World Pulses Day celebrates the nutritional powerhouse that pulses represent while promoting sustainable agriculture and food security globally. Music has always been a universal language that brings people together, much like how pulses unite cultures through shared culinary traditions. This curated collection of 20 songs perfectly captures the spirit of growth, sustainability, and nourishment that World Pulses Day embodies, featuring tracks that celebrate earth, harvest, and the simple joys of wholesome living.
Music lovers seeking the perfect soundtrack for World Pulses Day will find this selection spans multiple genres and eras, from timeless classics to fresh releases. Whether you’re hosting a farm-to-table dinner, organizing a community garden event, or simply want to honor this important day through sound, these tracks offer rhythms as rich and diverse as the pulse family itself. The following songs have been carefully selected for their thematic relevance, musical quality, and ability to inspire appreciation for sustainable food systems and the natural world.
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong’s timeless masterpiece stands as one of the most uplifting celebrations of Earth’s natural beauty ever recorded. The song’s gentle orchestration and Armstrong’s gravelly yet tender vocals create an atmosphere of profound gratitude for the simple wonders surrounding us daily. Its message aligns perfectly with World Pulses Day’s emphasis on appreciating sustainable food sources that the earth provides, reminding listeners to cherish the trees of green and skies of blue that make agriculture possible.
Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
George Harrison’s iconic contribution to The Beatles’ catalog emerged as a beacon of hope and renewal that resonates with themes of growth and new beginnings. The song’s bright acoustic guitar work and progressively building arrangement mirror the journey from seed to harvest that pulses undertake. Written during a particularly dreary English winter, this track celebrates the return of warmth and life, much like how pulses represent vitality and sustenance across global communities.
Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s environmental anthem delivered a powerful message about preserving natural spaces and sustainable practices decades before climate change became mainstream discourse. The song’s catchy melody contrasts with its serious warning about paving paradise and putting up parking lots, making it highly relevant to World Pulses Day’s advocacy for sustainable agriculture. Mitchell’s playful yet pointed lyrics remind us that we often don’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone, a sentiment that applies perfectly to preserving agricultural biodiversity including pulse varieties.
Earth Song by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s passionate environmental plea stands as one of pop music’s most dramatic statements on planetary stewardship and ecological responsibility. The song builds from a whispered questioning to a powerful cry for awareness about what humanity has done to the earth. Its operatic scale and emotional intensity make it an ideal anthem for World Pulses Day, as it calls attention to the interconnectedness of all living things and our responsibility to nurture rather than exploit natural resources.
Harvest Moon by Neil Young
Neil Young’s romantic ballad captures the magic of harvest time with gentle acoustic guitars and imagery of dancing under autumn skies. The song celebrates agricultural cycles and the bounty that comes from patient cultivation, themes central to pulse production worldwide. Young’s warm vocals and the track’s swaying rhythm evoke the satisfaction of reaping what you’ve sown, a literal and metaphorical concept that underlies sustainable farming practices championed on World Pulses Day.
Fields of Gold by Sting
Sting crafted this pastoral masterpiece as a meditation on fields of barley and the passage of seasons in agricultural landscapes. The song’s delicate acoustic arrangement and vivid imagery transport listeners to countryside expanses where crops grow under summer sun. Its themes of natural beauty, seasonal cycles, and the enduring relationship between humans and cultivated land make it exceptionally fitting for celebrating pulses, which have sustained civilizations for millennia across golden fields worldwide.
Imagine by John Lennon
John Lennon’s utopian vision advocates for a world without division, where resources are shared equitably among all people. The song’s minimalist piano arrangement allows its powerful message of unity and possibility to shine through clearly. World Pulses Day shares this vision of global cooperation, as pulses offer affordable nutrition that could help address food insecurity if distributed and valued appropriately across nations and communities.
Garden Song by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers’ introspective indie track from 2020 uses gardening metaphors to explore themes of growth, patience, and tending to what matters most. The song’s gentle instrumentation and Bridgers’ ethereal vocals create an intimate atmosphere that feels like watching seeds slowly break through soil. As one of the newer releases on this list, it demonstrates how contemporary artists continue finding fresh ways to connect with agricultural imagery and the meaningful work of cultivation.
Don’t Go Near the Water by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys departed from their typical surf sound to deliver this environmental warning about water pollution and ecosystem protection. The song’s message about preserving clean water sources directly relates to sustainable pulse farming, which requires significantly less water than many protein alternatives. Its upbeat melody paired with serious lyrical content makes complex environmental issues accessible, much like how World Pulses Day aims to make sustainable nutrition approachable for everyone.
Mother Earth by Neil Young
Neil Young appears twice on this list because his extensive catalog deeply engages with environmental themes and agricultural life. This particular track serves as a direct address to the planet, acknowledging our dependence on earth’s generosity and cycles. The song’s folk-rock arrangement and earnest delivery emphasize the sacred relationship between humans and the soil that grows our food, including the humble yet mighty pulses celebrated each February.
Garden by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
This 2012 electronic track brings contemporary dance music energy to themes of natural growth and personal cultivation. The song’s pulsing beats and layered synths create a modern soundscape that appeals to younger audiences while maintaining thematic relevance. Its title and lyrics metaphorically explore tending to relationships and personal development like a gardener tends plants, connecting digital-age listeners with timeless agricultural wisdom that World Pulses Day promotes.
Blessings by Chance the Rapper feat. Jamila Woods
Chance the Rapper’s 2016 release expresses profound gratitude for life’s gifts, both material and spiritual, over gospel-influenced production. The song’s message of appreciation aligns beautifully with World Pulses Day’s call to recognize and celebrate often-overlooked food sources that nourish billions. Jamila Woods’ soaring vocals on the chorus elevate the track into an anthem of thankfulness that reminds listeners to value simple sustenance alongside life’s more celebrated blessings.
Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas by Judy Kuhn
This Disney classic challenges listeners to see nature as sacred rather than as resources to exploit for profit. The song’s sweeping orchestration and poetic lyrics teach respect for all living things and the interconnected web of life. Its message resonates strongly with World Pulses Day’s emphasis on sustainable agriculture that works with rather than against natural systems, honoring the wisdom that indigenous peoples have practiced for generations.
Garden Song by David Mallett
Not to be confused with Phoebe Bridgers’ track, David Mallett’s folk classic from 1975 has become an anthem for gardeners and sustainable living advocates worldwide. The song chronicles the simple joy of planting an inch-by-inch, row-by-row garden and watching it flourish through patient care. Its straightforward acoustic arrangement and memorable chorus have made it a staple at farmers markets and environmental gatherings, perfectly capturing the grassroots spirit of World Pulses Day celebrations.
One Love by Bob Marley
Bob Marley’s message of unity and collective well-being transcends musical genres to become a universal call for harmony among all people. The song’s reggae rhythm and Marley’s distinctive vocals create an irresistibly uplifting atmosphere that encourages listeners to come together. World Pulses Day similarly promotes unity through shared recognition of pulses as a common nutritional foundation across diverse cultures, making this track an ideal addition to any celebration playlist.
Earth by Lil Dicky
This 2019 collaborative charity single featuring dozens of artists brought environmental awareness to hip-hop and pop audiences with humor and star power. The song’s playful approach to serious climate issues makes sustainability accessible to listeners who might otherwise tune out environmental messaging. Its all-star lineup and catchy hook helped raise both funds and awareness for environmental causes, demonstrating how music can mobilize action on issues central to World Pulses Day’s mission.
Green Green Grass of Home by Tom Jones
Tom Jones’ powerful rendition of this country classic evokes deep nostalgia for rural landscapes and the comfort of familiar agricultural settings. The song’s emotional delivery and vivid imagery transport listeners to countryside homes surrounded by fields and natural beauty. While the lyrics reveal a bittersweet twist, the overwhelming feeling is one of connection to land and place, sentiments that drive many people’s passion for sustainable local food systems including pulse cultivation.
Rooting for You by Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara’s 2021 release uses plant growth as an extended metaphor for supporting someone’s personal development and watching them flourish. The song’s contemporary R&B production and encouraging lyrics make agricultural imagery feel fresh and relevant to younger audiences. Its message of patient support and belief in eventual blooming connects directly with the patient work of pulse farmers who nurture crops from planting through harvest season.
The Seed (2.0) by The Roots feat. Cody ChesnuTT
This alternative hip-hop track from 2002 cleverly uses seed planting as metaphor while delivering an incredibly catchy and energetic musical experience. The collaboration between The Roots’ live instrumentation and Cody ChesnuTT’s raw vocals creates a unique sound that feels both organic and innovative. The song’s agricultural references and themes of growth make it a perfect addition to World Pulses Day playlists, especially when seeking tracks with more contemporary urban appeal.
Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations
While not explicitly about agriculture, this 1968 classic’s title references a common garden plant and its infectious melody captures the joy of simple, reliable pleasures. The song’s upbeat brass arrangement and irresistible chorus have made it a timeless feel-good track that brings people together. Much like pulses themselves—unpretentious, reliable, and universally appreciated—this song reminds us that sometimes the most enduring favorites are the ones that have been around longest, providing consistent nourishment across generations.
Why World Pulses Day Deserves a Soundtrack
The United Nations designated February 10th as World Pulses Day to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits and environmental sustainability of pulses including beans, lentils, chickpeas, and dried peas. Music serves as an ideal medium for celebrating this day because it transcends language barriers and cultural differences, much like pulses themselves appear in cuisines worldwide. Creating themed playlists helps make abstract concepts like sustainable agriculture more tangible and emotionally resonant for diverse audiences who might not otherwise engage with food policy discussions.
These 20 songs collectively create a narrative about humanity’s relationship with the earth, the importance of sustainable practices, and the joy found in simple natural abundance. Whether you’re exploring different songs for your celebration or seeking the perfect listening experience with quality headphones, this collection offers something for every musical taste. The tracks range from contemplative folk to energetic pop, ensuring that World Pulses Day celebrations can accommodate various settings from educational events to festive gatherings.
Creating Your Perfect World Pulses Day Playlist
When assembling your own playlist for World Pulses Day, consider the audience and setting for your event or personal listening experience. Educational settings might benefit from songs with clearer environmental messages like “Earth Song” or “Big Yellow Taxi,” while dinner parties could lean toward mellower tracks like “Fields of Gold” or “Harvest Moon.” The beauty of this diverse song selection lies in its flexibility—you can arrange these tracks in countless combinations to match your specific needs and preferences.
For those hosting community gardens projects or farmers market events, upbeat tracks like “Here Comes the Sun” and “Build Me Up Buttercup” create welcoming atmospheres that encourage participation and celebration. More intimate gatherings focused on education and reflection might start with contemplative pieces like “What a Wonderful World” before building toward more energetic selections as the event progresses. Consider the emotional journey you want to create and sequence songs accordingly, building from quiet reflection to joyful celebration or vice versa depending on your goals.
Quality audio equipment can significantly enhance your World Pulses Day listening experience, so explore options through earbuds comparisons if you’re planning personal listening or need portable solutions for outdoor events. The dynamic range in many of these songs, from Louis Armstrong’s subtle brass to Michael Jackson’s powerful crescendos, deserves playback equipment that can faithfully reproduce each artist’s intended sound. Investing in good audio gear shows the same respect for quality that World Pulses Day advocates for in food systems—both recognize that how we consume matters as much as what we consume.
The Intersection of Music and Sustainable Living
Music has historically played crucial roles in agricultural communities, from work songs that coordinated harvest labor to celebrations marking successful growing seasons. These 20 tracks continue that tradition by providing modern soundtracks for contemporary discussions about food security, environmental stewardship, and sustainable nutrition. The artists represented here span decades and genres, yet they all share the ability to make listeners feel more connected to the natural world and more aware of their place within larger ecological systems.
Several newer releases on this list demonstrate that younger artists continue engaging with environmental themes in fresh ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. Phoebe Bridgers, Alessia Cara, and Lil Dicky approach sustainability from different musical angles, but they all recognize music’s power to shift perspectives and inspire action. Their inclusion alongside classics from The Beatles, Neil Young, and Louis Armstrong shows that concern for the planet and appreciation for natural abundance transcends generational divides.
The global nature of both music and pulses creates natural synergies worth celebrating—just as pulses appear in traditional dishes from India to Mexico to the Mediterranean, these songs reflect diverse musical traditions united by common themes. World Pulses Day provides an opportunity to explore these connections, using music as a gateway to learning about different cultures’ relationships with these nutritious legumes. A truly comprehensive celebration might pair songs with traditional pulse dishes from the artists’ cultures, creating multisensory experiences that deepen appreciation for global food diversity.
Taking Action Beyond the Playlist
While enjoying these musical selections, consider how you might incorporate more pulses into your diet or support sustainable agriculture in your community. The same appreciation for quality and sustainability that drives careful music curation can inform food choices that benefit personal health and planetary well-being. Many local farmers markets now feature pulse vendors, community gardens allocate space for bean and lentil cultivation, and restaurants increasingly highlight pulse-based dishes that showcase their versatility and flavor.
Music’s ability to inspire action makes it more than just background entertainment for World Pulses Day—it becomes a catalyst for meaningful engagement with food systems. After listening to “Big Yellow Taxi” or “Earth Song,” listeners often feel motivated to learn more about environmental issues and identify concrete steps they can take. That emotional energy can translate into trying new pulse-based recipes, supporting agricultural policies that favor sustainability, or simply having conversations that raise awareness among friends and family about why pulses deserve recognition and celebration.
The songs on this list also model the kind of creativity and innovation that sustainable food systems require. Just as artists reimagine familiar musical forms or blend unexpected genres, cooks and farmers continually discover new ways to prepare, present, and cultivate pulses. This parallel between musical and culinary creativity enriches World Pulses Day celebrations, reminding participants that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice—it means exploring abundant possibilities that have existed all along, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Pulses Day and why do we celebrate it?
World Pulses Day, observed annually on February 10th, is a United Nations designated day that celebrates the importance of pulses as a global food source. The day raises awareness about the nutritional benefits of beans, lentils, chickpeas, and dried peas while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Pulses are nitrogen-fixing crops that improve soil health, require less water than many alternatives, and provide affordable plant-based protein to billions of people worldwide, making them crucial for food security and environmental sustainability.
How can music enhance World Pulses Day celebrations?
Music creates emotional connections and shared experiences that make abstract concepts like sustainable agriculture more tangible and memorable for participants. Playing themed songs at World Pulses Day events helps set atmospheres ranging from educational and contemplative to festive and celebratory, depending on your goals. Music also provides a universal language that crosses cultural boundaries, much like pulses themselves appear in traditional cuisines worldwide, making it an ideal medium for bringing diverse communities together around common causes.
What are the nutritional benefits of eating more pulses?
Pulses are nutritional powerhouses packed with plant-based protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential minerals including iron, potassium, and folate. They have low fat content, no cholesterol, and a low glycemic index that helps regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for diabetes management. Regular pulse consumption has been linked to improved heart health, better digestive function, and reduced risks of certain chronic diseases, while their affordability makes optimal nutrition accessible to people across all economic levels.
Can I create a World Pulses Day event using this music playlist?
Absolutely—this curated selection provides an excellent foundation for World Pulses Day events ranging from intimate dinners to large community gatherings. You can use these songs as background music during pulse-cooking demonstrations, educational presentations about sustainable agriculture, or community meals featuring dishes from different cultures. Consider printing song lyrics for discussion about environmental themes or creating listening stations where attendees can explore different genres while sampling various pulse-based dishes, creating multisensory experiences that deepen engagement.
Where can I find recipes to complement this World Pulses Day music playlist?
Numerous online resources offer pulse-based recipes from cultures worldwide, including the official World Pulses Day website, food blogs specializing in plant-based cooking, and cultural cooking channels. Many cookbooks now focus specifically on beans, lentils, and chickpeas, offering everything from traditional preparations to innovative contemporary dishes. Local libraries, community centers, and agricultural extension offices often provide free recipe collections and cooking classes that can help you discover delicious ways to incorporate more pulses into your regular meal rotation while celebrating their global culinary significance.