Dogs Immortalized in Music: Songs about dogs

by Liz Publika

The Puppy Song (1969)

by Harry Nilsson

There’s a gentle kind of hopefulness in Harry Nilsson’s “The Puppy Song.” He sings about a kid yearning for companionship, about wanting something meaningful and steady — a friend for life, perhaps. Dogs are man’s best friend, and a puppy brings both warmth and presence, the purest kind of uncomplicated loyalty. It’s a modest dream, but it’s not a small one.

Cracker Jack (1974)

by Dolly Parton

Leave it to Dolly Parton to perfectly capture the intimacy of growing up alongside a loyal pet. “Cracker Jack” tells the story of a cold and lonely pup found by a riverbank who becomes her trusty companion. Cracker Jack isn’t perfect — he’s awkward, gangly, and a little rough around the edges — but to the girl who loves him, he's everything. The song is a tender celebration of childhood and the quiet joy of having a steadfast friend.

I Want a Dog (1987)

Pet Shop Boys

There are cat people, and then there are dog people. The Pet Shop Boys clearly belong to the latter, as evidenced by their track “I Want a Dog.” Subtle they are not. The song is a playful ode to canine companionship — humorous in its bluntness, clear in its disapproval of cats, and delightfully specific in its choice of a chihuahua, though some sources suggest the song was inspired by a friend living in a small apartment.

Note* Cover image in article "songs about dogs" is from Pixabay.