Purple is the color of royalty, dusk and a certain dreamy haze, and songwriters treat it that way. This list pulls together the purples, violets, lavenders and lilacs into one playlist.
Updated 2026
Purple Rain by Prince 1984
The towering ballad that turned a color into a feeling.
Read the meaning behind the songPurple Haze by Jimi Hendrix 1967
A scuzzy, mind-bending riff that scrambled the senses.
Deep Purple by Nino Tempo & April Stevens 1963
A lush old standard about a love that returns at nightfall.
Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley 1958
A goofy novelty smash about a friendly one-eyed alien.
Lavender Haze by Taylor Swift 2022
Staying wrapped in a purple glow and tuning out the noise.
Lilac Wine by Jeff Buckley 1994
An intoxicating, woozy ache sung almost in a whisper.
Violet Hill by Coldplay 2008
A wintry, brooding song with a quiet political bite.
Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly) by Sammy Turner 1959
An old nursery rhyme turned into a sweet doo-wop hit.
Ultraviolet (Light My Way) by U2 1991
A pleading, glowing anthem for a love that guides you home.
Lavender by Marillion 1985
A bright, romantic single built on an old children's verse.
Violets for Your Furs by Frank Sinatra 1954
A small, tender gift of flowers on a cold winter night.