Dogs have been the muses for musicians for ages. We’ve rounded up 22 of the best dog-titled and dog-inspired tunes and made a doggie playlist of our favorites. From country to pop, and punk to R&B, there’s something for every dog lover—and music lover!—here.
1.”I Love My Dog” by Cat Stevens
A “Cat” singing a love song about a dog—oh, the irony! Cat Stevens knows how special dogs are—just look at these lyrics: “All he asks from me is the food to give him strength/All he ever needs is love and that he knows he’ll get.”
2. “Walking the Dog” by Rufus Thomas
You might want to play this song the next time you’re out walking your dog, because it’s seriously catchy and will put a groove in your step. Released in 1963, it’s Rufus Thomas’ biggest hit.
3. “Martha My Dear” by The Beatles
Contrary to what some might think, the “Martha” in this song isn’t a human: she’s a dog! “Martha My Dear” was inspired by Paul McCarney’s Old English Sheepdog, Martha, whom he adopted in 1965.
4. “Cracker Jack” by Dolly Parton
Just a nice, wholesome, sweet song about a sweet woman and her faithful dog. Take a listen to these lyrics: “The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack/But he was more than that/A playmate, a companion/He was love and understanding/That was Cracker Jack.”
5. “Gypsy, Joe and Me” by Dolly Parton
Dolly sure does love writing songs about dogs. In the great fashion of old country songs (lots of sad stuff happens), this song appeared on her fourth studio album in 1969.
6. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges
Was Iggy Pop (lead singer of The Stooges) singing from a dog’s point of view that just wants to find his forever home? We’d like to think so!
7. “Sometimes I Don’t Mind” by Suicide Machines
A Boston Terrier named Chewy inspired the Suicide Machines’ bassist Royce Nunley to write this song. Chewy can also be heard barking at the end of the song!
8. “My Dog and Me” by John Hyatt
John Hiatt paints a beautiful picture of a man and his dog. You gotta love these lyrics: “Buddy, I coulda gone that extra mile/For an extra bark or an extra smile/‘Cause I never felt so free/It was just my dog and me.”
9. “Black Eyed Dog” by Nick Drake
This rare track from Nick Drake supposedly was inspired by Winston Churchill’s description of depression as a black dog. (FYI: Drake suffered from depression.) We prefer to think of it as a nice song about a nice black-eyed dog. However you read into it, it’s a great tune.
10. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
“You ain’t nothing but a hound dog …” You say that like it’s a bad thing, Elvis! We’d love to be hound dogs (or any dogs) and groove to this 1956 classic.
11. “Old Blue” by The Dillards
This old folk song has been covered by various artists since it originated in the 19th century, but we like this Ozark-inspired version the best. It seems like the theme of “good dogs” stand the test of time!
12. “Shannon” by Henry Gross
Like some of the best dog-inspired songs, this one has a sad tale behind it. Supposedly, Henry Gross wrote this song about the death of Beach Boys member Carl Wilson’s Irish Setter, Shannon, who died after being swept out to sea.
13. “Old Shep” by Elvis Presley
This is a great cover of a sad tale. In 1933, country singer Red Foley wrote this song about his childhood German Shepherd, Hoover, who was poisoned by a neighbor.
14. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin
Legend has it that the title for this Led Zeppelin song was inspired by a black dog that wandered by the studio during a recording session.
15. “Man of the Hour” by Norah Jones
Norah Jones penned this ballad for the furry, four-legged “man” in her life, her Poodle, Ralph.
16. “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton
Dogs of the world, unite! This now-classic R&B song should be the funky anthem for dogs everywhere.
17. “Old King” by Neil Young
Neil Young wrote this song about his beloved hound dog named Elvis (aka King), who used to go on the road with him all the time.
18. “Diamond Dogs” by David Bowie
OK, so the lyrics of this song have little to do with our canine friends, but it gets a place on the list because … well, just look at the cover art for the Diamond Dogs album. Bowie is half man, half dog! Plus, doesn’t this catchy tune sound like something cool dogs would listen to?
19. “Dogs Are Everywhere” by Pulp
Does it ever feel like dogs are everywhere you go, everywhere you look? Then you’d probably agree with Jarvis Cocker, lead singer of Pulp, and this song.
20. “Move It on Over” by Hank Williams
This classic country song follows a man who’s forced to sleep in the doghouse after coming home late at night, and his wife not allowing him inside the house. Hopefully the dog shared his blanket!
21. “All That I’ve Got” by The Used
Yet another song inspired by tragic events: this song was dedicated to lead singer Bert McCracken’s dog, David Bowie, who was hit by a truck during the recording of the album.
22. “Dog’s Life” by Eels
“I’ll take a dog’s life/Just lying in the sun.” Shoot, we’ll take a dog’s life, too! In the meantime, we’ll just enjoy this awesome song with a dog by our side.
23. “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by Baha Men
Who could forget this timeless song, which asked all over the world: “Who let the dogs out?” The mystery still remains unsolved today, but there’s one thing we all know—it’s a doggone catchy song!
Posted By: Chewy Editorial
Featured Image: via andresrimaging/iStock/Thinkstock
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