A lovely family song

A roundup of foreign songs about pets

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

When it comes to songs about pets, if we’re talking Japanese music, a few tracks might come to mind right away.

But if we limit it to Western music, being able to name some off the top of your head probably means you’re pretty well-versed in it.

Even when words like “DOG” or “CAT” appear in the title or lyrics, they’re often used as some kind of metaphor.

In this article, I’ve researched Western songs about animals, with a focus on pets, and compiled them across different eras and genres.

You don’t see many articles with this kind of theme, and the content is quite interesting—so please take a look!

A roundup of Western songs about pets (41–50)

Cats in a BowlDinosaur Jr.

Dinosaur Jr. – Cats in a Bowl

Cats in a BowlDinosaur Jr.

Dinosaur Jr.

is an alternative rock band formed in Massachusetts in 1984.

This track is included on their debut album, Dinosaur, released in 1985.

The album features both tracks with a more folk-inspired sound and tracks rooted more in hardcore punk.

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Cats without clawsDonna Summer

Cats Without Claws

Cats without clawsDonna Summer

Donna Summer was an American singer-songwriter and painter who had been active since 1968.

She rose to fame in the disco scene of the 1970s.

This track is the title track from an album released in 1984.

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Old BlueThe Byrds

The Byrds – Old Blue

Old BlueThe Byrds

Folk songs are said to have originally emerged from shows in theaters in the late 19th century.

This version by the Los Angeles rock band The Byrds is included on their seventh album, Dr.

Byrds & Mr.

Hyde, released in 1969.

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In conclusion

The idea of loving animals as members of the family and spending our days together is basically the same in Japan and abroad, isn’t it? At the same time, whether it’s lyrics that are straightforward and full of affection or ones with a touch of irony, I was reminded while putting together this article that even when we say “songs about pets,” there are all kinds of tracks shaped by each artist’s sensibilities.

This is a theme that seems like it could yield even more if we keep looking—digging deeper might be really interesting!