Greatest Outdoor Songs Ever

Music is a magical thing. It does not matter a bit where you are and what you are doing. When you listen to great music, it can take you places and make you feel things far removed from every day drudgery. You may be sitting at a desk or mopping a floor but when a favorite song comes on, you can find yourself suddenly far away.

Songs about nature and the outdoors are exceptionally great for transporting your mind and mood to another place. On any cold winter day, some catchy tune about the waves on the beach can warm you from the inside out. There are far too many tunes to quote that have this kind of magic. After giving great thought and many happy listens to this subject, I've come up with a list of some of the greatest outdoor tunes.

These tunes are perfect for closing your eyes and letting your mind float to far away places. Here are my top ten choices for the greatest outdoor tunes ever written. Give them each a listen and see where they take you.

10. Country Road / James Taylor
James is a master at making even very old tunes new and fresh. His soothing voice makes his music a perfect choice for getting your mind away from tasks at hand. When he sings about walking down a country road, it is amazingly easy to find yourself away on some familiar and friendly road. Try this nature tune when work is getting you down and you'll probably find yourself smiling before it's over.

9. Laughter in the Rain / Neil Sedaka
Here is the perfect song for a rainy day. When Neil sings the line , " there with the beat of the rain on the leaves, softly she breaths and I close my eyes" , it is very hard not to wish to be out in the rain with someone you love. Try giving this tune a listen with your lover and you are sure to get some sweet smiles. You might even end up with a kiss!

8. Winter Song / Harry Chapin
There are not many songs that can make me dream of cold winter days. Most of the outdoor songs I enjoy involve warm weather. This particular song is definitely an exception. Harry sings, " I felt the wind blow ever colder, and suddenly you were there". Anyone that has ever kissed a lover as snowflakes tickled their nose will appreciate this beautiful song.

7. The Air that I Breath / The Hollies
Just when you think you need a new car or some new toy, a song like this one plays and blows the thought right out of your head. The Hollies had such a great outdoor vibe going on this song. They sang " peace came upon me and it leaves me weak". You really can't listen to this tune and not appreciate a clear sky.

6. Raindrops keep falling on my head / BJ Thomas
This is another outdoor song that can make you truly appreciate a rainy day. After all these years, I still smile and remember this song being in a movie. When BJ Thomas begins to whistle, any cares or worries you had will be long gone at least for the moment.

5. Aquarius / Let the Sun Shine / The Fifth Dimension
I am pretty sure my hair grows an inch every time I listen to this song. This tune not only makes you smile and think of far out days in the sun, it also takes you back to a place in time when long hair grew like the grass on the plains. Sitting still in a chair to listen to this song is just not an option. Crank it up and dance like no one can see you.

4. Out in the Woods / Leon Russell
There is a reason that Leon is known as the Master of space and time. His tunes not only make you long to be outdoors, they take you there. This song has a spooky feel that will remind you of being out in the dark and feeling like a child. When Leon sings " can't tell the bad from the good, I'm out in the woods", you'll be glad you're safe inside. Give this nature song a listen when you are cozy and comfortable.

3. Saturday in the Park / Chicago
If going out to grab lunch to go and eating it in the park is an option, you will certainly want to go for it after one listen of this outdoor song. Chicago had it all going. Not only could they transport you to the park with this song, they were also able to make you drool for an ice cream. Break this tune out and go have a picnic in the park as soon as possible.

2. Here Comes the Sun / George Harrison
The Beatles had more hits than most bands could ever dream of. This tune about the outdoors ranks as a top choice for all the groovy vibes it is able to bring out in people. When George sings " it's alright", it really is. You really can not listen to this song and not be happy to live in a world filled with sunshine.

1. Sunshine on my Shoulders / John Denver
John Denver is the coolest. With that said, he was an easy choice for the number one spot of all time great outdoor songs. His lyrics " sunshine almost always makes me high " describe perfectly what most of these songs do for people. They get us where we need to be. They make us feel good. John Denver was a master at delivering beautiful visuals through music. This tune delivers every time it's listened to.

Music is such a beautiful gift. Trying to describe all it does for people and all the feelings it can bring out is not an easy task. A favorite song can take you anywhere you want to go. It can make you happy when your sad. It can take you to your favorite spot in the world while you are working hard.

Try giving each one of these songs a listen next time you get the chance. The lyrics about the outdoors and nature are sure to make you smile and bring back some wonderful memories. Most important of all is that you sing along and let the music take you wherever you want to go.

Source :

My own records