbulent relationship through the metaphor of a storm. The lyrics, with their vivid imagery of a restless sea, aching night, and the pressing need for rain, mirror the internal struggles of the lovers at the center of the song.
8. “When the Levee Breaks” – Led Zeppelin
Lyric Sample: “If it keeps on rainin’, levee’s goin’ to break.”
This iconic track by Led Zeppelin is a bluesy track about the devastation of a flood, symbolized by the levee breaking. The imagery of water rising and breaking through reflects the uncontrollable force of a storm and the inevitable destruction it can bring.
9. “Stormy Weather” – The Pixies
Lyric Sample: “Stormy weather, you’re on my mind.”
In “Stormy Weather,” The Pixies use the simple repetition of the phrase “it is time for stormy weather” to create a sense of inevitability and tension. The song captures the feeling of anticipating a storm, both literally and metaphorically, building a mood of unease through its minimalistic lyrics.
10. “Here Comes The Flood” – Peter Gabriel
Lyric Sample: “Here comes the flood, we will say goodbye to flesh and blood.”
“Here Comes The Flood” is a powerful, apocalyptic song that paints a picture of a storm bringing a dramatic change. The song’s raw emotion and haunting soundscapes reflect the overwhelming nature of storms and the forces beyond our control.
11. “Hurricane” – Luke Combs
Lyric Sample: “You wrecked my whole world when you came, and hit me like a hurricane.”
In “Hurricane”, Luke Combs uses the imagery of a storm to describe the overwhelming emotional impact of love and heartbreak. The song captures the chaos of falling for someone, with its intense emotional and physical force, much like a hurricane.
12. “Kiss The Rain” – Billie Myers
Lyric Sample: “Kiss the rain, whenever you need me.”
In “Kiss The Rain”, Billie Myers blends the longing for connection with the metaphor of rain, symbolizing love, loss, and separation. The song evokes the emotional storm of unrequited love and the comfort of knowing someone is always thinking of you, no matter the distance.
13. “Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones
Lyric Sample: “Ooh, a storm is threatening, my very life today.”
The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” is an intense rock track that conveys the urgency and fear of a storm approaching. The song’s lyrics reflect the need for shelter during times of crisis, making it a fitting tune for any playlist about storms.
14. “Thunder and Lightning” – Chi Coltrane
Lyric Sample: “Thunder and lightning, I tell you it’s frightening.”
“Thunder and Lightning” captures the electrifying sensation of being overwhelmed by love, as the intense emotions mirror a storm. The song uses thunder and lightning as metaphors for the uncontrollable power of love and desire, making it a perfect fit for this storm-themed list.
15. “Calm Before the Storm” – Bury the Flame
Lyric Sample: “We tried too hard and now we’re torn, sow the wind and reap the storm.”
Bury the Flame’s “Calm Before the Storm” powerfully conveys the emotional tension of a relationship on the brink of collapse. The calm before the storm is portrayed as a period of regret and lingering emotions, with the storm finally breaking when the relationship reaches its breaking point.
16. “I of The Storm” – Of Monsters and Men
Lyric Sample: “And they call me under, and I’m shaking like a leaf.”
Of Monsters and Men’s “I of the Storm” beautifully captures the inner turmoil and emotional chaos of a person struggling with their own fears and insecurities. The song’s metaphorical storm reflects the overwhelming sense of being pulled under by emotions, questioning love and identity in the face of intense personal conflict.
17. “Riders On The Storm” – The Doors
Lyric Sample: “Riders on the storm, into this house we’re born.”
This iconic track by The Doors uses the imagery of a storm to explore the uncertainty of life and the inevitability of change. The song’s haunting atmosphere and philosophical lyrics make it an essential track for any storm-themed playlist.
18. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Lyric Sample: “I want to know, have you ever seen the rain, coming down on a sunny day?”
This classic blends a sense of melancholy with the natural imagery of a storm, symbolizing emotional upheaval and change. The song reflects the internal storm that often accompanies life’s challenges, asking if you’ve experienced the contrast between beauty and sorrow, much like rain on a sunny day.
19. “Perfect Storm” – Nathan Evans
Lyric Sample: “And when the waves come crushing down around me, when I’m with you, they can do no harm.”
Nathan Evans’ “Perfect Storm” portrays a love strong enough to weather any literal or metaphorical storm. The song uses the perfect storm metaphor to reflect how love can shield and protect you from life’s challenges, emphasizing how two people can overcome adversity together, no matter what the world throws at them.
20. “After the Storm” – Mumford & Sons
Lyric Sample: “And after the storm, I run and I run as the rain comes.”
Mumford & Sons’ “After the Storm” reflects the emotional turbulence of enduring life’s struggles and the hope that follows. The song uses the storm as a metaphor for hardship, while the aftermath represents renewal and the possibility of moving forward with strength and clarity.
21. “Lightning Crashes” – Live
Lyric Sample: “Lightning crashes, a new mother cries.”
“Lightning Crashes” uses the image of a lightning storm to explore themes of birth, death, and emotional transformation. The song’s raw energy and poignant lyrics make it a powerful addition to any playlist about storms.
Check out our full “Lightning Crashes” lyrics breakdown.
22. “Set Fire To The Rain” – Adele
Lyric Sample: “I set fire to the rain, watched it pour as I touched your face.”
Adele’s “Set Fire To The Rain” combines the elements of water and fire to depict the intensity of love and heartbreak. The dramatic lyrics and powerful vocals make it an emotionally charged song about the destructive power of a storm.
Check out our full “Set Fire To The Rain” lyrics meaning article!
23. “Blowin’ in the Wind” – Bob Dylan
Lyric Sample: “How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?”
Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” is an anthem of peace and reflection, using the wind as a symbol of change and uncertainty. While not explicitly about a storm, the song’s imagery of blowing winds perfectly captures the feeling of life’s unpredictable forces.
24. “Rock You Like A Hurricane” – Scorpions
Lyric Sample: “Here I am, rock you like a hurricane.”
“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions is an iconic rock anthem, using the imagery of a hurricane to symbolize an intense, unstoppable force. The high-energy guitar riffs and powerful vocals amplify the raw power of the storm, perfectly capturing the song’s metaphor for a whirlwind romance or an all-consuming experience.
25. “Storm Coming” – Gnarls Barkley
Lyric Sample: “There’s truth in the thunder, love in the lightning.”
Gnarls Barkley’s “Storm Coming” blends themes of inevitability, change, and intensity with its rhythmic beats and vibrant energy. The song reflects on the complex emotions tied to life’s turbulent moments, highlighting how storms symbolize both destruction and renewal.
26. “Here Comes the Rain Again” – Eurythmics
Lyric Sample: “Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory.”
This hauntingly beautiful song by Eurythmics uses rain to symbolize sadness and longing. The atmospheric production and Annie Lennox’s evocative vocals create a melancholic atmosphere, as the rain becomes a metaphor for emotional vulnerability and the repetition of past hurts.
27. “The Eye of the Hurricane” – Herbie Hancock
Lyric Sample: Instrumental
“The Eye of the Hurricane” by Herbie Hancock is an instrumental jazz fusion piece that captures the calm at the center of a storm. The song’s intricate rhythms and soothing melodies reflect the paradox of finding tranquility in the midst of chaos.
28. “Greet Death” – Explosions in the Sky
Lyric Sample: Instrumental
“Greet Death” is a powerful instrumental piece that conjures the feeling of emotional turmoil and a storm of grief. The track’s shifting dynamics and intense crescendos evoke the unpredictable nature of life’s storms, building to a cathartic release.
29. “November Rain” – Guns N’ Roses
Lyric Sample: “When I look into your eyes, I can see a love restrained.”
Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” is a sweeping rock ballad that uses rain as a metaphor for heartache and emotional conflict. The grand orchestral arrangement and Axl Rose’s passionate vocals reflect the depth of love and loss, making this one of rock’s most iconic storm-themed songs.
Check out our full “November Rain” lyrics breakdown.
30. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
Lyric Sample: “Thunder, feel the thunder, lightning and the thunder.”
“Thunder” uses the metaphor of thunder to convey a sense of power and determination. The song’s electrifying beat and anthemic chorus capture the feeling of overcoming obstacles and rising to the occasion, much like the deafening roar of a thunderstorm.
31. “Rain” – The Script
Lyric Sample: “All it does is rain, rain, rain down on me.”
In “Rain”, The Script crafts a poignant ballad about heartbreak and the emotional storm that follows a breakup. The song uses rain as a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming sadness and longing the narrator feels, illustrating how the absence of a loved one turns everything into a bleak, rainy existence.
32. “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” – Bob Dylan
Lyric Sample: “Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son?”
“A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” uses surreal imagery to depict a world on the brink of chaos, touching on themes of war, injustice, and suffering. The repeated refrain signals an inevitable storm, reflecting the societal upheaval of the 1960s and offering a haunting warning for the future.
33. “Storm Front” – Billy Joel
Lyric Sample: “There’s a storm front coming, mood indigo, white water running and the pressure is low.”
Billy Joel’s “Storm Front” captures the tension between restlessness and caution, as a sailor defies warnings of a storm approaching. With vivid nautical imagery and a mood of impending danger, the song explores themes of isolation and inner conflict, as the protagonist ventures into treacherous waters despite knowing the risks.
34. “Hurricane” – Kyuss
Lyric Sample: “I can’t breathe, said I can’t breathe nothing.”
Kyuss’ “Hurricane” uses the metaphor of a powerful storm to reflect intense emotional turmoil and inner chaos. The song’s raw, forceful energy and dissonant vocals create a sense of suffocating pressure, perfectly embodying the feeling of being overwhelmed by a storm—both external and internal.
35. “October Rain” – Shulem Lemmer
Lyric Sample: “I’m still wet from this October rain, October rain.”
“October Rain” uses the metaphor of a storm to evoke feelings of emotional turbulence and longing. The song captures the journey of love and loss, with the October rain symbolizing the bittersweet moments that linger long after the storm has passed.
36. “I’m Only Happy When It Rains” – Garbage
Lyric Sample: “I’m only happy when it rains, I’m only happy when it’s complicated.”
Garbage’s “I’m Only Happy When It Rains” is a grunge-pop song about embracing negativity and emotional complexity. The rain becomes a metaphor for finding solace in discomfort, with the song’s edgy production and Shirley Manson’s raw vocals capturing the essence of emotional chaos.
37. “Raining on Sunday” – Keith Urban
Lyric Sample: “Pray that it’s raining on Sunday, storming like crazy.”
“Raining on Sunday” is a romantic ballad where the rain becomes the perfect excuse to slow down and focus on love. The song beautifully blends the chaos of life’s demands with the peaceful, intimate moments shared during a storm.
38. “She’s Thunderstorms” – Arctic Monkeys
Lyric Sample: “She’s thunderstorms, lying on her front, up against the wall.”
In “She’s Thunderstorms,” Arctic Monkeys use powerful imagery to capture the intensity and unpredictability of a passionate relationship. The song’s storm metaphor paints a vivid picture of a chaotic, electrifying love that disrupts the calm and brings excitement.
The Power and Emotion Behind Songs About Storms
Songs about storms tap into a vast range of emotions, from the intensity of thunderstorms to the aftermath of a calm.
Whether capturing the chaos, the cleansing power, or the reflective moments of a storm, these songs offer something for everyone, from rock anthems to soulful ballads.
Conclusion
Songs about storms encompass everything from the fury of nature to the introspective moments that follow. These tracks blend powerful imagery with raw emotion, making them timeless and universal.
Whether you’re searching for music to reflect a turbulent period or simply enjoying the intensity of a good storm, these songs will resonate deeply.
If you’re looking for more songs related to the wild forces of nature, check out our Best Songs About Nature article.
