Animals have long been a powerful muse for songwriters across all genres. From the wild and ferocious to the peaceful and playful, songs with animals in the title have a unique way of capturing emotions and stories. Whether capturing the strength of a lion or the whimsical charm of a butterfly, these songs are as diverse as the animals themselves.
On this page, you’ll find 37 songs that bring animals into the spotlight, each capturing a distinct aspect of nature and life.
Be sure to check out the Songs with Animals in the Title Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs with Animals in the Title
1. “Hungry Like the Wolf” – Duran Duran
Lyric Sample: “I’m on the hunt, I’m after you.”
This iconic 80s track brings to life the intense, predatory pursuit of love. Its catchy chorus and energetic rhythm make it a standout in Duran Duran’s catalog, capturing the urgency and thrill of the chase, making it perfect for this animal-themed list.
2. “Shark in the Water” – V.V. Brown
Lyric Sample: “Baby, there’s a shark in the water, there’s something underneath my bed.”
In this playful and upbeat track, V.V. Brown uses the shark as a metaphor for hidden emotions and unsettling thoughts. The catchy rhythm and bold vocals complement the song’s exploration of vulnerability and desire.
3. “Butterfly” – Crazy Town
Lyric Sample: “Come my lady, come, come my lady, you’re my butterfly.”
Crazy Town’s hit blends rap-rock with a catchy hook, using the image of a butterfly to symbolize freedom and transformation. The song’s upbeat energy and infectious chorus make it a timeless anthem for embracing change.
4. “Peacock” – Katy Perry
Lyric Sample: “Word on the street, you got somethin’ to show me.”
Katy Perry’s “Peacock” is a fun and cheeky pop track that uses the proud bird as a symbol of confidence and boldness. The vibrant beat and playful lyrics perfectly match the flamboyant imagery of a peacock on display.
5. “Monkey Man” – The Rolling Stones
Lyric Sample: “I’m a fleabit peanut monkey.”
The Rolling Stones bring their signature rock sound to this playful and gritty tune, where the monkey serves as a symbol of mischief and freedom. With its raw energy and funky rhythm, “Monkey Man” fits perfectly into the animal-themed playlist.
6. “Crocodile Rock” – Elton John
Lyric Sample: “I remember when rock was young, me and Suzie had so much fun.”
This nostalgic anthem from Elton John takes listeners back to the carefree days of youth, with the “Crocodile Rock” evoking a sense of fun and excitement. The playful tune and vivid imagery make it a perfect fit for this collection of animal-themed songs.
7. “Blackbird” – The Beatles
Lyric Sample: “Blackbird fly, into the light of a dark black night.”
One of The Beatles’ most timeless ballads, “Blackbird” combines beautiful melodies with profound lyrics about freedom and self-liberation. The blackbird symbolizes personal growth and the hope of breaking free, making it an enduring classic.
Related: “Blackbird” Song Meaning
8. “Ant’s Marching” – Dave Matthews Band
Lyric Sample: “He wakes up in the morning, does his teeth, bite to eat and he’s rolling.”
In this song, Dave Matthews Band uses the metaphor of ants marching to represent the monotonous routines and the pressures of daily life. The song encourages listeners to question their own “marching” through life and consider stepping out of the predictable patterns.
9. “Dolphin’s Cry” – Live
Lyric Sample: “Can you hear the dolphin’s cry?”
This powerful ballad from Live captures the transformative power of love and self-discovery. The emotional depth and soaring vocals create an uplifting anthem about finding strength through connection.
10. “Wildcat” – Ratatat
Lyric Sample: Instrumental track
Ratatat’s instrumental track “Wildcat” conjures up images of fierce independence and wild energy. The vibrant instrumental arrangement gives listeners a taste of the untamed spirit of the wildcat.
11. “Stray Cat Strut” – Stray Cats
Lyric Sample: “Black and orange stray cat sittin’ on a fence.”
This rockabilly anthem by Stray Cats perfectly embodies the carefree attitude of a street-smart cat. Its catchy beat and confident lyrics make it a playful addition to any collection of animal-inspired songs.
12. “The Fox” – Ylvis
Lyric Sample: “What does the fox say?”
This viral sensation takes a humorous and quirky approach to exploring the sounds animals make, specifically the fox. With its infectious beat and comedic lyrics, “The Fox” adds a fun and lighthearted twist to the animal theme.
13. “Butterfly” – Mariah Carey
Lyric Sample: “Spread your wings and prepare to fly, for you have become a butterfly.”
Mariah Carey’s heartfelt ballad uses the metaphor of a butterfly to represent personal transformation and freedom. Its soaring vocals and emotional depth make it a standout track, beautifully capturing the symbolic power of change.
14. “Mockingbird” – Eminem
Lyric Sample: “Hush little baby, don’t you cry, everything’s gonna be alright.”
Eminem’s “Mockingbird” uses the familiar lullaby to convey a message of comfort and reassurance. The bird’s symbolic role as a protector is shown in the song’s themes of fatherly love and devotion.
15. “Octopus’s Garden” – The Beatles
Lyric Sample: “I’d like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade.”
This whimsical and lighthearted Beatles track imagines a peaceful escape under the sea, with the octopus’s garden serving as a symbol of harmony and contentment. The playful melody and fun imagery make it an iconic song about an aquatic animal.
16. “Black Cat” – Janet Jackson
Lyric Sample: “Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights, livin’ on the edge, not afraid to die.”
In this intense track, Janet Jackson paints a vivid picture of a rebellious and dangerous lover. The song’s raw energy and catchy rhythm capture the tension between attraction and caution.
17. “Panda” – Desiigner
Lyric Sample: “Panda, Panda, Panda. I got broads in Atlanta.”
Desiigner’s hit single “Panda” brings the image of the panda to life through a catchy, trap-driven beat. The repetitive hook and hypnotic rhythm capture the power and energy of the song, making it a perfect fit for this animal-themed collection.
18. “Wolf Like Me” – TV on the Radio
Lyric Sample: “My mind’s aflame, my body’s strained, but, God, I like it.”
This song is a wild exploration of transformation, where desire and primal instincts take over. The lyrics convey an overwhelming shift in both mind and body, capturing the exhilarating chaos of a metamorphosis.
19. “White Tiger” – Izzy Bizu
Lyric Sample: “White, white tiger, I ride rollercoaster.”
This song describes the thrill and risk of being in an intense relationship. The white tiger symbolizes the danger and excitement of love, with the rollercoaster metaphor capturing the highs and lows of emotional engagement.
20. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – The Tokens
Lyric Sample: “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.”
This timeless classic captures the peaceful imagery of a lion sleeping in the jungle, offering a sense of calm and tranquility. Its infectious melody and nostalgic charm make it a perfect addition to this list of songs about animals.
21. “When Doves Cry” – Prince
Lyric Sample: “This is what it sounds like when doves cry.”
Prince’s iconic hit uses the metaphor of doves crying to explore the emotional complexity of love, loss, and heartbreak. The song’s haunting melody and powerful lyrics speak to the vulnerability that comes with deep emotional connections.
22. “Sheep” – Pink Floyd
Lyric Sample: “Harmlessly passing your time in the grassland away.”
This track from Animals by Pink Floyd uses sheep as a symbol of conformity and passivity. The song critiques societal control and blind obedience, with the sheep representing people who mindlessly follow the crowd, urging listeners to think critically.
23. “Black Dog” – Led Zeppelin
Lyric Sample: “Hey-hey, mama, said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove.”
This iconic rock song expresses intense desire and attraction. The lyrics depict the magnetic pull of a woman’s movements, capturing both the lust and the frustration that come with longing and chasing something elusive.
Related: Songs with Colors in the Title
24. “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley
Lyric Sample: “Don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing is gonna be alright.”
This reggae classic uses the image of three little birds to deliver a hopeful message. Bob Marley encourages listeners to keep faith and remain optimistic, regardless of the challenges they may face. The uplifting rhythm and simple message make this song an enduring anthem of positivity.
Related: “Three Little Birds” Song Meaning
25. “Animals” – Maroon 5
Lyric Sample: “Baby, I’m preying on you tonight.”
Maroon 5’s “Animals” uses animal imagery to describe a raw, intense attraction. The song explores the animalistic instincts and primal desires in a relationship, making it a bold and provocative track with a catchy, edgy beat.
26. “Hound Dog” – Elvis Presley
Lyric Sample: “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, cryin’ all the time.”
One of Elvis Presley’s most famous songs and one of the most popular songs with animals in the title, “Hound Dog” uses the image of a hound dog to symbolize an unfaithful lover. With its catchy rhythm and direct lyrics, the song’s message is clear: don’t mess with someone who’s standing up for themselves.
27. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
Lyric Sample: “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight.”
This powerful anthem from Survivor uses the image of the tiger’s eye to symbolize focus, strength, and determination. The song became iconic as a motivational tune, especially in sports and competition, inspiring people to fight for their goals with unrelenting intensity.
Related: Songs with “Eyes” in the Title
28. “Fox on the Run” – Sweet
Lyric Sample: “Fox on the run, you scream and everybody comes a-running.”
This glam rock classic uses the fox as a symbol of independence and escape. The song narrates the story of someone breaking free from an unwanted situation, and the fox’s swift movements mirror the protagonist’s desire to outrun their troubles.
29. “Cat’s in the Cradle” – Harry Chapin
Lyric Sample: “And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon.”
This poignant folk song uses the image of a cat to explore the passage of time and a father’s regret over not spending enough time with his child. The metaphor of the cat in the cradle speaks to the distance between father and son and the missed opportunities for connection.
Related: “Cat’s in the Cradle” Song Meaning
30. “Bear” – The Antlers
Lyric Sample: “There’s a bear inside your stomach, the cub’s been kicking from within.”
This haunting song uses the metaphor of a bear inside the stomach to convey emotional turmoil and impending life changes. It explores themes of fear, aging, and the sense of growing apart from others while facing uncomfortable truths.
31. “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane
Lyric Sample: “Remember what the dormouse said: Feed your head.”
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” uses the white rabbit as a symbol of curiosity, self-exploration, and rebellion. The song’s psychedelic sound and surreal lyrics encourage listeners to break free from conventional thinking and question reality.
Related: “White Rabbit” Song Meaning
32. “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine
Lyric Sample: “The dog days are over, the dog days are done.”
Florence + The Machine’s anthem symbolizes the end of hardship and the arrival of better days. The “dog days” refer to a period of struggle or difficulty, and the song’s euphoric energy celebrates the triumph of overcoming adversity and embracing new beginnings.
Related: “Dog Days Are Over” Song Meaning
33. “Wolves” – Selena Gomez ft. Marshmello
Lyric Sample: “I’ve been running through the jungle, I’ve been running with the wolves.”
This emotional track explores the lengths one will go for love, using vivid imagery of running through jungles and dark alleys. It captures the internal struggle and determination to reach someone, no matter the obstacles.
34. “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” – KT Tunstall
Lyric Sample: “I came across a place in the middle of nowhere with a big black horse and a cherry tree.”
KT Tunstall’s upbeat folk-rock track uses the imagery of a black horse and a cherry tree to symbolize independence, freedom, and self-discovery. The song tells the story of breaking free from a toxic relationship, making it an empowering anthem of liberation.
Related: Songs with Colors in the Title
35. “She Wolf” – Shakira
Lyric Sample: “There’s a she wolf in the closet, open up and set it free.”
Shakira’s “She Wolf” captures a transformation from the mundane to the wild, as the protagonist sheds societal expectations and embraces her desires. The lyrics mix empowerment with sensuality, illustrating a craving for freedom and liberation from a confined life.
36. “Silverfish” – Corey Taylor
Lyric Sample: “No one’s gonna save me when I die.”
In “Silverfish,” Corey Taylor explores themes of internal conflict and the inescapability of one’s regrets. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and defiance, with the protagonist confronting their own struggles and realizing that salvation may not come, no matter how much they call for help.
37. “Pony Time” – Chubby Checker
Lyric Sample: “So get with it, don’t quit it, get up, do the pony with your partner.”
Chubby Checker’s dance hit “Pony Time” uses the image of a pony to represent carefree fun and lively celebration. The upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus make it a joyful track, inviting listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment on the dance floor.
What Makes Songs About Animals Special?
Songs with animals in the title often evoke powerful imagery and metaphor. Whether symbolizing freedom, strength, or vulnerability, these animal motifs help tell stories that resonate deeply with listeners.
These songs transcend their literal meanings, using animals as metaphors to explore themes like love, transformation, and personal growth. From the graceful butterfly to the fierce wolf, each animal adds its own symbolic weight to the narrative.
For more tracks that explore a unique theme, be sure to check out Songs About Nature.