As a lifelong frog enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by these remarkable creatures. Their unique croaks, vibrant colors, and fascinating life cycles have inspired countless songs across genres. From playful tunes that celebrate their whimsical nature to deeper melodies that reflect their environmental significance, frogs have hopped their way into the hearts of many musicians.
I’m excited to share a curated list of 11 songs that pay homage to our amphibious friends. Whether you’re a fellow frog lover or just curious about the music inspired by these enchanting beings, I hope you’ll find joy in exploring this eclectic mix of melodies that celebrate the charm and mystery of frogs.
Contents
- 1. “Little Blue Frog” by Miles Davis
- 2. “Froggie Went A Courtin’” by Bob Dylan
- 3. “I’m In Love With A Big Blue Frog” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
- 4. “Hop Frog” by Lou Reed
- 5. “Peace Frog” by The Doors
- 6. “Frogs And Princes” by Natasha Bedingfield
- 7. “Bein’ Green” by Ray Charles
- 8. “Every Frog Has His Day” by Lou Reed
- 9. “Funny Little Frog” by Belle and Sebastian
- 10. “Kiss No Frog” by Lucky Dube
- 11. “Froggy Afternoon” by Lucy Beat
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Little Blue Frog” by Miles Davis
“Little Blue Frog” is a jazz composition by Miles Davis, first released in 1970 as part of a vinyl single and later included in the compilation album Big Fun in 1974. The track showcases Davis’s exploration of jazz fusion during his electric period. Recorded in sessions between 1969 and 1972, “Little Blue Frog” features complex improvisations and a blend of traditional jazz elements with electric instruments, creating a distinctive sound that reflects Davis’s innovative approach to music during this era.
2. “Froggie Went A Courtin’” by Bob Dylan
“Froggie Went A Courtin’” is Bob Dylan’s rendition of a traditional English folk song that dates back to at least the 16th century. Dylan’s version was included in his 1992 album Good As I Been To You. The song narrates the whimsical tale of a frog who goes courting a mouse, facing various humorous and challenging situations along the way. Dylan’s interpretation stays true to the folk roots of the song, delivering it with his characteristic vocal style and acoustic guitar accompaniment.
3. “I’m In Love With A Big Blue Frog” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
“I’m In Love With A Big Blue Frog” is a playful and satirical song by the folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary. Released in 1967 on their album Album 1700, the song tells the story of a person who falls in love with a big blue frog, facing societal disapproval and prejudice. The lyrics use humor and absurdity to address themes of love and acceptance, making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece in the trio’s repertoire. The song’s catchy melody and whimsical lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of folk music.
4. “Hop Frog” by Lou Reed
“Hop Frog” is a track from Lou Reed’s 2003 album The Raven, which is inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The song references Poe’s short story “Hop-Frog,” about a court jester who seeks revenge on a king and his ministers. Reed’s composition captures the dark and eerie atmosphere of Poe’s tale, blending rock elements with theatrical storytelling. The song features Reed’s distinctive vocal delivery and a haunting musical arrangement that complements the macabre themes of the story.
5. “Peace Frog” by The Doors
“Peace Frog” is a track from The Doors’ 1970 album Morrison Hotel. The song is notable for its vivid and often violent imagery, which was adapted from Jim Morrison’s poetry. The lyrics reference various incidents of bloodshed, including Morrison’s arrest in New Haven and riots in Los Angeles. The song’s title and some of its themes are thought to be metaphorical, with the “frog” representing a sense of peace that is marred by violence and unrest. Musically, “Peace Frog” features a funky guitar riff by Robby Krieger and showcases the band’s ability to blend rock with poetic storytelling.
6. “Frogs And Princes” by Natasha Bedingfield
“Frogs And Princes” is a song by Natasha Bedingfield from her 2004 debut album Unwritten. The song uses the metaphor of kissing frogs to find a prince, reflecting the trials and tribulations of dating and searching for true love. Bedingfield’s lyrics express frustration with the dating scene and the disappointment of unmet expectations, ultimately conveying a message of perseverance and hope. The song’s upbeat pop melody and relatable theme make it a standout track on the album.
7. “Bein’ Green” by Ray Charles
“Bein’ Green,” also known as “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green,” is a song originally performed by Kermit the Frog on Sesame Street. Ray Charles covered this song on his 1975 album Renaissance. The song speaks to the challenges of feeling ordinary and overlooked, using the color green as a metaphor for uniqueness and self-acceptance. Charles’s soulful rendition adds depth and emotion to the song, emphasizing its themes of self-acceptance and the beauty of individuality. The song has become an anthem for embracing one’s identity and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
8. “Every Frog Has His Day” by Lou Reed
“Every Frog Has His Day” is a track from Lou Reed’s 2003 album The Raven, which is inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The song is a dialogue between a king and a jester named Hop Frog, a character from Poe’s short story “Hop-Frog.” The lyrics depict the jester’s refusal to entertain the king, leading to a tense confrontation. The song’s dark, theatrical style reflects the macabre themes of Poe’s work and Reed’s ability to create vivid, narrative-driven music. The track is part of a larger concept album that explores themes of power, revenge, and human folly.
9. “Funny Little Frog” by Belle and Sebastian
“Funny Little Frog” is a single from Belle and Sebastian’s seventh studio album, The Life Pursuit, released in 2006. The song explores the theme of unrequited love, where the narrator is infatuated with someone they don’t actually know, often interpreted as a celebrity crush. The lyrics describe how this imagined relationship provides comfort and consistency in the narrator’s life. Musically, the song features a positive and propulsive piano feel, characteristic of Belle and Sebastian’s indie pop style. The chorus, “You’re the funny little frog in my throat,” metaphorically captures the bittersweet nature of the narrator’s feelings.
10. “Kiss No Frog” by Lucky Dube
“Kiss No Frog” is a song by South African reggae artist Lucky Dube, featured on his 1997 album Taxman. The song uses the fairy tale trope of kissing frogs to find a prince as a metaphor for the disappointments in romantic relationships. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who, inspired by her mother’s grace and demeanor, decides to avoid the futile pursuit of finding a perfect partner through superficial means. Instead, she resolves to remain single rather than settle for less. The song’s reggae rhythm and empowering message highlight the importance of self-worth and independence in romantic pursuits.
11. “Froggy Afternoon” by Lucy Beat
“Froggy Afternoon” is a playful and catchy song by Lucy Beat, released in the 1990s. The song narrates the adventures of a pet frog named Froggy from the perspective of its owner, Lucy. With an upbeat melody and whimsical lyrics, the song captures the joy and innocence of childhood, celebrating the imaginative world of a pet frog’s escapades on a sunny afternoon.
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 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.