How Blue Moon Songs Reflect the Rare Lunar Event of 2023

The night sky is a source of inspiration for many artists, especially when it features a rare phenomenon like a blue moon. A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month, which happens about once every three years.

A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. When these two events coincide, we get a super blue moon, which is even rarer and more spectacular.

The last super blue moon occurred today, and it was visible around the world. Many people took to social media to share their photos and videos of the lunar show, which also featured Saturn as a bright point near the moon. According to NASA, the next super blue moon will not happen until 2037.

How Blue Moon Songs Reflect Our Fascination With the Rare Celestial Event

What does a blue moon have to do with music? As it turns out, quite a lot. The phrase “once in a blue moon” is often used to express something that is very uncommon or unlikely. This sense of rarity and wonder has inspired many songwriters to use the blue moon as a metaphor for love, longing, or luck.

Exhibit A: Blue Moon – Richard Rodgers

One of the most famous songs that features a blue moon is “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, written in 1934. The song has a fascinating history, as it was originally composed for a movie that was never made, then revised for another movie that cut it out, then rewritten again for a third movie that finally used it.

The song became a standard ballad that was recorded by many artists, such as Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Elvis Presley, and Sam Cooke.

The lyrics of “Blue Moon” express the feeling of loneliness and despair that turns into joy and hope when the narrator finds true love. The blue moon represents both the sadness and the happiness of the narrator, as well as the rarity and beauty of their love.

Exhibit B: ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ by Bill Monroe

Another song that uses the blue moon as a symbol of love is “Blue Moon of Kentucky” by Bill Monroe, written in 1944. The song is considered one of the first bluegrass songs, and it was later covered by Elvis Presley in his rockabilly style. The song tells the story of a man who lost his woman to another man, and he asks the blue moon of Kentucky to keep on shining on him until he finds another one.

The song also reflects the cultural significance of the blue moon in Kentucky, where it is associated with folklore and superstition. According to some legends, the blue moon can grant wishes or bring good luck. The song also references the state’s nickname, “the Bluegrass State”, which comes from the bluish hue of the grass in some regions.

Exhibit C: “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again”

A third song that mentions a blue moon is “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again” by Wiley Walker and Gene Sullivan, written in 1940. The song was popularized by Eddy Arnold and later recorded by Elvis Presley and others. The song expresses the hope that a broken relationship can be mended someday, when the blue moon turns to gold again.

The song uses the imagery of the blue moon turning to gold to suggest a change of fortune or fate. The blue moon symbolizes the sorrow and regret of the past, while the gold moon represents the happiness and prosperity of the future. The song also implies that such a change is very unlikely or rare, just like a blue moon.

These are just some examples of how songs have used the blue moon as a theme or motif to convey different emotions and meanings. The blue moon is not only a stunning sight in the sky, but also a powerful source of creativity and expression for musicians and listeners alike.