Whether it’s because of the bright yellow shade of sunflowers that reminds us of warm summer days or its solar tracking that some say is a symbol of loyalty, adoration, and optimism, one thing’s for sure: a lot of musicians and songwriters have added this flower into their songs. And this list of songs and lyrics about sunflowers includes some of the best.
1. Sunflower By Post Malone And Swae Lee
One of the best songs and lyrics about sunflowers is this 2018 hit from Post Malone and Swae Lee. This single, which is the soundtrack of the movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks. And although it was released six years ago, its popularity endures as it is now 18x platinum as of May 13, 2023,
2. Sunflower By Lenny Kravitz Ft. Drake
Lenny Kravitz and Drake collaborating might seem odd, but in 2011, the two artists did, in fact, team up to produce a funky and groovy R&B song about appreciating your partner, or as Kravitz sings, “You’re my sunflower. You’re making it feel that everything is alright.”
3. Sunflower, Vol. 6 By Harry Styles
Like many songs and lyrics about sunflowers, Harry Styles uses sunflowers as a symbol for the person he loves. As a matter of fact, in the intro, Styles immediately sings his admiration, “Sunflower, my eyes want you more than a melody.”
The song is part of Style’s Fine Line, which received critical acclaim for songs like “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You.” As a matter of fact, the album debuted at number 1 on Billboard, cementing his success as a solo artist after One Direction disbanded.
4. Sunflower By Rex Orange County
Rex Orange County’s Sunflower may not be as mainstream as other songs on this list, but this certified platinum hit is a fan favorite because of its raw, relatable, and emotional lyrics.Â
Despite the song’s nod to depression – “When you’re not around, and I’m feeling down“- the song has an upbeat tune, coupled with a music video set in sunny Los Angeles with Rex Orange County biking around the neighborhood looking for his sunflower.
5. Sunflower By Vampire Weekend ft. Steve Lacy
Vampire Weekend’s Sunflower is a catchy tune that, you guessed it right, mentions “sunflower” in the lyrics, on the first and the third verse, to be more precise.
It was written in 2019 as part of their Father of the Bride LP. It features Steve Lacy from The Internet.
6. Sunflower Feelings By Kuzu Mellow
Unlike other songs about sunflowers, Kuzu Mellow’s “Sunflower Feelings” doesn’t mention the flower at all. The song does, however, express loyalty, sincerity, and devotion – “It’s just the two of us, my dear. Listen to me, don’t you hear.” In love, sunflowers symbolize unwavering or unconditional love.
7. Sunflower by Glen Campbell
If you’re looking for country music, Glen Campbell’s Sunflower is a must-listen. This song, which Neil Diamond wrote, is about wanting someone – “Sunflower, fair warning. I’m gonna love you if you come my way.”
8. Sunflower Seeds by Bryce VineÂ
Sunflower Seeds is a track from Bryce Vine’s debut album, Carnival. Vine’s song, which was released in 2016, is a feel-good hip-hop tune that mentions the delicious snack in the first line. “40 ounces and a pack of ranch sunflower seeds.” One of the later lines in the song, “This is all I ever wanted in life.”
Eight years later, Vine took to TikTok to reminisce on the song’s success, writing: “I wrote and recorded Sunflower Seeds in 2016, and it still pops every summer. This is all I ever wanted in life…”
9. Little Sunflower by Freddie HubbardÂ
Influential jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard released “Little Sunflower” in 1967. It has a strong melody and a light funk groove. Interestingly, it is a longer song for contemporary music, at 9:20. (And that’s after he cut it down from the previous instrumental versions that ran over 16 minutes).Â
Hubbard’s song about sunflowers also features several solos for the piano, trumpet, and tenor sax, which make it an excellent piece for band students to play.
10. Sunflower by Neil DiamondÂ
In 2018, Neil Diamond released his 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition album, which included the song “Sunflower,” which he wrote for Glen Campbell. But unlike Campbell’s version, Diamond’s “Sunflower” ends with: “I’m reelin’, with feelin’/ Know someday / Soon I’m gonna make you mine.”
11. Sunflower by The Courteeners
“Sunflower” is the third track on The Courteeners’ Concrete Love album. It is an indie, feel-good song about falling in love with someone who stands tall like a sunflower in “six acres of concrete wasteland.”
12. Sunflower by Michele Leigh
Michele Leigh is a self-proclaimed “bedroom pop” artist – she records all of her songs in her room! Her song “Sunflower,” which received more than 800,000 views on YouTube, talks about the difficulties of moving on after a breakup. In the chorus, Leigh sings, “Sunflower, can’t let you go. You’ve got such a hold. How did you get so cold?”
13. Sunflowers for Alfred Roy by Mariah CareyÂ
Sunflowers for Alfred Roy is Mariah Carey’s touching tribute to her father, Alfred Roy Carey. In this song, Carey thanks her father, who is now “Shining like a sunflower up in the sky.”
14. Sunflower by Jessie J
In 2023, Jessie J announced on Instagram her pregnancy, and the song playing in the clip? It’s none other than her song “Sunflower.”
Although you can’t find a studio version online, the song’s thoughtful lyrics – “I’m growing with you, you’re my sunflower” combined with Jessie J’s voice and the sweet piano arrangement make it a worthwhile listen.