Dive into the cool, refreshing world of music with our ultimate countdown of the best songs about swimming! Summer's here, and what better way to celebrate the sun, sand, and sea than with a playlist that perfectly captures the spirit of splashing around? Whether you're a seasoned swimmer perfecting your butterfly stroke or simply dreaming of a relaxing dip in the ocean, music can transport you straight to the water's edge. From nostalgic beach anthems to upbeat tracks that perfectly match the energy of a thrilling race, we've compiled a list that caters to every swimming mood. Forget the chlorine smell – let us transport you to the idyllic soundscapes that evoke the joy, freedom, and pure exhilaration of swimming. So, grab your headphones, take a deep breath, and prepare to be immersed in the best songs about swimming!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Swimming Pools | Kendrick Lamar | Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers | 208M+ |
| 2. Swim | Chase Atlantic | Chase Atlantic | 83M+ |
| 3. Swimming | The National | 35M+ | |
| 4. Into The Ocean | Blue October | 32M+ | |
| 5. Nightswimming | R.E.M. | 12M+ | |
| 6. Jump In The Pool | Friendly Fires | 4M+ | |
| 7. Swim Until You Can’t See Land | Frightened Rabbit | 3M+ |
1. Swimming Pools (2012)
Sound: Swimming Pools boasts a hazy, atmospheric production, perfectly capturing the languid feeling of being submerged in water. The beat is deceptively mellow, building tension subtly throughout the track.
Vocals: Kendrick Lamar's delivery is both vulnerable and captivating, his vocals weaving a narrative of escapism and the seductive nature of intoxication.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic undertones, paired with its summery vibe, create a complex emotional landscape that resonates deeply with listeners, particularly when considering themes of excess and the search for solace.
2. Swim (Chase Atlantic)
Sound: Chase Atlantic's "Swim" boasts a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape, perfectly capturing the sensation of floating underwater.
Vocals: The ethereal vocals blend seamlessly with the production, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience ideal for reflecting on the tranquility of swimming.
Emotional Impact: The song evokes a sense of peaceful escape and weightlessness, making it a perfect soundtrack for moments of relaxation or contemplation related to water.
3. Swimming
Sound: Swimming's languid, almost underwater-like soundscape perfectly captures the feeling of submerged weightlessness, creating a uniquely immersive listening experience.
Vocals: Matt Berninger's signature baritone adds a layer of melancholic introspection, enhancing the song's contemplative mood and making it resonate deeply with the feeling of isolation often associated with swimming.
Emotional Impact: The song’s subtle yet powerful emotional current evokes a sense of both peace and unease, mirroring the complex feelings one can experience while swimming alone.
4. Into The Ocean - 2025
Sound: "Into the Ocean" by Blue October features a driving, almost hypnotic rhythm that perfectly captures the feeling of being submerged and carried by the current.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet hopeful melody evokes a powerful sense of longing and release, mirroring the emotional depth often associated with swimming and the ocean.
Vocals: Justin Furstenfeld's emotive vocals add layers of vulnerability and introspection, enhancing the immersive and reflective experience of the song.
5. Nightswimming
Sound: Nightswimming's ethereal, atmospheric sound perfectly captures the feeling of a late-night swim, with its shimmering guitars and hushed vocals creating an immersive, dreamlike experience.
Vocals: Michael Stipe's understated vocals are hauntingly beautiful, conveying a sense of longing and nostalgia that enhances the song's evocative mood, making it ideal for reflective moments.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet peaceful tone evokes a powerful sense of serenity and contemplation, resonating deeply with the feeling of swimming under the stars.
6. Jump In The Pool (Friendly Fires - 2025)
Sound: Friendly Fires' "Jump In The Pool" boasts a vibrant, shimmering soundscape perfectly suited for a summer's day by the water, its upbeat tempo and infectious synth lines evoking a sense of carefree joy.
Rhythm: The song's driving rhythm is irresistible, making it ideal for splashing around or simply relaxing poolside; its energy is contagious and instantly elevates the mood.
Emotional Impact: The track’s overall feeling of lightheartedness and blissful escape makes it a quintessential soundtrack for aquatic adventures, transforming any swim into a memorable experience.
7. Swim Until You Can’t See Land (2008)
Sound: Frightened Rabbit's "Swim Until You Can't See Land" utilizes a driving, almost frantic rhythm that perfectly captures the feeling of desperate, relentless movement through water, mirroring the struggle implied in the title.
Vocals: Scott Hutchison's vocals are raw and emotionally charged, conveying a sense of both exhaustion and determination, making the listener feel the weight of the metaphorical swim.
Emotional Impact: The song's intensity and melancholic undertones create a powerful and immersive experience, making it a compelling listen for anyone who's felt the weight of an overwhelming challenge.
8. Swim - 2025
Sound: Swim boasts a driving, anthemic quality, perfectly capturing the feeling of powerful strokes through water.
Emotional Impact: The song's soaring vocals and hopeful lyrics evoke a sense of overcoming obstacles, mirroring the perseverance needed in swimming.
Rhythm: Its upbeat tempo and strong percussion create a dynamic and energetic feel, ideal for powering through a workout or celebrating a personal best.
9. Swim - 1998
Sound: Swim boasts a driving, propulsive beat that perfectly captures the feeling of gliding through water, enhanced by layered synth sounds that evoke a sense of depth and movement.
Vocals: Madonna's vocals are breathy and confident, mirroring the effortless grace of a strong swimmer, creating a hypnotic and immersive soundscape.
Emotional Impact: The song's overall feeling is one of liberation and escape, making it ideal for anyone seeking a soundtrack for their own personal journey of immersion and freedom.
10. Swim
Sound: Fickle Friends' "Swim" boasts a buoyant, shimmering soundscape, perfectly capturing the feeling of weightlessness and freedom associated with being in the water. The production is bright and airy, enhancing the song's carefree vibe.
Vocals: The vocals are bright and uplifting, adding to the overall joyful and energetic mood, ideal for playlists accompanying a relaxing swim or summer day.
Emotional Impact: "Swim" evokes a feeling of carefree joy and escape, making it an excellent choice for when you want a soundtrack to match the refreshing and liberating experience of swimming.
11Night Swimmers
Foals
2015
12The Swimming Song
Loudon Wainwright III
1973
13Swimming
Breathe Owl Breathe
2009
14Swimming Pool
Emmy the Great
2011
15My Friend Has a Swimming Pool
Mausi
2013
16Let’s Go Swimming Wild
Sweet Baboo
2013
17Swimming Pool Blues
Miniature Tigers
2014