11 Captivating Songs About Dogs

11 Captivating Songs About Dogs features songs by Charlotte Lawrence, George Clinton, Leon Thomas, Lil Mabu, and Taylor Swift.  

“Face of a fool / I’m just a dog in the window,” Charlotte Lawrence sings. For Lil Mabu, he raps, aggressively, “I’m a big dog, I do big dog shit / I fuck your bitch raw, I heard she been wantin’ the kid.” Kids these days – they’re built different! As for Mike Clark Jr, “That dog houuuseee… Sleep good some time…” Can I get a woof, woof?! All three musicians have one thing in common: they are rapping/singing about dogs.  Also, all three appear on 11 Captivating Songs About Dogs, the first dog-centric playlist on The Musical Hype since 11 Songs Where the Dogs Are Out! (2021).  The criteria for 11 Captivating Songs About Dogs is that the song must reference dogs in some capacity. Most of the songs feature the word dog, however, artists like Leon Thomas and The O’Jays reference dog/dog-related things. 11 Captivating Songs About Dogs features songs by Charlotte Lawrence, George Clinton, Leon Thomas, Lil Mabu, and Taylor Swift.  So, without further ado, let’s be captivated by songs about dogs, shall we?!

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1. George Clinton, “Atomic Dog”

If you were unsure, funk legend George Clinton (1941 – ) clarifies that he “Ain’t your average Huckleberry Hound.” Huckleberry Hound is a famous fictional cartoon dog who is blue and speaks with a North Carolina southern drawl.  Clinton mentions him on “Atomic Dog”, the fifth track from his 1982 solo album, Computer Games. “Dog” was written by Clinton, Garry Shider, and David Spradley. Clinton and Ted Currier produced it. The song reached number one on the R&B charts but failed to chart on the pop charts.

While Huckleberry Hound’s mention is notable, the dog references are abundant.  There are barking sounds and panting sounds, which are part of the charm.  The lyrics are simultaneously fun, infectious,  and ridiculous. Highlights include “Yeah, life on all fours / When they’re out there walkin’ the streets / May compete, oh, the dog in ya,” “Bow-wow-wow, yippie-yo, yippie-yay,” and, “Do the dogcatcher, dogcatcher.”  Clinton sings one of his best vocal moments in the first verse: “Why must I feel like that / Ah, why must I chase the cat?”  When the lyric reappears, he responds, “[It’s] Just the dog in me / Nothin’ but the dog in me.” Beyond a high-flying, oddly satisfying vocal performance by George Clinton, the music is electrifying.  The synth riffs are sickening – funky to the nth degree.  The groove is epic.  The ad-libbed, 80s futuristic “Atomic Dog” deserved more love at the time. Since, it has been hailed a classic with many musicians sampling it.

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2. Charlotte Lawrence, “Dog”

“Dog” // Charlotte Lawrence / Stem // 2025

“And I think I love you still / But I think I like to think / I’m a girl you used to like.” Matters of the heart plague Charlotte Lawrence something fierce on “Dog”.  She asserts in the chorus, “Face of a fool / I’m just a dog in the window / Tell me you’re visiting soon.” Is he likely to visit her? Probably not because he’s just not that into her.  But as for her, she’s deeply into him. This, my friends, is a prime example of unrequited love to the nth degree! “Stare at yourself in the mirror and look at me like a deer,” Lawrence sings in the second verse, concluding, “I’d kill to fall for it every time.” My, my, my! On the bridge, she asks two notable questions: “Are you what I want?” and “Are you what you want?” Perhaps the latter is the most interesting, where Charlotte adds, “I thought I was part of something / Ever in your stars I thought you made me special.” Unfortunately, Lawrence is a victim of unrequited love. Regardless, she ‘brings the heat’ on “Dog” with a well-rounded vocal performance, intriguing lyrics, and an ear-catching musical backdrop. She wrote this captivating song alongside Riley Biederer and producer, Jonny Shorr. 

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3. Leon Thomas, “MUTT”

MUTT // UMG Recordings, Inc. / EZMNY // 2024

“She said, ‘Take your time, what’s the rush?’ / I said, ‘Baby, I’m a dog, I’m a mutt.’” Woof, woof, woof! R&B singer/songwriter Leon Thomas struck gold with his honest single, “MUTT”. “MUTT” appeared on his second studio album, MUTT.  In the infectious 11^th track, Thomas delivers a soulful vocal performance.  Additionally, the musical backdrop oozes with soulful vibes.  Produced by D. Phelps and Freaky Rob, “MUTT” gets a lift from an old-school sample: “Silly Love Song” by the soul collective Enchantment.  The song was inspired by Thomas’ sad dog after fighting with his cat, according to Billboard.  In the interview with Kyle Denis, Thomas adds, “I saw the similarities between [the dog and I and] how we have good intentions, but we don’t always do the right thing.” His Genius Verified video also confirms this.

The chorus (excerpted above) is the centerpiece. Tuneful, it easily gets stuck inside your head.  The verses and pre-chorus are ‘no slouch’ either.  “I can’t smoke on Reggie 💨, so pardon my bluntness,” Thomas sings in the first verse, adding, “I see past pretty faces, so I got trouble trusting.” Oh, snap! The second verse is more colorful, referencing pant size (32), gun (32), and popping “a shroom to recreate the feeling / But it’s never the same as the first time we did it.” In the pre-chorus, despite his reservations, he’s allowing himself to be vulnerable, inviting her to “break my heart if you want to.” Ultimately, “MUTT” is a surefire vibe – one of the best songs of 2024, hands down.

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4. Taylor Swift, “The Black Dog”

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY // Taylor Swift // 2024

“And I hope it’s shitty in The Black Dog / When someone plays ‘The Starting Line’ / And you jump up, but she’s too young to know this song.” Oh, snap, Taylor Swift! “The Black Dog” is the 17^th track on THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY. As always, the songwriting is on point – the expectation for a Swift-penned song. Swift produced the record alongside one of her go-to producers, Jack Antonoff.  The black dog referenced in this song is not a pet; it is a bar (“And so I watch as you walk / Into some bar called The Black Dog / And pierce new holes in my heart”).  Also, knowing the depth of Swift’s songwriting, there is a connection with the black dog of folklore which is NOT a good sign.

Taylor Swift experiences heartbreak made worse by her ex-boyfriend moving on when she can’t seem to. A sad Swift asserts, “And I may never open up the way I did for you.” Bummer.  Regretful, she adds in the second verse, “You said I needed a brave man / Then proceeded to play him / Until I believed it too / And it kills me.” Haunted by this black dog, by the bridge, Swift wishes to “hire a priest to come and exorcise my demons / Even if I die screaming / And I hope you hear it.” Simply put, in “The Black Dog”, Taylor Swift is “Down Bad” and that ain’t good.  “‘Cause old habits die screaming.” Indeed.  What isn’t bad is this song where Swift’s heartbreak is our listening pleasure.  A bit of schadenfreude?

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5. Lil Mabu, “BIG DOG SH*T” (Ft. Lil RT)

YOUNG GENIUS // YOUNG GENIUS ACADEMY INC. // 2024

Lil Mabu (Matthew Peter DeLuca) is… something else.  A prime example of the unserious, affluent, white boy rapper being ‘something else’ is “BIG DOT SH*T”.  This sh*tty song appears on his album, YOUNG GENIUS.  That doesn’t feel like an accurate description of the rapping… Anyways, Mabu, who was pushing 19 when “BIG DOG SH*T” dropped, collaborated with then 9-year-old rapper, Lil RT – I SH*T you not! The result of the collaboration is nothing short of a hot mess! It begins with the chorus where Mabu asserts, “I’m a big dog, I do big dog shit / I fuck your bitch raw, I heard she been wantin’ the kid.”  Lil RT gets in on the action… at least some of it: “I’m a big dog, and I do big dog shit / In that big body whip like it’s PAW Patrol, bitch.” Oh, my! In the verse, the rappers trade ridiculous bars.  Mabu spits, “C ‘cause I’m a Crip, sike, bitch, suwoop,” later rapping, “I got young shooters ‘round me, found ‘em in the childhood / I gave his ass a lollipop when he do good.”  To that, Lil RT responds, “How many licks do it take to get the lolly popped?” RT also speaks about his ‘career’ in the bridge: “I know a lot of people got stuff to say about me / I’m just a kid from Atlanta … / Mabu told me a hundred times, it’s deeper than music.” Geez, Louise! “BIG DOT SH*T” reeks! A giant-ass pooper scooper is required to clean up this one!

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6. MGMT, “Bubblegum Dog”

Loss of Life // MGMT / Mom+Pop // 2024

“For years I’ve strung you along / Afraid of the bubblegum dog / And it’s finally catching up with me.” Um, sure, MGMT! Woof, woof! “Bubblegum Dog” arrives as the second single in advance of Loss of Life, the 2024, fifth studio album by the alternative, neo-psychedelic collective comprised of Andrew VanWyngarden and Benjamin Goldwasser. The songwriting is intriguing throughout this one-of-a-kind record. “Bubblegum Dog” commences with rhythmic guitar accompaniment, giving off a 1990s rock vibe. This is intentional and works without a hitch. Early on, there’s an ear-catching harmonic progression. The duo is unafraid to move beyond simple harmonic schemes.  Even with more complexity in the mix, the verses, as well as the chorus, manage to yield tuneful melodies.  VanWyngarden does a fabulous job bringing those melodies to life.  As the record progresses, it grows bigger and more colorful in sound, with psychedelic synths, heavy-handed drums, and robust bass, anchoring the production.  One of the best sounds is undoubtedly the fuzzy, distorted guitar, including a solo that rocks. Going back to that intriguing songwriting, is it easy to get a firm grasp at what MGMT is getting at with “Bubblegum Dog”? Maybe, maybe not – depends on who you are – but it’s interesting hearing about “Juvenile quetzal birds / Living in a coal mine,” as well as “Igneous basketballs / Drifting through the heavens.” One of the better songs from 2023, easily.

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7. Mike Clark Jr, “Dog House”

Club Mike Clark // ColliPark Music // 2024

“That dog house… sleep good some time…” Word, Mike Clark Jr. “Dog House” is the seventh and final track from Clark Jr’s 2024 ‘album,’ Club Mike Clark. The record benefits from its smooth, contemporary R&B musical backdrop (Sweet, relaxed beat, electric keys, synths, and prominent bass line).  Beyond the sound, Clark Jr electrifies with his Expressive, nuanced, and soulful vocals.  I love the grit he brings to the track.  The melodies are tuneful during the verses and the centerpiece, the infectious, dog house-touting chorus (excerpted above). The songwriting is fun and honest. “My girl keep on calling, she said she want some time / But I wanna hang out, just clear my mind,” Mike sings in the first verse, adding, “I know she mad, but it’s ok / Probably cussing me out, but that’s my bae.”  Can you guess where Mike is landing? If you guessed the dog house, you would be correct! It is a similar situation in the second verse where “She went through my phone” and “She caught me looking too long.” Uh-oh! Regardless, Clark Jr seems to take it all in stride.  “That dog houuuseee… Sleep good some time…”

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8. Tyler, The Creator, “DOGTOOTH”

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale // Columbia // 2023  

“If you don’t know my grandma name, then we ain’t really dogs, bitch.” Oh, snap, Tyler, The Creator. “DOGTOOTH” marks another triumph from the Grammy-winning rapper, gracing CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale.  Tyler is incredibly confident, as he spits straight fire, bar after bar. He gives no fucks – NONE.  Specifically, the chorus is the crème de la crème: “She could ride my face, I don’t want nothin’ in return / And will I ever fall in love again? I can’t confirm.” Ooh wee! Aside from the chorus, one of the very best bars from TTC arrives in the second verse: “Niggas tellin’ women how they bodies supposed to be, but / Never take advice from any nigga with a lean gut.” So, where does this dogtooth enter the picture? The outro: “Dogtooth, uh, uh, dogtooth…” That’s about the size of it.

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9. King Willonius, “They’re Eating The Dogs”

“They’re Eating The Dogs” // Delicious Bath Water // 2024 

At the ABC Presidential Debate held on September 10, 2024, former President Donald Trump said a lot of outlandish things.  Baited by Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Trump took the bait every time, making for an unhinged yet entertaining television experience.  The most memorable, outlandish, and racist thing Trump uttered was about Haitian immigrants stealing and eating pets – cats and dogs – in Springfield, Ohio. Rightfully, the former POTUS received criticism from everywhere.  Beyond criticism, the memes, reels, shorts, and TikToks have been abundant.  From frightened cats and dogs hearing the ‘fake news,’ to Gen-Z guys dancing to killer songs remixing Trump’s words, the internet has won. King Willonius gets into action via AI (artificial intelligence, if you’re living under a rock) with his soulful, 1970s-sounding single, “They’re Eating The Dogs”. I found myself giggling like a schoolgirl listening to the song. As shocked as everybody was hearing Trump’s unfounded claims about pets being stolen and eaten, AI storyteller, comedian, and showrunner King Willonius captures it perfectly in this two-minute, old-school-sounding gem.  What makes it sound vintage? It’s the biting, articulated horns, the dusty, soulful groove, the piano and guitar riffs, and the prominent bass line.  The vocals rival the big-voiced, gritty soul icons of old, filled with the blues. “They’re eating the dogs /… They’re eating the cats / What the hell goin’ on? / What the hell’s goin’ on? ” That’s about the size of it.  King Willonius captures our show in the most entertaining way possible. “They’re Eating The Dogs” = AI gold.

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10. The O’Jays, “Brandy”

So Full of Love // Sony Music Entertainment // 1978

“But how could it be, she ran away from me / My best friend’s gone, I’m so alone.” “Brandy” is the fifth track on So Full of Love, the 1978 album by the iconic soul collective, The O’Jays. “Brandy” was penned by Charles Simmons and Joseph Jefferson.  The Philly soul vibes they’re renowned for are in full effect: strings, primarily, and a tight rhythm section. Thom Bell, one of the great Philly soul proponents, produced the gem. “Brandy” impacted the pop charts modestly, peaking at no. 79 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I thought I’d get up and take a look around, but my feet got in the way,” lead vocalist Walter Williams sings in the first verse, adding, “Stumbled to the floor, she was right in the door, I could see her face.” She is a dog.  Never underestimate the effect of ‘man’s best friend.’  Throughout, Williams sings with incredible nuance and soul.  He gets the assistance of the rest of The O’Jays (Eddie Levert and Sammy Strain) in the chorus.

“I really miss you, Brandy, I’m so all alone

When are you coming back home?

I really miss you, Brandy, missing you every day

Are you coming home to stay?”

The chorus is stellar – one for the ages. The melodies are lovely throughout “Brandy”.  The lyrics are also clever (“But I was in love when they put it down / Oh, my doorstep in the rain / I could feel it coming to my heart, through my window pane”).  The O’Jays excelled at making hits. “Brandy” wasn’t another top 40 hit, but, it is one of their best songs.  Williams eats those lead vocals up!

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11. The Stylistics, “Payback is a Dog”

Rockin’ Roll Baby // Amherst // 1973 

“By mistake, I heard / Some news about you / I just turned my head / And closed my eyes / It hurt so bad.” Oh, my goodness, Russell Thompkins Jr., what did you hear??? The lead singer of the iconic Philly collective,  The Stylistics, realizes in the second verse of “Payback is a Dog”, “I saw how big a fool I was / To love you so / And when I turned my back / I had nowhere to go.” My, my, my! “Payback is a Dog” is the fifth track from The Stylistics’ third studio album, Rockin’ Roll Baby, released in 1973.  Notably, the song was composed by Philly soul royalty: Thom Bell (1943 – 2022) and Kenny Gamble (1943 – ).  Bell also produced this fabulous non-single.

“Payback is a Dog” is four-and-a-half minutes long. Even though the payback is devastating (“One day, you’ll know / Just how it feels”), it’s music to the listener’s ears.  The musical accompaniment and production are lush, refined, and soulful.  The sound is Philly soul through and through. The complexity of the harmonic progression – the track’s underpinnings – also deserves a shout-out. It goes beyond three chords! Thompkins Jr. sounds marvelous on lead vocals, particularly when he dips into his falsetto.  He brings those memorable lyrics and melodies to life. Some of the simplest lyrics catch the ears the most.  Looking at you, chorus!

“Payback is a dog

(Dog, it’s a dog)

Payback is a dog

(Dog, it’s a dog).”

Woof, woof! “Payback is a Dog” marks another masterpiece by The Stylistics. It deserved to be a single!

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11 Captivating Songs About Dogs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amherst, Capitol, Charlotte Lawrence, ColliPark Music, Columbia, Delicious Bath Water, EZMNY, MGMT, Mom+Pop, Sony Music Entertainment, Stem, Taylor Swift, UMG Recordings, Inc., YOUNG GENIUS ACADEMY INC.; Aaron_H, AcatXlo, boxerdogmadness, Dylan Dygert, Freddy, ntripke, Sonja Lindberg, XYLA from Pixabay]

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