21 Songs About Ghosts (2023)

No book can fully explain to you the fears, ambiguities, questions, and mysteries that the concept of “ghosts” carries. Perhaps, that is the reason why our curiosity is easily aroused when this topic is brought to the table.

Fear not, for the majority of these best songs about ghosts are not scary at all, but instead…” boo!”…profoundly bleak. Oops! Hope you were ready for that!

21. Casper The Friendly Ghost – Little Richard

I don’t wanna spook you with our opening track, so here’s a friendly ghost for you! Have you ever watched the popular animated cartoon Casper the Friendly Ghost? If so, you must have been stuck in a loop with this upbeat and enjoyable song. Performed by Little Richard, this is the theme song for the aforementioned 1945 film.

20. ghostin’ – Ariana Grande

The soulful song “ghostin’,” which Ariana Grande included in her Thank U, Next album, is among the saddest songs she has ever written. Your heart will feel like fragile glass that will break a thousand times listening to her angelic voice and these heartbreaking lyrics, especially if you know the people she is singing about.

19. Ghost of You – 5 Seconds of Summer

Off of 5 Seconds of Summer’s 2018 album titled Youngblood is this pop song that will engrave grief, loss, and regret in you.  “Ghost of You” is about someone who is drowning himself in mourning over the death of a lover and cannot do anything but reminisce about her memories and just dance with her ghost.

18. My Immortal – Evanescence

There is no way “My Immortal” won’t leave an immortal mark on you after listening to it. This indie song belongs to their 2003 album Fallen. The persona talks about a spirit that still haunts her every single day. This song is so raw and soul-crushing that you will cry a river.

17. Give Up The Ghost – Radiohead

The next one is an ethereal track from Radiohead’s album The King of Limbs, which was released in 2011. For the whole duration of four minutes and 50 seconds, the lyrics are just a loop of several lines, which gives this indie song a nostalgic and hypnotizing effect that will calm you.

16. Ghost – Halsey

Halsey’s pop song Ghost is a metaphor for the lost soul that was once there. The lyrics describe the cold, empty relationship that she’s in. This indie pop track is part of her album Badlands, which was released in 2015. The overall arrangement of this song will surely hook you.

15. American Ghost Dance – Red Hot Chili Peppers

The song “American Ghost Dance” by Red Hot Chili Peppers offers a completely different plot. This rock song from the band’s 1985 album Freaky Styley discusses the destruction of peaceful Indian tribes by white Americans when they arrived in the country. It has a funky and groovy vibe that you’ll enjoy.

14. The Ghost on the Shore – Lord Huron

Before the verse line comes, a solemn harmonica melody plays for 55 seconds at the beginning of “The Ghost on the Shore.” You will be seduced by the alluring melody and enigmatic lines of this folk song from the rock band Lord Huron’s album Lonesome Dreams.

13. The Ghost of Tom Joad – Bruce Springsteen

The title track of Bruce Springsteen’s 1996 album is the folk-rock song “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” While writing this folk-rock song, Springsteen drew inspiration from Tom Joad, the main character of John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath. You’ll regret not discovering this incredible work of art!

12. Ghost Behind My Eyes – Ozzmosis

Ozzy Osbourne’s phenomenal album, Ozzmosis, which was released in 1995, features a track that will make you fall in love with classic rock if you haven’t yet. “Ghost Behind My Eyes” is about our own demons that always The combination of the bass lines, the drum beats, and Ozzy’s spectacular voice deserves praise.

11. The Ghost Of You – My Chemical Romance

Make some noise, all you MCR fans out there! “The Ghost of You” is a track on My Chemical Romance’s album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. This alternative-rock song will open your eyes and make you appreciate the ones you’re still with, as the song entails the suffering and pain of someone losing a partner.

10. Ghost – Ella Henderson

Back to the fresh tracks, we bring you the song “Ghost” from Ella Henderson’s album titled Voices. Though this R&B song is lively and upbeat, the lyrics are deep and depressing. Her amazing vocals and the song itself will make you find yourself coming back to this piece over and over once you’ve heard it.

9. The Ghost Inside – Broken Bells

A woman giving everything up, even her very own soul, in exchange for dollars is the plot of “The Ghost Inside” by the Broken Bells. This alternative song belongs to their self-titled album. Make sure you give this track a listen and be astounded by what great musicians they are!

8. Ghost of the Navigator – Iron Maiden

“Ghost of the Navigator” by the heavy metal band Iron Maiden will never bore your ears. It is a metal song from the 2000 album titled Ghost of the Navigator. The instrumentation of this song will definitely awaken your soul, while the poetic lines will have you thinking.

7. Ghost Rider in the Sky – Johnny Cash

A country song from one of the most renowned country artists is joining the list! We have Johnny Cash’s “Ghost Rider in the Sky” from his album Silver. It tells the tale of a young cowboy being warned by the ghost riders to take a different path or else he’ll suffer the same fate as them.

6. HOLY GHOST – Future

A rap song has made the cut! We present Future’s “HOLY GHOST.” Yup, all caps. This rap song is part of his album, I Never Liked You. It has already received over 15 million YouTube views since its debut last year. You are fired up by the music because of how well-balanced the beats and flow are.

5. Two Ghosts – Harry Styles

As you listen to this song by Harry Styles from his self-titled album, you’ll feel both pain and chills. He makes reference to himself and his ex-lover and how they are not who they used to be, like “two ghosts,” in this pop song. After midnight is the best time to listen to this fantastic piece.

4. Ghost on the dance floor – Blink-182

In 2011, Blink-182 dropped an alternative-rock song to their Neighborhoods album that you’ll instantly add to your rock playlist. This sad song expresses the sorrow and pain of remembering a loved one’s brief life with the lyrics, “I felt your ghost tonight, and I felt like hell.” Listening to this during a quiet night will evoke a nostalgic ache in you.

3.  The Ghost of Beverly Drive – Death Cab for Cutie

Off the band Death Cab for Cutie’s album Kintsugi, which means “to join with gold” in Japanese, is the track “The Ghost of Beverly Drive.” It is an indie song that will resonate with almost everyone, no matter what they’re going through. With its words and melody, it will both captivate and haunt you.

2. Misguided Ghosts –Paramore

The vulnerability in this piece from Paramore will comfort you by filling your eyes with tears. This alternative-rock song is way too beautiful and special not to listen to. “Misguided Ghosts” is from the band’s album, Brand New Eyes. It’s’ about how she sees herself as a misguided ghost, just like the rest of us, who is lost and empty.

1. Ghost – Justin Bieber

“Belieb” it or not, we’re down to the last ghost track! Not only your heart will be moved but your soul as well. This masterpiece is among the meaningful songs from Justin Bieber’s 2021 album Justice. It’s a pop song about mourning a loved one. Its agony and beauty will make you want to listen to it endlessly.