Songs about animals have been a staple in the music industry since its inception. From tales of fierce lions and cunning foxes to odes to our beloved pets and cherished wildlife, these songs have captured the imagination of listeners and provided a glimpse into the diverse world of the animal kingdom.
One of the earliest examples of a song about animals can be traced back to the 19th century with the classic nursery rhyme “Old McDonald Had a Farm”. This timeless tune, with its catchy chorus and beloved farm animals, has been passed down through generations and remains a favorite among children and adults alike.
Table of Contents
Top 39 Songs About Animals
In the early 20th century, songs about animals continued to thrive with the advent of jazz and blues music. Songs like “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “Hound Dog” became hits on the radio, with their lively rhythms and playful lyrics.
These songs not only entertained audiences but also provided insight into the behavior and characteristics of these majestic creatures.
1. She Wolf – Shakira
“She Wolf” by Shakira is a dance-pop song that made it to our list of songs about animals. It explores the inner strength and primal nature of a woman. The lyrics describe a woman who is a “she wolf” and has a wild spirit that is impossible to control. The song has a catchy beat and energetic chorus, making it a popular choice for dancing and parties.
2. Black Dog – Led Zeppelin
“Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin is a hard rock song about animals. This song pays homage to the loyal and steadfast nature of a black dog. In addition, the lyrics describe the dog’s unwavering devotion and the bond it shares with its owner. The song features a driving guitar riff and powerful vocals, making it a classic rock anthem.
3. Dog Eat Dog – Ted Nugent
“Dog Eat Dog” by Ted Nugent is a heavy metal song. It takes a cynical view of the competitive nature of society. The lyrics describe a world where people are constantly fighting and clawing their way to the top, with no regard for anyone else. This song about animals has a ferocious guitar solo and intense vocals. As a result, this make it a favorite among fans of heavy metal music.
4. The Lovecats – The Cure
“Love Cats” by The Cure is a dreamy, ethereal song about animals. The song celebrates the playful and mysterious nature of cats. The lyrics describe a world where cats rule and humans are their loyal servants. The song has a whimsical, surreal quality that is characteristic of The Cure’s music.
5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry is a classic Christmas song that tells the story of Rudolph, the misfit reindeer who saves Christmas with his glowing red nose. This song about animals has a cheerful, upbeat melody and a sing-along chorus. So, that makes it a favorite among children and adults alike during the holiday season.
6. Cat Scratch Fever – Ted Nugent
“Cat Scratch Fever” by Ted Nugent is one of many hard rock songs about animals that pays tribute to the wild, untamed spirit of a cat. Also, the lyrics describe the thrill of playing with a cat and the intense sensations it can bring, and the song has a driving guitar riff and fierce vocals, making it a fan favorite.
7. Swine – Lady Gaga
“Swine” by Lady Gaga is a dance-pop song that explores the dark and twisted world of a pig. The lyrics describe a pig who is corrupt, greedy, and obsessed with power, and the song has a provocative, avant-garde sound that is characteristic of Lady Gaga’s music.
8. War Pigs – Black Sabbath
“War Pigs” by Black Sabbath is a heavy metal song that takes a critical view of war and its devastating effects on humanity. The lyrics describe a world consumed by conflict and destruction, and the song has a slow, ominous rhythm and powerful guitar riffs, making it a classic metal anthem.
9. White Rabbit – Jefferson Airplane
“White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane is a psychedelic rock song about animals that explores the surreal and fantastical world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The lyrics make references to the iconic characters and scenes from the book, and the song has a trippy, hallucinogenic quality that is characteristic of psychedelic music.
10. The Fox – Ylvis
“The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)” by Ylvis is a novelty pop song about animals that explores the mysterious and elusive nature of the fox. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of the fox, and the song includes a series of nonsensical noises and sound effects that are meant to mimic the noises a fox might make.
11. Blind Pig – Emmi
“Blind Pig” by Emmi is a folk-rock song that tells the story of a blind pig who is trying to find its way home. The lyrics describe the pig’s journey through the forest and its encounters with various animals, and the song has a gentle, acoustic sound that is typical of folk music.
12. Shake Me Like a Monkey – Dave Matthews
This song about animals by Dave Matthews Band is a blues-rock song that celebrates the energetic and free-spirited nature of monkeys. The lyrics describe the excitement of watching a monkey swing and play, and the song has a lively, upbeat melody and catchy chorus.
13. Shock the Monkey – Peter Gabriel
“Shock the Monkey” by Peter Gabriel is a pop-rock song that explores the dark side of human nature and the impact of science and technology on the natural world. The lyrics describe a world where animals are treated as mere objects for experimentation, and the song has a haunting, electronic sound that is characteristic of Gabriel’s music.
14. Black Swan – Andrew Stockdale
“Black Swan” by Andrew Stockdale is a hard rock song about animals. It pays tribute to the graceful and elegant nature of the black swan. The lyrics describe the beauty and majesty of the swan; and the song has a heavy, guitar-driven sound that is typical of rock music.
15. That Doggie in the Window – Lita Roza
“(How Much is) That Doggie in the Window?” by Lita Roza is a classic pop song about animals. It tells the story of a person who is shopping for a new pet. The lyrics describe the various dogs on display and the person’s decision to choose one; and the song has a cheerful, upbeat melody and catchy chorus.
16. Black Sheep – Gin Wigmore
“Black Sheep” by Gin Wigmore is a pop-rock song that explores the theme of being an outsider and not fitting in. The lyrics describe the feeling of being a “black sheep” in a group. The lyrics also describes the struggles that come with it, and the song has a powerful, anthemic quality that is characteristic of rock music.
17. Have You Fed the Fish? – Badly Drawn
“Have You Fed the Fish?” by Badly Drawn Boy is a folk-rock song that explores the theme of responsibility and caring for others. The lyrics describe a person who is asking if the fish have been fed, and the song has a gentle, acoustic sound that is typical of folk music.
18. Hey Bulldog – The Beatles
“Hey Bulldog” by The Beatles is a rock song about animals that celebrates the playful and energetic nature of the bulldog. The lyrics describe the bulldog’s antics and its boundless energy, and the song has a driving, guitar-driven sound that is characteristic of The Beatles’ music.
19. Law Dog – The Doobie Brothers
“Law Dog” by The Doobie Brothers is a blues-rock song about animals that pays tribute to the loyal and steadfast nature of a dog. The lyrics describe the dog’s unwavering devotion to its owner, and the song has a funky, soulful sound that is characteristic of The Doobie Brothers’ music.
20. Union of the Snake – Duran Duran
“Union of the Snake” by Duran Duran is a pop-rock song that explores the theme of power and control. The lyrics describe a world where people are constantly fighting and scheming to gain power, and the song has a dark, electronic sound that is characteristic of Duran Duran’s music.
21. Crocodile Python – Rick Ross
“Crocodile Python” by Rick Ross is a hip-hop song about animals that celebrates the ferocious and powerful nature of the crocodile and the python. The lyrics describe the animals’ strength and cunning, and the song has a driving beat and catchy chorus, making it a favorite among fans of hip-hop music.
22. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor is a rock song about animals that has become an iconic anthem for overcoming challenges and achieving success. The lyrics describe the determination and resilience needed to succeed, and the song has a powerful, guitar-driven sound that is characteristic of rock music.
23. Black Cow – Steely Dan
Next in our list of songs about animals is “Black Cow” by Steely Dan is a jazz-rock song that explores the theme of lost love and the feelings of sorrow and regret that comes with it. The lyrics describe a person who is mourning the loss of their love, and the song has a smooth, polished sound that is characteristic of Steely Dan’s music.
24. Monkeys Gone to Heaven – The Pixies
“Monkeys Gone to Heaven” by The Pixies is an alternative rock song about animals that explores the theme of environmental destruction and the impact of humans on the natural world. The lyrics describe a world where the monkeys have gone to heaven, leaving behind a desolate and polluted earth. The song has a surreal, dream-like quality which is characteristic of The Pixies’ music.
25. Crocodile Rock – Elton John
“Crocodile Rock” by Elton John is a pop-rock song about animals that celebrates the joy and excitement of rock and roll music. The lyrics describe a person who loves to dance and have fun, and the song has a lively, upbeat melody and catchy chorus, making it a favorite among fans of pop music.
26. Little Red Rooster – The Rolling Stones
“Little Red Rooster” by The Rolling Stones is a blues-rock song that tells the story of a rooster who is the leader of the farm animals. The lyrics describe the rooster’s dominance and its ability to keep the other animals in line. This song about animals has a guitar-driven sound which is characteristic of The Rolling Stones’ music.
27. Bulls on Parade – Rage Against The Machine
“Bulls on Parade” by Rage Against the Machine is a rap-rock song that explores the theme of social and political injustice. The lyrics describe a world where the powerful use their strength and influence to oppress and exploit the weak. This song about animals has a furious, guitar-driven sound along with the percussive arrangements which is the characteristic of Rage Against the Machine’s music.
28. Cats in the Cradle – Harry Chapin
“Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin is a folk-rock song that explores the theme of fatherhood and the importance of spending time with your children. The lyrics describe a father who is too busy with his work to spend time with his son, This song about animals has a gentle, acoustic sound that is typical of folk music.
29. When Doves Cry – Prince
“When Doves Cry” by Prince is a pop-rock song that explores the theme of love and loss. The lyrics describe the pain and heartache of a failed relationship. This song about animals has a haunting, electronic sound which is the signature of Prince’s music.
30. Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a rock ballad song about animals that celebrates the freedom and wildness of the bird. The lyrics describe the bird’s ability to fly wherever it wants and be free. The song has a slow, emotional melody and powerful guitar riffs, making it a classic rock anthem.
31. Dig a Pony – the beatles
“Dig a Pony” by The Beatles is a rock song that celebrates the joy and energy of music. The lyrics describe a person who loves to dance and have fun. The song has a lively, upbeat melody and catchy chorus, making it a favorite among fans of rock music.
32. Buffalo Soldier – Bob Marley
“Buffalo Soldier” by Bob Marley is a reggae song that celebrates the strength and resilience of the buffalo. The lyrics describe the buffalo’s ability to survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of the wilderness. The song has a laid-back, reggae beat and catchy chorus, making it a favorite among fans of reggae music.
33. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
This song about animals by Florence + The Machine is a pop-rock song that explores the theme of overcoming adversity and moving forward. The lyrics describe a person who is leaving behind the hardships of the past and moving on to a brighter future. The song has a powerful, anthemic quality making it a perfect rock song.
34. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Lebo M
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by Lebo M. is a world music song that celebrates the majestic and powerful nature of the lion. The lyrics describe the lion’s strength and ferocity. The song has a lively, energetic rhythm and catchy chorus, making it a popular choice for dancing and parties.
35. We Are the Pigs – suede
“We Are the Pigs” by Suede is an alternative rock song that explores the theme of decadence and excess. The lyrics describe a world where people are consumed by their desires and indulgences. This is one of the best songs about animals, and it has a dark, moody sound which is characteristic of alternative rock music.
36. Birds – Imagine Dragons
“Birds” by Imagine Dragons is a rock song that explores the theme of freedom and the desire to break free from the constraints of society. The lyrics describe a person who feels trapped and wants to spread their wings and fly like a bird. Additionally, the song has a powerful, guitar-driven melody which is the signature of Imagine Dragons.
37. Slow Cheetah – Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Slow Cheetah” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is a funk-rock song that celebrates the speed and agility of the cheetah. The lyrics describe the cheetah’s ability to outrun its prey and its graceful, fluid movements. This song about animals has a funky, groovy sound which is characteristic of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ music.
38. Dark Horse – Katy Perry
“Dark Horse” by Katy Perry is a pop-rock song that explores the theme of power and control in relationships. The lyrics describe a person who is strong and confident.
39. Very Ape – Nirvana
Last song in our list of songs about animals is “Very Ape” by Nirvana that is a grunge-rock song that explores the theme of conformity and the pressure to fit in. The lyrics describe a person who feels trapped and wants to break free from the expectations of society, and the song has a raw, distorted sound that is characteristic of Nirvana’s music.
Final Words
Musicians most of the time write songs about animals to insert metaphorical ideas that actually reflect us as humans. Also, to express expressions like wildness, ferocity, calmness, and freedom animals are often used as examples.
Let us know in the comment which songs about animals are your favorites.
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