1. The 1950s – (How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window? – Patti Page
The 1950s were all about charm and innocence, and nothing captures that era’s sweetness quite like Patti Page’s “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?” Released in 1953, this song was an instant hit, climbing to the top of the charts and staying there for weeks. With its catchy melody and wholesome lyrics, it became the unofficial anthem for dog lovers everywhere. The song tells the story of someone admiring a little puppy in a pet store window, longing to bring it home. It’s simple, yet completely endearing, much like the golden age of rock and roll itself.
But beyond its catchy tune, the song also reflected the cultural values of the time—when the idea of home, family, and loyalty (just like a dog’s) were front and center in American life. Over the years, it has been parodied, covered, and even criticized for unintentionally promoting pet store sales. Despite that, it remains one of the most iconic animal-themed songs ever written. Even today, just hearing the first few notes can transport listeners back to a time when jukeboxes ruled and rock ‘n’ roll was still in its infancy.
2. The 1960s – The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens
The 1960s were a transformative time for music, and one of the most unforgettable animal-inspired songs of the decade was “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens. Though the song has roots in a 1939 South African tune called “Mbube,” The Tokens’ 1961 version gave it new life, turning it into a global sensation. With its hypnotic falsetto vocals and rhythmic harmonies, the song became a defining piece of the early ’60s sound. It perfectly blended pop with an almost tribal, otherworldly feel, making it stand out from anything else on the charts.
What makes this song even more remarkable is its longevity. Decades later, it gained a whole new audience when it was featured in Disney’s The Lion King, ensuring its place in pop culture history. It’s one of those songs that transcends generations—whether you first heard it on an oldies radio station, in a movie theater, or even at a karaoke night, its charm never fades. The idea of a mighty lion peacefully sleeping is oddly soothing, and the song itself feels like a comforting lullaby, no matter how old you are.
3. The 1970s – Blackbird – The Beatles
The Beatles were already legends by the time the 1970s rolled around, but one of their most quietly powerful songs, “Blackbird,” took on a life of its own beyond the decade it was released in. Originally appearing on The White Album in 1968, “Blackbird” carried over into the ’70s as a song of hope, freedom, and resilience. Paul McCartney famously revealed that he wrote it as a metaphor for the civil rights movement, using the image of a blackbird learning to fly as a symbol of overcoming hardship.
While it may not be an animal song in the most literal sense, “Blackbird” remains one of the most poetic and deeply moving songs ever written about nature. The stripped-down sound—just McCartney’s voice and his guitar—makes it feel personal, almost like he’s singing directly to you. Over the years, it has been covered by countless artists, proving that its message of strength and perseverance is timeless. Whether you interpret it as a song about birds, people, or something more personal, there’s no denying its impact.
4. The 1980s – Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
If there’s one animal song from the 1980s that makes you want to jump out of your seat and start training for a boxing match, it’s “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Released in 1982 as the theme song for Rocky III, this adrenaline-pumping anthem quickly became synonymous with strength, perseverance, and pushing yourself to the limit. The tiger, a symbol of power and determination, was the perfect metaphor for Rocky Balboa’s comeback story—and for anyone else facing a tough battle in life.
Even outside of the movie, the song became an unstoppable force. It topped the charts, became a staple at sporting events, and even today, it’s impossible to hear those first few guitar chords without feeling a rush of motivation. Whether you were blasting it on your Walkman in the ’80s or playing it on your workout playlist today, “Eye of the Tiger” is the ultimate musical pep talk. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t feel like a champion after singing along to that chorus?
5. The 1990s – Butterfly – Crazy Town
The late 1990s and early 2000s were an interesting time in music, blending rock, rap, and pop into a new sound that defined the era. “Butterfly” by Crazy Town, released in 1999, perfectly encapsulated that moment. With its smooth, almost hypnotic beat and playful lyrics, it became an instant hit. The song compares a romantic partner to a butterfly—delicate, beautiful, and impossible to pin down. It was different from the heavier nu-metal sound dominating the charts at the time, making it stand out in a sea of grunge and alternative rock.
What made “Butterfly” so memorable wasn’t just the catchy tune—it was the way it perfectly captured that late ’90s feeling of carefree rebellion and youthful excitement. It was the kind of song you’d hear blasting from car speakers on a summer night or playing at every high school party. Love it or hate it, “Butterfly” was everywhere, and for a brief moment, it was impossible to escape. Even today, hearing it can instantly transport you back to an era of baggy jeans, frosted tips, and the golden age of MTV music videos.
6. The 2000s – Who Let the Dogs Out? – Baha Men
The 2000s were filled with unforgettable one-hit wonders, and none was more infectious (or more confusing) than Baha Men’s Who Let the Dogs Out? Released in 2000, the song quickly became a global sensation, playing at parties, sporting events, and basically anywhere people wanted to have a good time. It was loud, energetic, and ridiculously catchy—once you heard it, it was stuck in your head for the rest of the day. But while the song seemed like a fun anthem for dog lovers, its meaning was actually a little more layered.
The lyrics, which repeatedly ask, “Who let the dogs out?” weren’t really about actual dogs at all. Some interpretations suggest it was about men acting wild at a party, while others argue it was a callout to rowdy behavior. But honestly, nobody cared too much about the meaning—people just loved barking along with it. The song became a pop culture phenomenon, appearing in movies, commercials, and even winning a Grammy. To this day, it’s impossible to hear those first few beats without picturing a wild party or a stadium full of fans chanting along. Love it or hate it, Who Let the Dogs Out? defined the early 2000s in a way few songs ever could.
7. The 2010s – Roar – Katy Perry
By the time the 2010s rolled around, pop music was all about empowerment anthems, and Katy Perry delivered one of the best with Roar. Released in 2013, the song was an instant hit, climbing to the top of the charts and staying there for weeks. With its soaring chorus and jungle-inspired music video, Roar became a rallying cry for anyone who had ever felt underestimated or overlooked. The song’s lyrics, filled with references to finding inner strength and standing tall, resonated with millions of fans worldwide.
Beyond just being a hit, Roar became one of Perry’s most iconic songs, solidifying her place as a pop superstar. The music video, featuring Katy Perry in a jungle setting, embracing her inner warrior alongside tigers, elephants, and monkeys, was the perfect visual for a song about resilience. It was everywhere—playing at empowerment events, school graduations, and even political rallies. Whether you needed motivation for a big moment in life or just a good pump-up song, Roar had you covered. It was a modern-day Eye of the Tiger with a fresh pop twist, proving that animal-inspired songs never go out of style.
8. The 2020s – Bad Habit – Steve Lacy (The Owl City Phenomenon Returns)
The 2020s have already given us some incredible music, but one of the most unique animal-related hits has to be Steve Lacy’s Bad Habit. While the song itself isn’t directly about animals, its dreamy, atmospheric vibe reminds many listeners of the early 2010s synth-pop era dominated by artists like Owl City (Fireflies). With its hypnotic beats and laid-back delivery, Bad Habit feels like a modern twist on the nostalgic animal-themed music that came before it.
The beauty of Bad Habit is how effortlessly cool it is. It doesn’t try too hard to be an anthem—it just is. The song became a viral sensation, spreading across TikTok and social media at lightning speed, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected tracks end up leaving the biggest mark. It’s proof that even in an era dominated by streaming and short attention spans, music with a unique and nostalgic vibe can still break through. It may not be about tigers or lions, but in its own way, Bad Habit carries on the legacy of unforgettable animal-inspired songs that have shaped music history.
9. Honorable Mention – Baby Shark – Pinkfong
No list of animal-themed songs would be complete without mentioning Baby Shark. Whether you love it, hate it, or just can’t escape it, this ridiculously catchy children’s song took the world by storm in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Originally a campfire chant, Baby Shark was reimagined by South Korean children’s entertainment company Pinkfong, and the rest is history. With its repetitive melody, easy-to-follow dance moves, and bright, colorful animation, it became an unstoppable force in kids’ entertainment.
The song’s success went far beyond YouTube—it became the most-watched video of all time, spawned countless remixes, and even got played at major sporting events. Parents may have groaned every time their kids hit “repeat,” but there’s no denying Baby Shark left a lasting impact. It’s one of those songs that crosses generations—kids love it, adults can’t escape it, and everyone will be humming it for years to come. Whether it deserves a spot among the greatest animal songs of all time is debatable, but one thing’s for sure: it’s unforgettable.
