The 10 Best Songs About Dogs
Dogs are one of the most popular pet options globally, and they are an animal about which many people are passionate. Therefore, it is no wonder that dogs are used as the inspiration or focus in a wide range of media, including television, films, animations, and books. They are also used as inspiration for the lyrics of many songs across many genres. Here are the 10 best songs about dogs.
10. Gonna Buy Me a Dog, The Monkees (1966)
‘Gonna Buy Me a Dog’ is about men realizing that if they cannot get a girl, then a dog makes a great alternative as a companion. The song was the last track on the group’s self-titled debut album and featured Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones on the lead vocal. Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote this song.
9. Quiche Lorraine, The B-52’s (1980)
Although the title of the song indicates that it is about the popular French egg flan dish, it is actually about a green poodle called Quiche. There are some that say the title of the song is also used as a metaphor for a relationship that went to the dogs. This song featured on the 1980 album ‘Wild Planet.’ The song was written by band members Fred Schneider, Ricky Wilson, Cindy Wilson, and Kate Pierson, and it featured Schneider, Pierson, and Cindy Wilson on the lead vocals.
8. How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? Patti Page (1953)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AkLE4X-bbU
‘How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?’ was a novelty single released by Patti Page in 1953. It was written by Bob Merrill and is based on the song ‘Oh, Where, Oh, Where, Has My Little Dog Gone?’ and the folk tune ‘Carnival of Venice.’ There are many versions of the song, and Patti Page’s version is the best known in the United States. However, in the same year, Lita Roza’s version is best known in the UK, where it topped the charts.
7. Cracker Jack, Dolly Parton (1974)
Dolly Parton had several dogs during her lifetime, but Cracker Jack was a dog that had a special place in her heart. She got the dog when he was a stray pup, and he remained her loyal friend until his death. Parton was inspired to write an ode to her canine love. The song featured on Parton’s 13th studio album ‘Jolene.’
6. I Wanna Be Your Dog, The Stooges (1969)
The Stooges’ ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ has become a punk classic. On the face of the lyrics, the song is about a man who wants to have the same bond with a woman that humans have with dogs. However, there is an underlying message about sexual devotion. This rock appears on the band’s self-titled album and features Iggy Pop on lead vocals. Actor John McCrea sings a version of this song on the 2021 film’ Cruella.’ others who have covered this song include Sid Vicious, Matt Mays, Sonic Youth, Slayer, and Emilie Simon.
5. I Love My Dog, Yusuf/ Cat Stevens (1967)
There is a level of irony about a song about a dog being written by a cat. ‘I Love My Dog’ was the debut single of Cat Stevens, who later became known as Yusuf. It is about a man who loves his dog as much as his lover and hints that the dog may remain in his life a lot longer. The song appeared on the 1967 album ‘Matthew & Son.’
4. Who Let the Dogs Out, Baha Men (2000)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkuu0Lwb5EM
‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ has lyrics that are interpreted in various ways. Taken literally, the song is about dogs. When the song was released, many people thought that it was about ugly women. However, The Forty Five says that the song is calling out men who bark at women in public. It began as an underground hit and was first played by English DJ John Peel. The song featured on the album ‘Absolute Music 33.’
3. Martha My Dear, The Beatles (1968)
Many fans of the Beatles assume that this song is about a woman called Martha, and the lyrics certainly work for that scenario. However, the song was written by Paul McCartney about his sheepdog, Martha. Despite the confusion about the meaning of the song, the fact that the lyrics could relate to different situations helped the song’s popularity. The song featured on the band’s 1968 self-titled album.
2. Hound Dog, Elvis Presley (1956)
Elvis Presley’s single ‘Hound Dog’ was the lead track from the 1956 album of the same name. Although Presley’s version of the song is the best known, it was originally sung by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. The song compared the behavior of a man to the bad behavior of a hound dog. Presley’s version of this track is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
1. Atomic Dog, George Clinton (1982)
According to U Discover Music, one of the best songs about dogs is Atomic Dog. The story goes that George Clinton was heading to the studio high on drugs, and he had the word ‘dog’ stuck in his head. When he arrived at the studio, Clinton began improvising a song about a dog, and he recorded the song in just two takes. The song featured on the album’ Computer Games,’ and it topped the R&B chart in the United States. Although the song failed to make it onto the Billboard Hot 100, it has since gained popularity as it has been sampled in several hip-hop songs.