Animals have long been a source of inspiration for countless musicians, spanning various genres and decades. From dogs to horses, cats to birds, the connection between humans and animals has sparked creativity, emotion, and even humor in songwriting. Hands down, it’s likely that there are more songs written about dogs than any other animal, but for this list, we wanted to explore a broader range of creatures, offering some variety. While dogs make a strong appearance, you’ll also find songs about horses, raccoons, and even a space monkey. The goal here was to capture the diverse ways in which musicians have incorporated animals into their work, whether as symbols, metaphors, or expressions of profound personal connections.
# 10 – October Song – Amy Winehouse
“October Song” by Amy Winehouse is a profoundly emotional and symbolic track that stands out as one of her most poignant compositions. Originally featured on her 2003 debut album, Frank, the song was written about the death of her pet canary, Ava, which she personifies with intricate lyrics that blend her grief with beautiful metaphors. The song was recorded during sessions for Frank, primarily at Creative Space Studios in London, with Salaam Remi serving as the primary producer for the album. Remi, a close collaborator of Winehouse throughout her career, helped shape the jazz, soul, and R&B-infused sound that permeates this track, which reflects the thematic blend of personal loss and artistic reverence for legendary vocalists like Sarah Vaughan. Read More: Top 10 Amy Winehouse Songs
# 9 – Get Down – Gilbert O’Sullivan
“Get Down” by Gilbert O’Sullivan is a playful and energetic track from his 1973 album I’m a Writer, Not a Fighter. Released as a single, the song quickly became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one in the UK and Ireland, and breaking into the top ten in the U.S., Canada, and several other countries. Produced by Gordon Mills, the song’s lively tempo and catchy piano riffs marked a stylistic departure from O’Sullivan’s typically melancholic ballads. Laurie Holloway, a renowned pianist, provided the signature electric piano riff that gives the track its upbeat, danceable groove.
This one is weird but oh, so cool. “King of the Dogs” by Iggy Pop was released on his fifteenth studio album Préliminaires, released in 2009. The song is a bold and quirky departure from Iggy’s traditional hard-hitting rock style, instead leaning into New Orleans jazz, complete with brass instrumentation. Iggy Pop, known for his wild stage presence and raw rock energy, takes on a new persona in this track, one that evokes the carefree, primal life of a dog. Recorded as part of an album inspired by Michel Houellebecq’s novel La Possibilité d’une île (The Possibility of an Island), the album marked a notable shift in Iggy’s sound. The production team behind this track included Hal Cragin, who provided bass, guitar, and keyboards, and Jon Cowherd, who contributed jazz piano elements that infused the song with an unmistakable New Orleans vibe.
“Phenomenal Cat” by The Kinks is a whimsical, psychedelic track from their 1968 album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. This song, written by Ray Davies, stands out as one of the more fantastical pieces on the album, capturing the era’s fondness for storytelling and surreal imagery. Released during the height of the band’s creative evolution, the album saw The Kinks moving away from their early rock sound and embracing a more introspective, baroque pop style. “Phenomenal Cat” is a prime example of this shift, blending dreamy melodies with an unusual narrative about a wise and content cat who has traveled the world. Read More: Dave Davies of The Kinks: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upWnwfzA_i8
# 6 – A Horse With No Name – America
“A Horse with No Name” by America is one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1970s, known for its hypnotic acoustic guitar riff and dreamy, atmospheric lyrics. Released in 1971 as the lead single from America’s self-titled debut album, the song became an international hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in March 1972. Written by band member Dewey Bunnell, the song was produced by Ian Samwell and Jeff Dexter and recorded at Morgan Studios in London.
“Space Monkey” by John Prine, featured on his Live on Tour album released in 1997, is a satirical and surreal track that blends humor, political commentary, and Prine’s distinctive folk-rock style. This live album captures the energy of Prine’s performances, with “Space Monkey” standing out as a whimsical narrative about a monkey sent into space during the Cold War era. Co-written with Peter Case, the song mixes absurdity with deeper reflections on the consequences of ambition, fame, and forgotten heroes of the space race. Read More: Complete List Of John Prine Studio Albums And Discography
# 4 – The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” made famous by The Tokens in 1961, is a globally recognized song with deep roots in South African music history. Originally composed by Solomon Linda in 1939 under the title “Mbube,” the song was recorded in Johannesburg by Linda and his group, The Evening Birds. The Zulu word “Mbube” translates to “lion,” and Linda’s original version reflected a traditional African call-and-response style, incorporating rich harmonies typical of Zulu music. Over the years, the song evolved through various adaptations, most notably as “Wimoweh” by The Weavers in 1951, before The Tokens’ pop version transformed it into a chart-topping hit.
# 3 – Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones
“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones is one of the band’s most enduring and emotionally resonant songs. Released in 1971 on their classic album Sticky Fingers, it showcases the band’s ability to blend rock with country influences, creating a timeless ballad that explores themes of longing, heartbreak, and resilience. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Wild Horses” is often noted for its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody, making it one of The Rolling Stones’ most heartfelt and introspective tracks.
“Rocky Raccoon” is one of the most unique and whimsical tracks from The Beatles (commonly known as The White Album), released in 1968. Primarily penned by Paul McCartney, this quirky ballad tells the humorous yet tragic story of Rocky Raccoon, a boy from the “black mining hills of Dakota” whose girlfriend, known both as Lil and Nancy, leaves him for another man named Dan. After being struck by his romantic rival, Rocky seeks revenge but finds himself outdrawn and wounded, only to stumble upon a Gideon’s Bible in his room. While the song is lighthearted in its storytelling, it explores timeless themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption, all wrapped in an Old West-style narrative.
“Shannon” by Henry Gross is a heartfelt tribute to a pet, written about the passing of Beach Boys’ Carl Wilson’s Irish Setter, Shannon. Released in 1976 on Gross’s Release album, the song struck a chord with listeners for its tender expression of loss and grief, becoming a major hit. The recording sessions for “Shannon” took place in 1975, with Gross both writing and producing the song. Musicians featured on the album include Henry Gross himself on vocals and guitar, Kenny Ascher on piano and keyboards, and Allan Schwartzberg on drums, among others. The song’s rich, melodic instrumentation is a reflection of Gross’s craftsmanship as a musician and songwriter, and the overall production encapsulates the emotional weight of the song’s content.
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.
