13 Dog Songs You Need To Hear Right Now
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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. “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.
3. “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.”
4. “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.
5. “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!
6. “My Dog and Me” by John Hiatt
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.”
7. “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.
8. “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!
9. “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.
10. “Man of the Hour” by Norah Jones
Norah Jones penned this ballad for the furry, four-legged “man” in her life, her Poodle, Ralph.
11. “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.
12. “Move It on Over” by Hank Williams
This classic country song follows a man who’s literally 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!
13. “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!
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