20 Songs About Animals

As someone who’s always felt a deep connection with the animal kingdom, I’ve found that music has a unique way of capturing the essence of our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. From the majestic roar of a lion to the gentle purr of a house cat, animals have inspired countless musicians to create songs that celebrate their beauty, power, and sometimes even their quirks. 

In this playlist, I’ll take you on a musical journey through 20 songs that pay tribute to the diverse world of animals. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply enjoy good music, these tunes will have you tapping your feet and perhaps looking at our animal companions in a whole new light.

1. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is a iconic pop song with a fascinating history spanning multiple continents and decades. Originally composed in 1939 by Solomon Linda, a Zulu musician in South Africa, under the title “Mbube” (meaning “lion” in Zulu), the song underwent several transformations before becoming a global hit.

The Tokens, a doo-wop group from Brooklyn, recorded their version in 1961, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Their adaptation features distinctive falsetto vocals, a repeating bassline, and simple lyrics about a sleeping lion in the jungle. The song’s catchy “a-wimoweh” refrain and unique sound helped it become one of the most successful pop songs of all time.

Notably, the song has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Disney’s “The Lion King,” further cementing its place in popular culture2. However, the song’s success is also marked by controversy regarding proper attribution and compensation for the original composer, Solomon Linda.

2. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley

“Hound Dog” is a rock and roll classic that helped solidify Elvis Presley’s status as the “King of Rock and Roll.” Originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song was first recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. Elvis’s version, released in 1956, became a massive hit and a defining song of the early rock and roll era.

The lyrics use the metaphor of a hound dog to describe a freeloading, insincere person. Elvis’s energetic performance, complete with his signature hip movements, caused controversy at the time but also contributed to the song’s popularity and enduring legacy in rock music history.

3. “Blackbird” by The Beatles

“Blackbird” is a folk-inspired ballad written by Paul McCartney and released on The Beatles’ 1968 self-titled album, commonly known as “The White Album.” The song features a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment and McCartney’s gentle vocals.

While the lyrics ostensibly describe a blackbird learning to fly, the song is often interpreted as an allegory for the Civil Rights movement in the United States. McCartney has stated that he wrote the song after hearing about racial tensions in the US, with the blackbird representing a black person facing adversity.

The song’s delicate melody and poignant lyrics have made it one of The Beatles’ most beloved tracks, often covered by other artists and frequently cited as a favorite among fans.

4. “The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)” by Ylvis

“The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)” is a novelty dance song by Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis, released in 2013. The song became a viral sensation, accumulating hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.

The track humorously explores the sounds made by various animals before posing the question of what sound a fox makes. The chorus features nonsensical vocalizations meant to represent potential fox sounds, accompanied by a catchy electronic dance beat.

While initially created as a comedic piece, the song’s unexpected global popularity led to it charting in numerous countries and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Its success demonstrates the power of internet virality in modern music consumption and the enduring appeal of novelty songs.

5. “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones

“Wild Horses” is a poignant ballad by The Rolling Stones, released in 1971 on their album Sticky Fingers. The song was primarily written by Keith Richards, who was inspired by the emotional turmoil of leaving his newborn son to go on tour. Mick Jagger contributed to the verses, adding layers of personal and evocative emotion to the track.

The song’s lyrics reflect themes of longing and regret, encapsulated by the iconic chorus line “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.” The melancholy tone is further enhanced by the use of a 12-string acoustic guitar and a plaintive piano arrangement. Despite its somber mood, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note with the line “We’ll ride them someday,” suggesting a future reunion or resolution.

6. “Bat Out Of Hell” by Meat Loaf

“Bat Out Of Hell” is the title track from Meat Loaf’s 1977 album, written by Jim Steinman and produced by Todd Rundgren. The song is a rock epic, known for its bombastic melodies, theatrical lyrics, and dramatic storytelling. It describes a young man who meets a tragic end in a motorcycle crash, with vivid imagery of his heart breaking out of his body and flying away “like a bat out of hell”.

The song’s high-energy performance, complete with powerful vocals and elaborate instrumental sections, has made it a staple of classic rock. Its success helped cement Meat Loaf’s place in rock history, and the album itself is considered one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded.

7. “I Love My Dog” by Cat Stevens

“I Love My Dog” is a folk rock song by Cat Stevens, released as his debut single in 1966. The song features simple, heartfelt lyrics in which Stevens expresses his deep affection for his dog, comparing it to the love he feels for a significant other.

The music was inspired by Yusef Lateef’s “The Plum Blossom,” and Stevens later credited Lateef for the melody. The song’s orchestral arrangement, combined with Stevens’ gentle vocals and guitar, creates a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. “I Love My Dog” reached No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart and remains a beloved track in Stevens’ discography.

8. “Little Lion Man” by Mumford & Sons

“Little Lion Man” is the debut single by British folk rock band Mumford & Sons, released in 2009. The song is characterized by its high-energy banjo riffs, acoustic guitar, and emotionally raw lyrics. Written by frontman Marcus Mumford, the song reflects themes of self-reproach and regret, with the chorus featuring the memorable line “I really fucked it up this time, didn’t I, my dear?”.

The song’s candid and vulnerable lyrics, combined with its upbeat tempo, helped it stand out in the music scene and contributed to the band’s rise to fame. “Little Lion Man” was a commercial success, charting in several countries and earning a Grammy nomination. It is credited with helping to popularize the folk rock genre in the mainstream music industry.

9. “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men

“Who Let the Dogs Out” is a dance track performed by the Bahamian group Baha Men, released on July 26, 2000. The song is a cover of Anslem Douglas’s 1998 track “Doggie,” and it gained massive popularity after being featured in the movie Rugrats in Paris: The Movie and its soundtrack. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious beat made it a worldwide hit, peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and reaching the Top 40 in the United States. It also topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand and won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2001.

Despite its fun and party-like vibe, the song’s lyrics have a deeper meaning. According to Anslem Douglas, the original song was a feminist anthem criticizing men who catcall women, with the phrase “Who let the dogs out?” referring to men behaving poorly. The song’s success and cultural impact were significant, making it a staple at sports events and parties around the world.

10. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

“Eye of the Tiger” is a rock anthem by the American band Survivor, released in 1982 as the theme song for the film Rocky III. The song was written at the request of Sylvester Stallone after Queen denied permission to use “Another One Bites the Dust.” The track features powerful guitar riffs and motivational lyrics that perfectly capture the spirit of determination and resilience, mirroring the film’s boxing scenes.

The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for six weeks. It also topped charts in several other countries and was certified platinum in the US. “Eye of the Tiger” won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its enduring popularity has made it a go-to anthem for athletes and anyone needing a boost of motivation.

11. “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane

“White Rabbit” is a psychedelic rock song by Jefferson Airplane, released in 1967 on their album Surrealistic Pillow. Written by Grace Slick, the song draws heavily on imagery from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. The lyrics describe a surreal journey, using references to characters like the White Rabbit and the Red Queen to explore themes of consciousness and perception.

The song became one of the defining tracks of the 1960s counterculture movement, known for its distinctive Spanish bolero rhythm and crescendoing structure. “White Rabbit” peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Jefferson Airplane’s most iconic songs. Its exploration of altered states of mind and its connection to the psychedelic experience have made it a lasting symbol of the era.

12. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Free Bird” is a classic rock ballad by Lynyrd Skynyrd, released in 1973 on their debut album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd). The song starts as a slow, contemplative ballad and transitions into an extended guitar solo, showcasing the band’s Southern rock style. The lyrics speak to themes of freedom and the desire to escape constraints, with the metaphor of a bird symbolizing the longing for liberation.

“Free Bird” became one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most famous songs, often played as a tribute to the band’s members who died in a plane crash in 1977. The song’s powerful guitar solo and emotional depth have made it a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite at live performances. It remains a symbol of the band’s legacy and the enduring appeal of Southern rock.

13. “I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles

“I Am the Walrus” is a psychedelic rock song by The Beatles, released in 1967 on their Magical Mystery Tour album. Written primarily by John Lennon, the song is known for its nonsensical lyrics and complex production. Lennon combined three separate song fragments he had been working on, inspired by various sources including a police siren, a nursery rhyme, and Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Walrus and the Carpenter” from Through the Looking-Glass.

The song’s lyrics, filled with surreal imagery and absurd phrases like “semolina pilchard” and “elementary penguin,” were intended to confuse those who tried to interpret them. Lennon wrote the song partly in response to learning that a school was analyzing Beatles lyrics in literature classes. The track features a rich, layered arrangement with strings, horns, and a choir, making it one of The Beatles’ most elaborate recordings.

14. “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club

“Karma Chameleon” is a pop song by Culture Club, released in 1983 on their album Colour by Numbers. Written by Boy George and other band members, the song became a massive hit, topping the charts in multiple countries including the UK and the US. The song’s lyrics deal with themes of authenticity and the fear of alienation. Boy George explained that it is about the consequences of not being true to oneself and trying to please everyone, which leads to “karma justice”.

The song features a catchy melody and a prominent harmonica part, played by Judd Lander. The music video, set in 1870s Mississippi, depicts a colorful, multicultural group of people on a riverboat, reflecting the song’s themes of diversity and acceptance. “Karma Chameleon” remains one of Culture Club’s most iconic tracks and a staple of 1980s pop music.

15. “Bulls On Parade” by Rage Against The Machine

“Bulls on Parade” is a politically charged song by Rage Against the Machine, released in 1996 on their album Evil Empire. The song critiques the US government’s military spending and the aggressive nature of its foreign policy. Lyrics like “Weapons, not food, not homes, not shoes” highlight the band’s frustration with the prioritization of military funding over social needs.

Musically, the song features a heavy, driving riff and Tom Morello’s innovative guitar work, including a distinctive wah-wah solo. The chorus, “Rally ’round the family with a pocket full of shells,” underscores the song’s anti-war message. “Bulls on Parade” became one of the band’s most popular songs and is often performed at their live shows, where it continues to resonate with audiences due to its powerful message and intense energy.

16. “A Horse With No Name” by America

“A Horse with No Name” is a folk rock song by America, released in 1971 on their self-titled debut album. Written by Dewey Bunnell, the song describes a journey through a desert, symbolizing a quest for escape and self-discovery. The lyrics evoke a sense of solitude and freedom, with lines like “After nine days I let the horse run free / ‘Cause the desert had turned to sea”.

The song was initially titled “Desert Song” and was inspired by Bunnell’s experiences and memories of the American Southwest. Despite some interpretations suggesting the song is about drug use, Bunnell has stated that it is simply about the feeling of being in the desert and the escape from everyday life. “A Horse with No Name” became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying America’s place in the folk rock genre.

17. “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John

“Crocodile Rock” is a nostalgic pop-rock song released in 1972 as the lead single from Elton John’s album “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player”. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song pays homage to the early rock and roll era of the 1950s and early 1960s.

The lyrics tell the story of a narrator reminiscing about his younger days, when he and his girlfriend Suzie would dance to a popular dance called the “Crocodile Rock”. The song incorporates various musical elements from the rock and roll era, including a catchy melody, doo-wop style backing vocals, and a prominent use of the Farfisa organ.

“Crocodile Rock” became Elton John’s first US number-one single and was a major international hit. Despite its commercial success, both John and Taupin have described the song as “disposable pop” and not representative of their best work. Nevertheless, it remains a popular part of Elton John’s live performances and a fan favorite.

18. “She Wolf” by Shakira

“She Wolf” is an electropop and disco-influenced track released in 2009 as the lead single from Shakira’s album of the same name. The song was written by Shakira, John Hill, and Sam Endicott, with production handled by Shakira and Hill.

The lyrics describe a woman’s transformation into a “she wolf” as a metaphor for unleashing her wild, passionate side due to dissatisfaction with her partner. Shakira’s vocals include distinctive howls and pants, emphasizing the wolf theme.

Musically, “She Wolf” features a blend of electronic and disco elements, with a prominent bassline and synth-heavy production. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its inventive sound and Shakira’s vocal performance. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and topping the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

19. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine

“Dog Days Are Over” is an indie rock song by Florence + The Machine, released in 2008 and later re-released in 2010. Written by Florence Welch and Isabella Summers, the song was inspired by a large-scale art installation by Ugo Rondinone that Welch would see while cycling in London.

The lyrics use the phrase “dog days are over” to symbolize the end of a difficult period and the arrival of happiness. The song’s upbeat tempo and anthemic chorus contrast with more introspective verses, creating a dynamic and emotionally charged composition.

Musically, “Dog Days Are Over” features Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, backed by a mix of handclaps, drumbeats, and harp melodies. The song gained popularity through its use in various media, including films and TV shows, and has become one of Florence + The Machine’s signature tracks.

20. “Slow Cheetah” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Slow Cheetah” is a mellower, introspective track from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2006 album “Stadium Arcadium”. Written by the band members, the song features a more subdued sound compared to their typical funk-rock style.

The lyrics are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation. They touch on themes of mental health, societal expectations, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The “slow cheetah” of the title could be seen as a metaphor for someone who doesn’t fit into societal norms or expectations.

Musically, the song is characterized by gentle acoustic guitar work, subtle electronic elements, and Anthony Kiedis’s melodic vocals. The chorus builds to a more intense, euphoric sound, contrasting with the quieter verses.

While not as commercially successful as some of the band’s bigger hits, “Slow Cheetah” is appreciated by fans for its emotional depth and musical nuance.Songs About Animals

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.