Reading Time: 18 min read

13 More Electrifying Animal Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 45th & 3rd Music LLC, Amherst, Columbia, DistroKid, Lana Del Rey, Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Smart Study Co., Ltd., Thrivin Here Records LLC, Todisco Music, Universal Music Operations Limited, Urheim, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Warner Music Finland, Warner Music Nashville, Warner Music Norway AS Capitol; AcatXIo, Alain Audet, Andrea Bohl, Gundula Vogel, Joshua Choate, Lucas, Michael Siebert, Ralph, ViolkaArt from Pixabay]13 More Electrifying Animal Songs features songs by Baha Men, Beyoncé, Chris Todisco, Gavin Adcock, The B-52’s, and Ylvis.

Get ready for the ultimate, animal-filled experience 🐱 🐶 🦊 🐘 🐦 🦞 🦈!!! 13 More Electrifying Animal Songs is all about the animals… sometimes! Animals are named in the titles of the 13 songs that appear on this playlist, but often, the songs are about other stuff.  Sex is a popular topic, for example. 13 More Electrifying Animal Songs is a sequel to 13 Electrifying Animal Songs (2024). The animalistic musical compendium features songs by Baha Men, Beyoncé, Chris Todisco, Gavin Adcock, The B-52’s, and Ylvis. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the animals, shall we?!


~ Table of Contents ~

1. Baha Men, “Who Let The Dogs Out?” 2. Beyoncé, “BLACKBIIRD” 3. Jack Black, “Steve’s Lava Chicken”
4. Leon Thomas, “MUTT” 5. Lana Del Rey, “Bluebird” 6. Benjamin, “Lokki”
7. Chris Todisco, “Sex Kitten” 8. Gavin Adcock, “Outside Dog” 9. Pinkfong, “Baby Shark”
10. Ylvis, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” 11. Torsofuck, “Raped By Elephants” 12. The B-52’s, “Rock Lobster”
13. The Stylistics, “Payback is a Dog”

 


1. Baha Men, “Who Let The Dogs Out?”

Who Let The Dogs Out » Capitol » 2000

Baha Men, Who Let The Dogs Out [📷: Capitol]

“Who let the dogs out? / (Who? Who? Who? Who?).”
“Who Let The Dogs Out?” by the Bahamian collective, the Baha Men, is an iconic, unforgettable song from the 2000s. You know what else is intriguing about “Who Let The Dogs Out?” It is a cover 🤯.  Written by Anslem Douglas and Ossie Gurley, it is Douglas who originally released it in 1998 as “Dogie.” Of course, Baha Men transformed “Dogie” into “Who Let The Dogs Out?”, the opening track from their multiplatinum 2000 album, Who Let The Dogs Out.  A top 40 hit on the pop charts, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Baha Men won their only Grammy for Best Dance Recording at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards. Dyson Knight gets the honors of performing the seminal chorus.

“Who Let The Dogs Out?” is groovy AF.  There is no shortage of striking instrumental cues, including the percussive groove, tropical sounds, and smooth guitar. There are plenty of ridiculous sound effects: barking, heavy panting, and aggressive ad-libs. A novel, reggae/dance-infused-rap song, it was easy to disregard the lyrics.  Revisiting the song years later, beyond acknowledging playful vocals showcasing a compelling cadence and flow, the theme and lyrics are worth analyzing further. “And everybody was having a ball,” Patrick Carey sings in the first verse, and continues, “Until the fellas started name-calling /… And the girls respond to the call, I heard a woman shout out…” Well, the dogs appear to be those men… There is some distinct slang during the bridge that precedes the second verse: “Called she mealybug and sketel /… Get back, you flea-infested mongrel.” Again, more to unpack than previously thought, though, it’s clear the men are something else. Well, dogs: “Say, a doggy is nutting if he don’t have a bone.” In the third verse, Marvin Prosper, embracing his inner dog, asserts, “And I can’t see color, any color will do / I’ll stick on you, that’s why they call me Pitbull / ‘Cause I’m a man of the land / When they see me, they say, ‘Woo.’” Woo, indeed! All in all, “Who Let The Dogs Out?” is a one-hit wonder extraordinaire. Personality-filled performances, infectious lyrics, and an unforgettable chorus make this song a surefire, timeless vibe.

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2. Beyoncé, “BLACKBIIRD”

COWBOY CARTER » Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia » 2024

Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter [📷: Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia]

“All your life / You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”
“BLACKBIIRD” is the second track from COWBOY CARTER, the critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning album by Beyoncé (Best Country Album and Album Of The Year).  The decorated superstar is assisted by rising black female country artists Tanner Adell, Britney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts. A cover of “Blackbird” by The Beatles, it was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Although a cover, the original reflects and responds to the turbulent times of the 1960s and the civil rights movement. Fittingly, Beyoncé, a woman of color in a genre that is dominated by white artists but has black roots, sings this hopeful masterpiece.  Bey not only got the blessing of McCartney regarding her rendition, but he also produced it with her.  “BLACKBIIRD” peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. The original version didn’t chart 🤯.

Like the original, “BLACKBIIRD” is brief, running a tight 2:11. Beyoncé, with her beautiful, rich, and robust tone. As she sings the lyrics, her authenticity and sincerity are indisputable.  Despite the adversity, it is time for the blackbird, who is marginalized, to ascend (“Blackbird singing in the dead of night / Take these broken wings and learn to fly”).  Adding to the poetic lyrics and marvelous vocals of Bey are gorgeous, warm vocal harmonies.  The vocal arrangement and production are sensational.  Beyond the vocal production, the overall production and sound are glorious, too.  The sound is updated from the original, with tasteful tweaks that make it perfectly fit the 21st-century aesthetic. The strings are delightful, coupled with those angelic, warm vocal harmonies. The third and final verse is performed by Adell, Spencer, Kennedy, and Roberts, giving them their moment to shine, arise, and be free. Beyoncé caps off this epic cover, singing the meaningful lyrics, “You were only waiting for this moment to arise.” “BLACKBIIRD”, in the hands of Beyoncé, Tanner Adell, Britney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts, is stunning.

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3. Jack Black, “Steve’s Lava Chicken”

A Minecraft Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) » Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. » 2025

A Minecraft Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [📷: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.]Is 34 seconds a sufficient amount of time for weirdness? Yes! Jack Black brought ample joy to many children’s ears with this brief runtime. He plays Steve in A Minecraft Movie.  The song that children sing-along with to the top of their lungs is “Steve’s Lava Chicken”.  It appears as the seventh track from A Minecraft Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Black and Jared Hess penned this silly record. John Spiker produced it. “Steve’s Lava Chicken” cooks from the get-go. It features a potent, infectious percussive groove. The keyboards add to the ear-catching sound, which has 1980s written all over it.  The star of the show is Jack Black, who serves up playful vocals filled with personality:

“La-la-la-lava, ch-ch-ch-chicken

Steve’s Lava Chicken, yeah, it’s tasty as hell

Ooh, mamacita, now you’re ringin’ the bell

Crispy and juicy, now you’re havin’ a snack

Ooh, super spicy, it’s a lava attack.”

Ooh-wee! Black delivers a lovely falsetto on his final lines (“It’s a lava attack”). Another nice touch at the end is the metal guitar riff.  Ultimately, “Steve’s Lava Chicken” is a blast to listen to. Black broke a Billboard Hot 100 record for the shortest hit song ever. This 34-second song is enjoyable as hell!

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4. Leon Thomas, “MUTT”

MUTT » UMG Recordings, Inc. / EZMNY » 2024

Leon Thomas, MUTT: Deluxe HEEL [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc. / EZMNY]

“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 11th 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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5. Lana Del Rey, “Bluebird”

“Bluebird” » Lana Del Rey / Universal Music Operations Limited » 2025

Lana Del Rey, Bluebird [📷: Lana Del Rey / Universal Music Operations Limited]

“Little bird, bluebird / Fly away for both of us.”
Versatile, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey returned in 2025 with a different sound… to some extent. Del Rey adds country and folk to her usual alternative pop script. “Bluebird” is ‘the real deal.’ Del Rey and Luke Laird penned “Bluebird.” Del Rey, Laird, and Drew Erickson produced it. Lana loves lengthier songs. “Bluebird” isn’t too long, running just past the four-minute mark. “Bluebird” establishes country/folk vibes to complement her tried-and-true alt-pop.  As always, Lana’s vocals are ‘on.’ Her upper register is stunning – ripe, ripe, ripe! Del Rey brings the radiant, tuneful melodies to life.  The lyrics are memorable as well. “Find a way to fly,” she sings in the chorus, adding, “Just shoot for the sun ‘til I can finally run.” A bit nontraditional in form, beyond the chorus, there is a full-length verse and two varied pre-choruses. “I’ve kept him at bay, but the horses are comin’ / They’re racin’ their way ‘round the bend.” Noted, Lana! “Bluebird” features subtle instrumentation initially. As it progresses, the instrumentation increases and grows more dynamic (bass, drums, harmonica, and lush strings). “Bluebird” is Lana Del Rey at her best. Beautiful!

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6. Benjamin, “Lokki”

Lokki » Warner Music Finland » 2025

Benjamin, Lokki [📷: Warner Music Finland]

“Merci, gracias, bye bye, por favore, por favore / Don’t want you in my life anymore.”
Finnish pop artist Benjamin (Benjamin Peltonen) said what he said in the intro of “Lokki”.  Peep all those languages: French, Spanish, English, Portuguese… Before singing the first verse, Peltonen states, “Lokki mikä lokki.” Um, what does that mean, you handsome and talented Finnish man? The title, Lokki translates to gull or seagull in English.  The phrase, translated to English, is “Seagull, what seagull?” While there is a language barrier when listening to Scandipop, it never takes away from the excellence of the music. As always, this “GAY” standout does the damn thing and tells this annoying boy, whom he references as a seagull, to be gone: “Lennä pois senkin lokki ja pysy piilos” (“Fly away, you seagull, and stay hidden”)!

In the first verse, Benjamin states they were friends, but he disappeared – went ghost, baby! But now, “Sitten tyhjästä tadaa / Ilmestyit eteeni uudestaan” (“Then, out of nowhere, ta-da! / You appeared before me again”). Hot mess! Smartly, Peltonen is not here for it! Per the esikertosäe (pre-chorus), he informs him, “Mut en aio syöttää sua kädestäni / Sä et ansaitse mua tai multa mitään” (“But I’m not going to feed you from my hand /You don’t deserve me or anything from me”). Speak yo mind, Ben! In the kertosäe (chorus), he makes it crystal clear he won’t devote his energy anymore.  Again, be gone, seagull, be gone!

“Nyt ku mä oon oh la la [Now that I’m oh la la]

Enkä synkissä vesis alhaal [And not in the dark waters below]

Lennät luokse, ku lokki siivet liidos [You fly to me like a seagull spreading its wings]

Kiitos mut ei kiitos sulle vaan [Thank you, but no thanks to you]

Oh, hell nah nah mä en kaipaa sun energiaa [Oh, hell nah nah, I don’t need your energy]

Lennä pois senkin lokki ja pysy piilos [Fly away, you seagull, and stay hidden]

Kiitos mut ei kiitos sulle vaan [Thank you, but no thanks to you].”

Word. Of course, there’s more.  In the second verse, he wishes no harm. But, still, BOI BYEEE! In the second pre-chorus, he won’t be given cake 🎂… only crumbs. Read into that how you’d like… As always, Benjamin brings sickening vocals 💪.  The melodies are tuneful.  The chorus is quite memorable, even if you don’t speak Finnish.  The musical backdrop shines as well, with picturesque keys and synths and a sickening groove that provides a mighty anchor ⚓️. Also, I have to shout out the single cover art… delish, Ben 🤩 😍! “Lokki” is a summery pop song that you definitely don’t want to fly away! Benjamin did that!

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7. Chris Todisco, “Sex Kitten”

“Sex Kitten” » Todisco Music » 2024

Chris Todisco, Sex Kitten [📷: Todisco Music]

“Don’t think I’ll be the side hoe / I will shatter your ego,”
a feisty Chris Todisco asserts in the first verse of his naughty, sexed-up single, “Sex Kitten”.  He continues, “Trust me I’ll get what I want / Strip down, watch me while I flaunt.”  If you’ve got it, then, by all means, flaunt it.  Todisco not only has a banging body (#SLAY), but he is also talented. “Sex Kitten” clocks in under three minutes which is enough for Chris to sufficiently titillate.  Todisco penned “Sex Kitten” while Fantom produced it. The production is incredible.  The musical accompaniment is sleek to the nth degree.  The sound is clubby – the catalyst for dirty dancing! The tone is set by the menacing sounds from the beginning.  Chris also sets the tone early on with his flirty, playful, and sexy vocals.  He brings ample attitude and personality to this teasing song. Notably, the vocals are ‘talked’ during the verse instead of pitched. “You let me know that you are mine / You’re not used to fucking with a bitch this divine,” he ‘sings’ confidently, adding, “Damn right I’m fine / Don’t waste my time / Break my heart, and you should know that it is a crime.” Ooh-wee! I love the whispered vocals during the pre-chorus, which are naughty too: “I like it when you bite my neck / Be on your best behavior / Keep your ass in check…” The chorus is pitched.  The melody is simple – a descending line – but highly effective. Naughtily, he sings, “Keep it in (keep it in) / All bitten / Your vixen / Sex kitten.” Damn.  Chris Todisco brings it hard on “Sex Kitten”, PERIOD!

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8. Gavin Adcock, “Outside Dog”

Own Worst Enemy » Thrivin Here Records LLC / Warner Music Nashville » 2025

Gavin Adcock, Own Worst Enemy [📷: Thrivin Here Records LLC / Warner Music Nashville]

“You wanted something to save, you wanted something to tame / You wanted me to come running when you called my name.”
Oh, snap, Gavin Adcock! The country singer adds in the first verse of “Outside Dog”, “Ever since you laid eyes on me / You’ve been barking up the wrong damn tree.” So, to be clear, we’re not actually talking about a dog, are we? “Outside Dog” is the second track from Adcock’s 2025 album, Own Worst Enemy. Chase McGill, Josh Thompson, and Matt Dragstrem penned this dog-driven joint. Jay Rogers produced it. A strong vocal performance, memorable lyrics, tuneful melodies, and a countrified sound make “Outside Dog” an engaging listening experience.

In the first verse, Gavin Adcock sets the tone.  This girl wanted to change and control him. He wasn’t having it! Continuing the dog references, in the second verse, Adcock asserts, “I’m born to howl at the moon, you know I need me some room / For chasing me all night and then sleeping ‘till noon / Gonna do what I do girl.”  This dog, rather, man, can’t be tamed!  In the centerpiece, the chorus, he makes it clear she’ll be disappointed with him.

“Girl, I don’t guess I can blame you for trying

To fence me in, but that’s your fault

Hell, you brought in this outside dog

This outside dog.”

Woo! Ultimately, Gavin Adcock shines, embracing his rough-around-the-edges persona on “Outside Dog”.  He sings expressively, showing off the country twang loud and proud.  This dog owner must understand what she’s getting herself into 😜!

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9. Pinkfong, “Baby Shark”

Pink Fong Animal Songs » Smart Study Co., Ltd. » 2017

Pinkfong, Pink Fong Animal Songs [📷: Smart Study Co., Ltd.]

“Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo / Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo / Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo / Baby shark!”
Woo! Children’s music impacts the pop charts every so often.  Typically, it is a song from a children’s animated feature that catches on.  In this case, South Korean children’s education entertainment company Pinkfong found the perfect recipe for a hit in 2016.  That is when the brief but infectious “Baby Shark” arrived.  Not only did it arrive, but it reached the top 40, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. Pinkfong was only able to strike gold once, hence making them a one-hit wonder.  Still, the impact of this traditional nursery rhyme with the Pinkfong treatment is far-reaching.  Even the sporting events got into the baby shark action!

The most famous verse of the addictive, irresistible children’s bop is about the baby shark. Still, there’s Mommy shark, Daddy shark, Grandma shark, and Grandpa shark.  In other words, “Baby Shark” is a family affair, and all of the sharks “doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo!” It’s not only the silly vocals, though.  The hand movements are a big part of the charm of “Baby Shark.” And also, post-family profile (Grandpa comes last), there is hunting, running, safety, and the end… “doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo.” Is there more that needs to be analyzed about “Baby Shark”? Nope.  This is one of those novel songs that you enjoy for what it is… “doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo!” Shout out to singers Bommie Catherine Han, Hope Marie Segoine, Anipen Matthew Digiacomo, Robert William Gardiner, and Charity Wynn Segoine!

 

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10. Ylvis, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”

“The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” » Urheim / 45th & 3rd Music LLC / Warner Music Norway AS » 2013

Ylvis, The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) [📷: Urheim / 45th & 3rd Music LLC / Warner Music Norway AS]Five words: What does the fox say? Oh, snap! In 2013, Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis (brothers Bård Ylvisåker and Vegard Ylvisåker) unveiled a viral song for the ages with “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”.  Comedic, funny, and irreverent, “What Does the Fox Say?” gained steam because it is infectious to the nth degree.  Corny? Yes. Catchy? Yes.  Irresistible? 100% yes! Ylvis composed this novel, wacky dance-pop cut with producers M4sonic and Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen). The single, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified gold by the RIAA.

So, what makes “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” so special? The musical backdrop is sweet, helping to fuel Ylvis’ fire.  The sound is characteristic of dance-pop and electro-pop with its keys, synths, and programming.  As, if not more intriguing, are the lyrics, sung by both Bård and Vegard.  In the first verse and pre-chorus, Bård teaches us about the sounds that various animals make. “Dog goes ‘woof’, cat goes ‘meow,’” he sings, adding, “Ducks say ‘quack’ and fish go ‘blub’ / And the seal goes ‘ow ow ow.’” Word.  But, this song is about only one animal, in all of its glory – the fox! In both choruses, the fox makes some unusual sounds:

“Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

… Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!

…Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!

Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!

What does the fox say?”

In the second verse, Vegard describes the fox in all of its glory: “Big blue eyes, pointy noise / Chasing mice and digging holes / Tiny paws up the hill / Suddenly you’re standing still.” In the bridge, which is more legato, the bros continue to characterize this mysterious animal: “What is your sound? Will we ever know? / Will always be a mystery / What do you say?” Unusual, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” is a classic from the 2010s.  It is a novel song that never grows old.

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11. Torsofuck, “Raped By Elephants”

Erotic Diarrhea Fantasy » DistroKid » 2004 

Torsofuck, Erotic Diarrhea Fantasy [📷: DistroKid]

“Look at me, Daddy,”
Gord Brody, portrayed by Tom Green, asserts in the critically panned, 2001 movie, Freddie Got Fingered, holding an elephant’s dick. Why start with a movie that should never be revisited? Well, the quote and dialogue from the scene commence “Raped By Elephants” by the Finnish brutal death metal band, Torsofuck. Among the band’s most-streamed songs from their 2004 album, Erotic Diarrhea Fantasy (how shitty 💩 is that 🥴 🤢 🤮), is “Raped By Elephants”. The band and song should be taken with a grain of salt.  The theme and lyrics are… disturbing.

“I was visiting in Africa two months ago

My goal was to see all those wild animals

Most excited I was when I came close to elephants.”

Holy shit! Following the elephant ‘violation’ from Freddie Got Fingered,  Torsofuck ‘get down to business,’ beginning with the ‘excited,’ excerpted lyrics. The instrumental is damning – hellish to the nth degree.  The guitars are jagged, while the cymbal-heavy drumming pummels. Meanwhile, the vocals are unclean and completely indecipherable without the lyrics at hand.  Honestly, given the lyrical content, it is a pro that the lyrics are indecipherable 😳.  Some of the highlights, rather, ‘low’ lights! “Something happened when I snapped a picture / Three elephants surrounded me,” the frontman ‘sings,’ and continues, “One of them ripped off all my clothes / Second elephant came on me and started to spread my buttocks / With its huge trunk.” You see where this is going, right? Anal sex… “Third elephant forced me to take its giant cock in my mouth / I sucked like a whore while I was ass-fucked by elephant truck.” Speechless 😶.  There’s more, including an “Extremely huge load of elephant sperm filled my throat and / Spurted all over my face,” and “All three of them huffed and puffed shits on me / Then left me alone with my ripped asshole / I’ll never go to Africa again.” What can you say to that? “Raped By Elephants” exemplifies a wacky, wacky song 🥴 😳!

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12. The B-52’s, “Rock Lobster”

The B-52’s » Warner » 1979

The B-52’s, The B-52’s [📷: Warner]

“Alright, alright.”
One of my favorite Panic! At The Disco songs is “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time”.  Besides the brilliant vocals of the handsome and talented Brendon Urie, the opening riff kicks ass and takes names.  There is a good reason for this ‘ass-kicking’ and ‘name-taking.’ Urie samples the 1979 ambitious, wacky, and weird The B-52’s classic, “Rock Lobster”.  The B-52’s – Fred Schneider (b. 1951), Ricky Wilson (1953 – 1985), Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, and Keith Strickland – are arguably best known for their top-10 hits that would arrive a decade after “Lobster”: “Love Shack” and “Roam”.  However, as odd as their debut single is, it impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1980.  The high-energy, infectious song is the fourth track from the band’s self-titled, five-star debut. All members of the band contributed to writing the song.

“(Sca-do-ba-da) We were at a party (Eww) / (Sca-do-ba-da) His earlobe fell in the deep (Eww) / (Sca-do-ba-da) Someone reached in and grabbed it (Eww) / (Sca-do-ba-da) Was a rock lobster (Eww).”
Oh, my! According to Fred Schneider, because his earlobe fell, a rock lobster grabbed it… Word! Beyond the electrifying opening riff, what makes “Rock Lobster” the sugar honey iced tea is its unique sound and outlandish songwriting.  Approaching fifty years later, what other song sounds like this new wave, dance-rock track? None – it is in a league of its own.  Of course, how many bands were writing and performing songs about a beach party where a crustacean is front and center? “(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Rock lobster!” The tone of the vocals on the “Eww(s)” adds to the charm.  The B-52’s fully invests in the rock lobster, who, by the third verse, “Was in a jam (Hoorah) / He’s in a giant clam (Hoorah).” Oh, snap! The wackiness doesn’t stop there, either.  “Red snappers snapping /… Mussels flexing (Hoorah) / Flippers flipping (Hoorah),” Fred sings, in the fifth verse.  The final verse provides contrasts both lyrically and musically. Among the boldest lines not related to lobsters is “Boys in bikinis / Girls in surfboards,” which is quite progressive and unexpected for the time.  The lyrics continue to be interesting with dogfish being “chased by catfish,” and “Here comes a bikini whale.” Bikini whale?  What better wacky song to listen to than “Rock Lobster”? The B-52’s ate on this one!

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13. The Stylistics, “Payback is a Dog”

Rockin’ Roll Baby » Amherst » 1973

The Stylistics, Rockin' Roll Baby [📷: Amherst]

“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 (b. 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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~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

13 More Electrifying Animal Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 45th & 3rd Music LLC, Amherst, Columbia, DistroKid, Lana Del Rey, Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Smart Study Co., Ltd., Thrivin Here Records LLC, Todisco Music, Universal Music Operations Limited, Urheim, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Warner Music Finland, Warner Music Nashville, Warner Music Norway AS Capitol; AcatXIo, Alain Audet, Andrea Bohl, Gundula Vogel, Joshua Choate, Lucas, Michael Siebert, Ralph, ViolkaArt from Pixabay]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.

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