It seems that musicians have always been inspired by animals; there are numerous songs with animals in the title.
And no, not all animal songs are for kids.
However, animal songs for adults, for lack of a better word, are mostly metaphorical. Each animal carries a different symbolism.
But sometimes artists are simply inspired by a certain animal. After all, the animal kingdom is quite fascinating.
And as scientists warn that we are experiencing a sixth mass extinction, it might be a good time to remind ourselves how important all animals are.
To help you do that, we've put together a list of the best songs about animals. We hope you find it fun and inspiring!
table of contents
- 35 songs about animals
- 1. Maroon 5 – “Animals”
- 2. Robbie Williams – “Me and My Monkey”
- 3. Nelly Furtado – “I am like a bird”
- 4. Mumford and Sons – “Little Lion Man”
- 5. AURORA – “Animals”
- 6. The Rolling Stones – “Wild Horses”
- 7. America – “A Horse With No Name”
- 8. Of Monsters and Men – “Crocodile”
- 9. Miike Snow – “Animal”
- 10. Florence and the Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”
- 11. Coldplay – “Birds”
- 12. First Aid Kit – “Wolf”
- 13. Jefferson Plane – “Coelho Branco”
- 14. Cat Stevens – “I Love My Dog”
- 15. The Cure – “I Love Cats”
- 16. The Cinematographic Orchestra – “The Arrival of the Birds”
- 17. Leonard Cohen – “Bird on the Wire”
- 18. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Guepardo lento”
- 20. Arlo Parks – “Black Dog”
- 21. Mad City – “Borboleta”
- 22. Sofi Tukker – “Hey Lion”
- 23. Shakira – “Loba”
- 24. The Beatles – “I am the Walrus”
- 25. Jack White – “Zebra Ice Station”
- 26. Peter Gabriel – “Kiss That Frog”
- 27. Bob Marley – “Buffalo Soldier”
- 28. Beach House – “Zebra”
- 29. Os Beatles – “Black Bird”
- 30. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “León de Oro”
- 31. The Signs – “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
- 32. The Doors – “Frog of Peace”
- 33. Thom Yorke - "Cisne negro"
- 34. Ten walls – “Walking with elephants”
- 35. Culture Club – “Karma Chameleon”
- final thoughts
35 songs about animals
1. Maroon 5 – “Animals”
Maroon 5 changed their style over the years, but they certainly continued to release popular hits.
And “Animals” is definitely one of the most popular animal songs.
Although it has a rather serious tone.
The song talks about human nature; Adam Levine uses references to the animal kingdom to explain his love for his partner.
"Yes, you can start over, you can run free
You can find other fish in the sea.
You can pretend it's meant to be
But you can't run away from me.
2. Robbie Williams – “Me and My Monkey”
“Me and My Monkey” isn't one of Robbie's most famous hits, but it's certainly one of the most powerful songs with an animal in the title.
It's very deep and emotional. And this becomes quite understandable after finding out that it is about the singer's struggle with addiction.
As we mentioned at the beginning, music about animals often has a deeper meaning. And "Me and My Monkey" sounds like a smart way to talk about something very personal and difficult.
3. Nelly Furtado – “I am like a bird”
Without a doubt, "I'm Like a Bird" is one of the best pop songs about animals.
It is uplifting, familiar and inspiring.
In one of her most memorable songs, Nelly Furtado portrays herself as a bird. She's in love, but she's also restless and ready to fly.
"I am like a bird
I will fly away
I don't know where my soul is (soul)
I don't know where my house is."
4. Mumford and Sons – “Little Lion Man”
"Cry for yourself my man
You will never be what's in your heart
cry little lion man
You are not as brave as you were in the beginning.
"Little Lion Man" is the debut single by Mumford and Sons. And it's still one of his best songs.
The lion, as is common in many songs and stories, represents courage.
However, the song talks about becoming emotionally mature and realistic. It's about the importance of accepting your own flaws.
5. AURORA – “Animals”
Aurora is a Norwegian singer who is often inspired by the animal kingdom. She wrote a song aboutLobos, birds, nature in general…
In her 2019 track "Animal", Aurora compares herself to an animal. She is lost in a concrete jungle and looking for love.
Many animal songs talk about lack of control or wild nature. After all, many artists find the concept of totalfreedomvery attractive.
6. The Rolling Stones – “Wild Horses”
Yes, there is something very attractive about the idea of being completely free and wild. Like wild horses.
"Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones can be interpreted in many ways.
It could be a song about young love, the struggle to kick your addictions or just an appreciation of these beautiful wild creatures... You must decide for yourself.
Either way, "Wild Horses" is definitely one of the band's most soulful songs. There's something almost spiritual about it.
7. America – “A Horse With No Name”
America is another rock band inspired by the energy of a horse.
His catchy 1971 song "A Horse With No Name" is about an escape from boring everyday life.
As the guitarist and author of that song said, “A Horse With No Name” is “a metaphor for a vehicle to escape the hustle and bustle of life towards a calm and peaceful place”.
"I rode through the desert on a nameless horse
It was good to be out of the rain
In the desert you might remember your name
Because there is no one who does not cause you pain.
8. Of Monsters and Men – “Crocodile”
Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men's songs often sound like they're influenced by the power of nature.
And his song "Alligator" is clearly a tribute to the animal kingdom. At least to some extent.
The song mentions wild feelings, restlessness and empowerment.
9. Miike Snow – “Animal”
Miike Snow released "Animal" on her self-titled debut album in 2017.
Its lead singer, Andrew Wyatt, explained that "Animal" has multiple meanings: the lyrics can be about dealing with your baser instincts or trying to find a place in society.
Either way, it's a very catchy standalone track and a promising first single.
10. Florence and the Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”
"Happiness hit her like a train on the tracks
Coming your way still no turning back"
And happiness hits us when we hear this song.
“Dog Days Are Over” is a standalone anthem and a pure boost of positivity.
And according to the band's lead singer, Florence Welch, it's a reference to the star Sirius (also known as the "Dog Star").
As it approached Earth, Sirius supposedly made the animals very sleepy. When he pulled away, they regained their energy.
So the phrase "dog days" has nothing to do with dogs.
11. Coldplay – “Birds”
The bird is a symbol of freedom, so it stands to reason that one of Coldplay's animalsthe songs are about birds.
They released their 2015 "colorful" album "A Head Full Of Dreams".
The song is very sweet and hopeful. They must have had their heads full of dreams as they wrote it.
12. First Aid Kit – “Wolf”
Many songs with animal lyrics refer to wolves.
Wolf is a symbol of freedom, loyalty,familyand protection.
And “Wolf” by First Aid Kit is a good example of music inspired by this magnificent animal.
Indeed, First Aid Kit's folk music appears to be heavily influenced by nature and the animal kingdom.
13. Jefferson Plane – “Coelho Branco”
When it comes to popular animal songs, "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane is definitely a legendary song.
The song uses imagery from "Alice in Wonderland" and represents curiosity and liberation, as well as the effects of being trapped in an unreal world.
"Go ask Alice
When she is three meters tall.
And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you're going to fall."
14. Cat Stevens – “I Love My Dog”
Some songs about animals have no hidden meanings or metaphors.
In her 1967 track, Cat Stevens simply expresses love for her dog.
Well, dogs deserve their own songs. They are truly remarkable creatures and loyal companions.
By the way, take a look at our list ofbest songs about dogshere!
15. The Cure – “I Love Cats”
Surprisingly, The Cure also has a song about animals.
"Love Cats" is a quirky song released as a standalone single in 1983.
“We glide through the streets
while everyone sleeps
Getting bigger and more elegant
And wider and brighter.
16. The Cinematographic Orchestra – “The Arrival of the Birds”
“Arrival of the Birds” by the British group The Cinematic Orchestra is a very powerful and sentimental song.
Its melody sounds so pure and timeless.
The song was used in the movie "Theory of Everything" and in several other movies and commercials.
17. Leonard Cohen – “Bird on the Wire”
Leonard Cohen released "Bird on the Wire" on his 1969 studio album "Songs from a Room".
He was arguably one of the greatest lyricists of all time, and this song is just one testament to his unique creativity.
"Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight chorus
I tried my way to be free.
18. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Guepardo lento”
“Slow Cheetah” is probably one of the most underrated songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
It's a little slower-paced than most of their biggest hits, but it's no less memorable.
And you have to admit the song title is unique.
19. Angus and Julia Stone – “Grizzly Bear”
Angus and Julia Stone are known for making dreamy indie songs.
And "Brown Bear" is one of them. It's smooth, relaxing and a little nostalgic.
20. Arlo Parks – “Black Dog”
The black dog is usually associated with something bad. Its spiritual meaning is related todeathand bad
In his song "Black Dog", Arlo Parks mentions the black dog in a similar context.
She says:
I jump off the fire escape
To make the black dog go away
At least I know you're trying.
But that's what makes it scary."
21. Mad City – “Borboleta”
When you think of animal-related songs, you probably don't immediately think of Crazy Town. Or maybe you do.
Anyway, "Butterfly" was definitely one of the biggest hits of the early 2000s. And it can still be heard occasionally on radio stations and clubs.
22. Sofi Tukker – “Hey Lion”
Speaking of club music, Sofi Tukker is certainly one of the most (relatively) promising new names.
Their debut album “Soft Animals” can be classified as jungle pop, and the song “Hey Lion” is definitely a very animal song.
It is very catchy and captivating.
23. Shakira – “Loba”
When it comes to pop songs about animals, Shakira has written one of the most famous ones.
“She Wolf” is a song about freedom and inner wildness.
However, as in this song, a wolf is also associated with some kind of fantasy (probably thanks to "Little Red Riding Hood").
24. The Beatles – “I am the Walrus”
We wonder what the Beatles had in mind when they decided to call their song "I Am the Walrus".
Wow, looks like it went really well!
25. Jack White – “Zebra Ice Station”
Jack White also had an interesting idea for the title of his animal song.
However, he borrowed it from novelist Alistair MacLean.
However, the former White Stripes frontman released an interesting song with narrated lyrics.
26. Peter Gabriel – “Kiss That Frog”
“Sweet little princess, let me introduce you to her frog.
Only you can make it sing
He's all puffed up, he wants to be your king.
Only Peter Gabriel can say "frogness" in a song and have it sound good.
The idea for the song came from a book “The Uses of Enchantment” by Bruno Bettelheim, in which the author discusses fairy tales in terms of Freudian psychoanalysis and sexuality.
It's definitely one of the most unique animal songs of the '90s.
27. Bob Marley – “Buffalo Soldier”
As you can probably imagine, "Buffalo Soldier" is not a song about animals.
Refers to the US black cavalry regiments known as the "Buffalo Soldiers". Marley saw them as a symbol of black resistance.
And while it's one of Marley's best-known songs, "Buffalo Soldier" wasn't released until the posthumous release of "Confrontation" in 1983. Fascinating stuff, right?
28. Beach House – “Zebra”
Beach House is known for its smooth and dreamy indie songs.
His animal-themed song "Zebra" is one of his most famous tracks. He mentions black and white horses.
And somehow reminds of peaceful freedom and eternal summer.
29. Os Beatles – “Black Bird”
Yes, the Beatles wrote several songs with an animal in the title.
And “Black Bird” is very hopeful and sentimental.
Although they wrote great lyrics, there's something really special about "Black Bird".
"The blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
all your life
You were just waiting for this moment to come.
30. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “León de Oro”
Released in 2006, "Gold Lion" became one of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' biggest hits.
It is very energetic, captivating and powerful.
It's yet another song inspired by the symbolism of lions.
31. The Signs – “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
Speaking of lions and songs about animals, it doesn't get any more iconic than "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."
The song was originally written and recorded in Zulu by Solomon Linda, and The Tokens' English version became a number one hit.
And the famous "oh wimoweh" line is actually a misinterpreted version of the original "Uyimbube" chorus, which means "you are a lion".
So the next time you hear this song, try singing the original lyrics!
32. The Doors – “Frog of Peace”
“Peace Frog” is another song with an animal in the title that talks about anything but animals.
It tells the story of a group of Indians who suffered a car accident. And supposedly addresses the issue of abortion. And it could be a protest song.
33. Thom Yorke - "Cisne negro"
When it comes to Thom Yorke's solo career, "Black Swan" is certainly one of his highlights.
It is likeone of the recent studiesdiscovered, Thom Yorke is among the singers with the highest vocabulary. So it's no surprise that he chose a black swan for the title of his animal song.
34. Ten walls – “Walking with elephants”
After being released as a digital download, "Walking With Elephants" by Lithuanian producer Ten Walls quickly became a hit.
And it remains one of the club's favorite hits.
35. Culture Club – “Karma Chameleon”
“Karma Chameleon” is undoubtedly a timeless hit.
Culture Club frontman Boy George used references to chameleons as a way to address fear of alienation.
However, it is definitely one of the most famous songs about animals and a nice ending to today's playlist.
final thoughts
Hope our favorite animal themed songs helped you appreciate animals even more.
While most of these songs use animals as a metaphor, they can also show how inspiring certain animals can be.
Dogs are our dearest.friends, birds represent freedom, lions have the strength and courage we fight for...
We can really learn a lot from animals. And we must all collectively do what we can to protect them.
So sit back, enjoy our list of animal songs and think about what youyoucan do for animal welfare.
FAQs
The 35 best songs about animals and with animals in the title? ›
1. “The House of the Rising Sun” (1964) This is one of the most indelible songs from the British Invasion as arpeggio chords, Price's electrifying organ solo, and of course, Burdon's commanding vocals all contribute to a near-perfect performance.
What song has an animal in the title? ›- “Octopus's Garden” by The Beatles.
- “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John.
- “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine.
- “A Horse with No Name” by America.
- “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin.
- “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton.
- “I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles.
- “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.
- Def Leppard "Animal" (1987) ...
- Stray Cats "Stray Cat Strut" (1982) ...
- The Cure "Lovecats"(1983) ...
- Survivor "Eye of the Tiger" (1982) ...
- Poison "Look What the Cat Dragged In" (1986) ...
- White Lion "Wait" (1987) ...
- DOG DAYS OF THE 80S!
- George Clinton "Atomic Dog" (1982)
1. “The House of the Rising Sun” (1964) This is one of the most indelible songs from the British Invasion as arpeggio chords, Price's electrifying organ solo, and of course, Burdon's commanding vocals all contribute to a near-perfect performance.
Who sang animal song? ›"Animals" is a song by American pop rock band Maroon 5.
What song connects to Animal Farm? ›"Beasts of England", the original anthem of the Animal Farm corresponds to the famous socialist anthem, The Internationale, but also alludes to Shelley's Men of England. In the book, the pig Old Major explains his dream of an animal-controlled society three nights before his death.
What animals were popular in the 80s? ›During the 1980s, ferrets and tarantulas made their debut into the pet world. Gerbils, hamsters, parakeets, guinea pigs, hermit crabs and turtles were among the popular pets of the decade. Ferrets turned out to be more work than expected and parakeets were replaced by the more intelligent lovebirds.
What song does old major teach the Animals? ›Listing all of man's crimes, old Major rouses the other animals into planning the rebellion. His leading them in singing "Beasts of England" is another demonstration of his rhetorical skills, for after he teaches the animals the song about a world untainted by human hands, the animals sing it five times in succession.
What was the most popular animal in the 80s? ›More cats than dogs are becoming Americans' best friends. In 1980, there were an estimated 46.2 million dogs kept as pets in the United States and just 36.9 million cats, according to an annual study of a 7,500-household panel by Stanford, Conn.
What is the name of the song that was taught to The Animals? ›Old Major teaches the animals the song "Beasts of England" to inspire a rebellion and give them hope for a human-free farm.
Whose best known music is one of his Carnival of the Animals? ›
Camille Saint-Saëns composed The Carnival of the Animals in 1868. It is a suite of 14 movements. It was originally composed for a chamber group of 11 instruments: flute/piccolo, clarinet, two pianos, glass harmonica, xylophone, two violins, viola, cello, and double bass.
What symphony is about animals? ›The Carnival of the Animals (Le Carnaval des animaux) is a humorous musical suite of fourteen movements, including "The Swan", by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
What are 3 famous animals? ›Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog, and Garfield have brought joy to generations, while real animals such as Ham the chimp and Balto the Siberian husky are regarded as heroes. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
What is the name of all animals? › What is the Aspca song called? ›Remember those heartbreaking ASPCA commercials? You know the ones—Sarah McLachlan's song, "Angel," starts playing and you immediately want to flip the channel because otherwise you might burst into tears while photos of hurt animals flash across the screen.
What was the name of the song the animals memorized? ›Old Major, a pig, teaches the song Beasts of England to the other farm animals to inspire them to rebel. Old Major dies, and Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer (another pig) develop his ideas into Animalism and create the Seven Commandments.
What animals are mentioned in Christmas songs? ›"The Friendly Beasts" is a traditional Christmas song about the gifts that a donkey, cow, sheep, camel, and dove give to Jesus at the Nativity. The song seems to have originated in 12th-century France, set to the melody of the Latin song "Orientis Partibus".