Thunder and lightning are two of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Who doesn’t love a good thunder and lightning storm?
But they are also a source of fear for many people. For centuries, humans have been fascinated by these events and as you’ll see in this list, they have tried to capture their power in song.
Lightning is a particularly popular subject in music because of its spectacular visual displays. It is also one of the most dangerous weather events, so it often evokes feelings of fear but also excitement and electricity.
With that being said, today I’m going to cover what I believe are the 25 best songs about thunder in lightning.
What Are the Best Songs about Thunder and Lightning?
1. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
Of course, we have to start off this list with AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”. It’s a hard-rocking song about the power of thunder. Although you can’t really be “Thunderstruck” it more or less combines the power of thunder and lightning together.
The song was inspired by lead guitarist, Angus Young’s, near-death experience. He was traveling in a plane when they got caught up in a violent thunderstorm.
Thunderstruck, yeah, yeah, yeah
Thunderstruck, thunderstruck
With its driving beat and thunderous guitar riff, “Thunderstruck” is sure to get you, and everyone around you, feeling charged up.
2. “Light Up The Sky” by Thousand Foot Krutch
Athletes need good pump-up songs to feel charged up and win the game they’re about to play. So it’s no surprise that EA Sports used this song as the official NHL 13 game soundtrack.
Light up the sky
Watch me light the sky (light up the sky)
Light up the sky
Although this song doesn’t directly reference thunder and lightning, the words “light up the sky” refer exactly to what lightning does during a storm.
At its core, this song is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re fighting an uphill battle and need that extra push to beat the competition. It’s about never giving up and never backing down. No matter what life throws your way.
3. “Thunder” by Image Dragons
An adrenaline rush of a song, “Thunder” is about living life on your own terms.
Throughout the entire song, Dan Reynolds’ vocals remain front and center bringing further attention to the message of the tune.
Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning and the thunder
A fast-paced tune for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, this song is all about doing your own thing and not conforming to society’s standards.
With a catchy chorus and driving beat, “Thunder” is perfect for anyone who wants to get energized and feel empowered.
4. “Thunder Island” by Jay Ferguson
Jay Ferguson’s “Thunder Island” is all about summer love.
Caught by the rain and blinded by the lightning
We rode the storm out there on Thunder Island
The lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of being swept up in a summer romance and the happiness that comes with it.
The song paints a beautiful picture of spending time on an island, surrounded by the sun and the sea. However, the idyllic mood is interrupted by a thunderstorm, which acts as a metaphor for the end of the relationship.
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5. “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen
Thunder Road was released as one of the songs on Springsteen’s mega-album Born to Run.
This song doesn’t follow traditional song structure and does a great job at telling a story as it’s all verses and no chorus.
Oh-oh, Thunder Road
Oh, Thunder Road, oh, Thunder Road
This song’s message is about taking a chance and leaving home in search of something better. Broadening your horizons is something that Springsteen is passionate about in this song and it encourages the listener to take risks and believe in themselves.
With lyrics that are both poetic and relatable, “Thunder Road” is a classic that will never get old.
6. “Lightning Bolt” by Jake Bugg
Many people who hear Jake Bugg for the first time will probably say he sounds like a young Bob Dylan.
He’s got a unique timbre to his voice which lends itself well to the folk-inspired acoustic style of music that he plays.
When it’s you who’s standing in the path of a lightning bolt
In this song, Jake sings of the dangers of walking in the path of a lightning bolt. It uses 3 basic chords so if you want to learn how to play it how guitar it shouldn’t be hard.
It’s a fast-paced song with strong distorted vocals that will leave you feeling amped up.
7. “Electric Love” by Børns
It’s cool to see how each artist interprets the phenomenon of thunder and lightning in their own way. Børns takes the electric aspect of lightning and created a song that combines love and the electric feel that it can evoke.
And every night my mind is running around her
Thunder’s getting louder and louder
“Baby you’re like lightning in a bottle” is another example of a lyric that really paints the picture of how powerful and beautiful lightning can be.
The song is a perfect choice for any wedding or party playlist.
Read Next: 31 Guitar Love Songs Guys Learn to Impress Girls
8. “Ride the Lightning” by Metallica
“Ride the Lightning” is a dark and ominous song about a prisoner who is facing execution.
This is the first song on this list of songs about thunder and lightning where things take a turn toward something more sinister
Flash before my eyes
Now it’s time to die
It’s a song full of fear and despair, as the prisoner contemplates his fate. The song is heavy and intense, with thundering drums and lightning-fast guitar riffs.
Metallica is known for writing songs about death, despair, and darkness, and “Ride the Lightning” certainly falls into that category.
9. “Living in Lightning” by City and Colour
“Living in Lightning” is a sad ballad about coping with the aftermath of a broken relationship.
I’ve been living in lightning for what seems like eternity
The meaning of the words living in lightning can be open to interpretation. Some may believe that it is a metaphor for being in a state of shock or confusion while others may view it as a way of describing living in an emotionally charged atmosphere.
The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone who has been left shattered and alone after their partner has walked away.
Regardless of its meaning, it’s a heartful song full of emotions that can be plainly heard through the singer’s voice.
10. “Lightning” by The Glorious Sons
The Glorious Sons are a Canadian rock band from Ontario.
They’re known for their hard-hitting tracks filled with powerful vocals, distorted guitars, and pounding drums. And this modern rock tune is no different.
Wake up, Come on and catch a little lightning,
There’s darker places than this, There’s darker places than this.
This song explores the allure of recklessness and risk-taking. The lyrics capture the excitement of living life on the edge, where anything can happen.
11. “Thunder and Lightning” by Phil Collins
Phil Collins is a master at songwriting. If he offered a songwriting course it would definitely be a hit.
The way he is able to use words to portray emotion and create memorable melodies is something that many songwriters aspire to achieve.
‘Cos they said thunder and they said lightning
It would never strike twice
I believe the meaning behind this song is all about taking advantage of second chances. You won’t know if you don’t try and even if it doesn’t work out the first time, you can learn and try again.
The song’s upbeat and optimistic message is sure to put a little pep in your step.
12. “Thunder Underground” by Ozzy Osbourne
We couldn’t have a list of songs about thunder and lightning without mentioning one from the Prince of Darkness himself.
Ozzy’s “Thunder Underground” dark song about someone who think’s they’re better than everyone else but Ozzy basically says “you won’t be so clever when you’re underground”.
You won’t think you’re so clever
When you hear thunder underground
In other words, it’s about people who are blinded by their own egos and who think they’re above everyone else. But judgement day comes for all of us so it’s better to be humble while we’re here.
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13. “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks
“The Thunder Rolls” was released in 1991 on Garth’s album No Fences.
The song is about a man who is cheating on his wife and the consequences that come with it. The thunder in the song represents the husband’s conscience, which is trying to warn him of the potential danger he is in.
And the thunder rolls
And the thunder rolls
The husband eventually realizes the error of his ways and tries to make things right with his wife, but it’s too late.
The song is a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of infidelity. Brooks’ delivery is impeccable, and the song’s simple yet effective lyrics make it one of his most memorable hits with this tune becoming his sixth number-one song on the country charts. Impressive!
14. “God of Thunder” by Kiss
For a song entitled “God of Thunder” you’d expect something grandiose, heavy on effects, and epic. And that’s exactly what Kiss delivers with this song.
It’s a powerful and dramatic song that showcases the band’s musical skills and use of effects like explosions, clapping, kids screaming, and more.
Trained to reign as the one
God of thunder and rock and roll
The lyrics are about a mythical god who brings down his wrath on those who cross him. The song is full of intense energy and good old rock and roll.
15. “Thunder in My Heart” by Leo Sayer
With a thumping beat and an infectious disco-like melody, “Thunder in My Heart” is the perfect song to get your feet moving. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is head-over-heels in love with a woman who isn’t sure if she feels the same way.
And i feel a thunder in my heart that i can’t control
I feel a thunder in my heart
He comes the love that he’s feeling to thunder in his heart. The song has a bright, upbeat sound, and its chorus is incredibly catchy. If you’re a fan of disco and lyrics sung with great passion, you’ll love “Thunder in My Heart”.
16. “Lightning” by Eric Church
“Lightning” is a somber tune about a man’s journey to his final days. The lyrics are written in a way that allows the listener to feel the character’s desperation and fear as he faces his imminent death.
Tonight I ride the lightning
To my final judgment day
The song paints a vivid picture of the a man who killed a liquor store attendant and now must pay the price with his own life.
Similar to Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” this “lightning” reference in this song also alludes to the electricity that will be used to take his life in an electric chair.
Read Next: 25 Songs About Ghosts That Will Send Chills Down Your Spine
17. “Thunder in the Rain” by Kane Brown
Kane Brown’s song “Thunder in the Rain” perfectly captures the electric feel of a relationship that’s new and exciting.
You’re fire, I’m lightning
We’re burning at the core
The lyrics depict the passion and intensity of two people who are madly in love with each other.
It paints a picture of a relationship that’s full of excitement, adventure, and passion. It’s the perfect song for anyone who is in a relationship that they can’t get enough of.
18. “Heavy Metal Thunder” by Saxon
“Heavy Metal Thunder” is a call to arms for metalheads everywhere.
Starting the song off with sounds of rain and thunder this tune certainly earned its right to be on this list.
With heavy metal thunder
Heavy metal thunder
With lyrics that urge listeners to “fill your heads with heavy metal thunder,” this song is perfect for getting pumped up during a workout or before a night out.
Whether you’re a headbanger or just love a good metal anthem, Saxon’s “Heavy Metal Thunder” is sure to get you ready to rock.
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19. “Saw Lightning” by Beck
This song features the word “lightning” 36 times. So, I think it’s safe to say that this song is indeed about lightning. More specifically “seeing lightning”
There was a day I saw lightning
There was a day I saw lightning (I saw lightning)
The lyrics are a poetic account of one man’s journey. The song paints a vivid picture of the natural world, from sycamore trees to temples burning and prison walls.
20. “Thunder Kiss ’65” By White Zombie
If you can decipher all the lyrics to this one just by listening to it then you deserve a transcription award.
On a more serious note, White Zombie’s “Thunder Kiss ’65” is a song about a wild, carefree lifestyle.
Agony said ‘Ecstasy’ in overdrive she come a riding on the world
Thunder kiss’n 1965
The song celebrates hedonism and recklessness, with the singer’s voice sounding like a constant roll of thunder.
Okay okay… I’m done with the bad jokes.
21. “Thunder And Lightning” By Chi Coltrane
Chi Coltrane’s 1972 hit “Thunder and Lightning” is a perfect storm of sound, blending her soaring vocals with hard-driving rock instrumentation.
Thunder and Lightning
I tell you it’s frightening
Coltrane’s lyrics explore the feeling of being caught in the middle of a storm, metaphorically, as she falls in love with someone.
Love can be a complicated feeling and to some, like Chi Coltrane, it’s best described as feeling like thunder and lightning.
22. “Lightning Strikes The Postman” By The Flaming Lips
Oh the poor postman. Always been chased by dogs and now being struck by lightning. What else could go wrong?
“Lightning Strikes The Postman” is a song about the supernatural. It tells the story of a postman who continuously gets struck by lightning, whether it be in his hand, chest, or even head.
Lightning strikes the postman in his hand
The lyrics are written in a wry and humorous tone, making light of the situation. So the next time your package is late, just remember, the postman could have been struck by lightning, creating a supernatural delay.
23. “Thunder” By Jessie J
Thunder by Jessie J is a unique song that combines elements of pop, rock, and EDM. The result is a catchy, uplifting tune that is perfect for singing along to.
Like thunder, thunder, thunder, oh
Thunder, thunder, thunder
“Thunder” gives “Saw Lightning” a run for its money by using the word “thunder” a total of 33 times throughout the song. That’s a lot of thunder!
The lyrics are about achieving success and having someone by your side to lift you up – making it an inspiring song for anyone who is struggling.
Jessie J’s powerful vocals convey the emotion of the lyrics perfectly, and the overall production of the song is top-notch.
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24. “Lightning Bolt” By Pearl Jam
Not to be confused with Jack Bugg’s “Lightning Bolt” this lightning bolt was written and performed by Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder’s vocals are impassioned as he sings of a woman who comes “on like a stone.”
She’s a lightning bolt
Lightning bolt
Lightning bolt
The exact meaning of the lyrics are open to interpretation, but the song can be read as a metaphor for the power and unpredictability of love. If she’s a lightning bolt she likely is strong willed, powerful, and maybe even leaves a path of destruction in her wake.
25. “The Shock Of The Lightning” By Oasis
“Can you play Wonderwall”… Oops different song.
“The Shock of the Lightning” was released as Oasis’s first single from their sixth studio album, Dig Out Your Soul. The song was written by Noel Gallagher and features lead vocals from Liam Gallagher.
I’m coming up in the early morning
I feel love in the shock of the lightning
This tune is an uptempo rock song with sprinkled-in elements of psychedelic rock.
The song reflects on the idea that love is a time machine that can take you back to the past and make you feel alive again.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a little stormy weather in your music or just want to appreciate the awesome power of a thunderstorm, these songs about thunder and lightning fit the bill.
From classics like “The Thunder Rolls” to more modern tracks like “Thunder” by Jessie J, there’s a song for every taste.
So crank up the volume and let the stormy sounds of thunder and lightning take you away.
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