The 100 Songs About Wolves

What is it about the wolf that conjures up images of darkness and danger? They are often portrayed at night howling silhouetted against a full moon. There are a surprising amount of songs about wolves.

They can be quite scary, of course, especially when they are in their pack. In that situation, the danger is very real. They have inspired films and mythical characters like the werewolf, and they feature powerfully in many cultures.

Are They Somewhat Misunderstood?

The wolf is often used to describe the wilder aspects of behavior. And those descriptions are also given to people who are slightly dangerous and foreboding. But are these analogies unfair to what is, after all, a magnificent animal?

Wolves are intelligent animals that have their own social structure, and they form close friendships with others in the pack. They are loyal and can demonstrate love and affection. And they are very protective of their family. They sound nicer than some humans I have met.

Despite this, they are associated with things that make us uneasy. You might see them portrayed in pictures that have a bad, foreboding moon, as I remarked earlier. Maybe it is there we should start our look at songs about wolves.

The 100 Songs About Wolves

1

Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival

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This was the first single from the Green River album in 1969. An interesting band in many ways. Their sound was based very much on a deep southern country-rock style.

The lyrics, too, were of the same idea and not a million miles away from Tony Joe White and his swamp rock. A bit strange considering they came from California, but, nevertheless.

Basic, rather empty-sounding music, with respect, they weren’t the best musicians you would find. But, they certainly knew how to make great pop records. And this was one.

Where’s The Wolf?

Maybe some might think a rather strange way to start this look at songs about wolves. This isn’t about wolves; in fact, the word wolf is never even mentioned. 

I have included it because it was one of the pieces of music used for effect in the 1980s film “An American Werewolf in London.” In the film, he is waiting for the full moon, fearful he might change into a werewolf.

It conjures up images of a dark foreboding night. As the chorus implores, “Don’t go round tonight, it’s bound to take your life.”

2

Good Morning Mr. Wolf by Patrick Watson

Patrick Watson might be an unknown name to some. This Canadian singer-songwriter toured as a solo artist for some years before forming his own band under his own name. 

This was a song released in 2015, and if you have never heard Patrick Watson before, this is a good place to start. It is an outstanding piece of work with a great melody coupled with some very honestly written song lyrics related to a wolf.

3

Wolf Moon by Neil Young

Neil Young has never been one to shy away from dishing out some criticism if he has felt it was required. Neither has he held back on criticizing those who consider themselves “untouchable.” He clearly showed they aren’t.

From “After The Goldrush” and “Mother Earth,” where he pursued environmental themes. To songs like “Ohio,” where he highlighted hypocrisy, state-sponsored homicide, and injustice. If there has been a cause, then Neil is at the front somewhere with his cutting lyrics.

One From The Later Years

He might have aged a bit since those days, but he can still produce songs like “Wolf Moon.” This ranks alongside the other greats as one of his notable environmental songs. On this track, he works with Lukas and Micah Nelson, Willie Nelson’s sons.

He sees himself as the last lone wolf bitterly complaining about what we are doing to his world. And then wonders why we are doing nothing to stop it. Typical Neil Young genius from his more recent past.

4

Running with the Wolves by Aurora

Aurora Aksnes, to give her her full name, is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and dancer. The first time you see her live performance, it may come as a bit of a surprise. 

The best way of describing her is as a cross between Kate Bush and Bjork. She is, in the same breath, compelling and eccentric but also soft and seemingly fragile.

She grew up in a forest near Stavanger in Norway, which has left a marked impression on her and especially on her songwriting. Norway might be most famous for Polar Bears and Reindeer, but it also has a large Wolf population.

A Song That Takes In Her Environment

This is a song about running free like a wolf in the wilderness. In the song, she imagines people discarding materialism and all this unnecessary technology. And, of course, all the “friends” it gives us but actually doesn’t.

She sees people throwing off those shackles and being like the wolf, free to roam. The people all become like the animals, leaving all the rules behind them and forming their own existence. 

An interesting scenario and an interesting wolf song that is way out there. If you like something a bit different, you may like this.

5

The Werewolf by Paul Simon

Taken from Rhymin’ Simon’s 2016 album Stranger to Stranger, he continues to push the boundaries of his music into unknown territory. This is a song that includes a wolf howling, some interesting handclaps, and some very interesting words.

The wolf has a range of associated meanings, but the Werewolf is always a bad thing. He uses that imagery to represent the human failings he sees. 

Of the inevitable future economic collapse and, to a certain exert, our own mortality. In that way, he replaces the image of the grim reaper with that of the werewolf.

6

Hungry Like the Wolf (2009 Remaster) by Duran Duran

Back to the 1980s, and a time in British music when it was still trying to find a new identity. Punk rock was a reaction to the peace, love, and light of the hippies. This was a reverse reaction to the punks. 

Makeup, weird hairstyles, and clothes, it was a time in the UK when no one seemed to know which direction things were heading musically. 

New Wave emergence…

From that environment, one of the bands to emerge was Duran Duran. Not everybody’s favorite at the time or since. But they did know how to make decent ‘pop’ records, and this was one.

This song came from their 1982 album Rio and was used to swamp various overseas markets to try and gain some attention for them. Simon Le Bon claims this is song written about the Big Bad Wolf in “Little Red Riding Hood.”

7

The Wolf by Mumford & Sons

This is a neat little rocky folk song about a wolf where the wolf represents a person trying to find their way in the world. From their 2012 album, Babel, it has become a firm favorite with fans of the band and features in their live shows.

The imagery of a lonely wolf trying to find his pack is cleverly put together. It is a situation that a lot of people can relate to as they search for where they fit into the world. The wolf asserts that he will never give up until he’s found them. 

A positive message for everyone, no matter how lonely you may feel.

8

Run With The Wolf by Rainbow

Rainbow was the brainchild of former Deep Purple guitarist Richie Blackmore. They were a strange band in many ways. They tried to pass themselves off as almost heavy metal. And yet, their real success came with songs like “Since You’ve Been Gone,” which is a ‘pop-rock’ song.

This is taken from their 1976 album Rising; this was an album where producer Martin Birch seemed to be trying to recreate ‘Purple 2’. That was never going to happen. Not the best of efforts from Blackmore and Co as they fought past battles. 

And they also had to contend with Whitesnake, who were very similar in style. Nevertheless, some nice drums and bass patterns with some tight Blackmore licks over the top of them.

9

Of Wolf And Man by Metallica

Talking of a band that was trying to move in a metal direction, let’s take a track from one of the kings of metal, Metallica.

This was taken from the band’s fifth studio album, simply called Metallica. Although, it is often known by the name the “Black Album.”

In Native American folklore and tradition, there is a practice they call ‘Shapeshifting.’ This is a process where the Medicine Man might change the shape of one animal into another. This song is the story written by someone performing this as he changes from man into a wolf at the full moon.

10

Howl by Florence and the Machine

This is a track from the album Lungs, released in 2009. It is a bit of a gothic love story with a fair bit of horror thrown in. Everybody has a feral part of their personality, with most of it hidden deep under the surface. 

But, with some, it is easy to see. This is a song that likens the feral side of humans to a wolf. Some might say that was a bit unfair. But, I think they mean in the wilder aspect rather than a destructive one.

When she wrote the song, she obviously had werewolves in mind. A good song from what was, at the time, a very creative band.

11

She Wolf (Album) by Shakira

This track is from the Colombian singer-songwriter’s album of the same name released in 2009. It has quite a ‘pop’ style to it, which is probably one of the reasons it was so successful.

A positive take on wolves…

Shakira wrote this song to and about those women who find the strength to express themselves. Female empowerment is important to many female singers, and this track is another in that style.

It is very much a ‘dance and party’ song which was a deliberate decision by her for the album. The idea was that she felt people ought to have more fun. 

The album draws influences from a range of musical styles from around the world, including, of course, South America. It uses plenty of synthesizers and electronics, so if you are into that, you are going to like it.

12

A Wolf At the Door by Radiohead

Radiohead is an English rock band formed in 1985 in Oxfordshire. They have experienced massive success and, in some people’s eyes, are the most successful ‘art-pop’ band ever. This is a track from their successful album Hail To the Thief, which was released in 2003.

As with most Radiohead songs, there are plenty of speculations about what it is all about. Fans of the band will know that the obvious meaning is rarely what it is really all about.

Fight Against Capitalism

That is one interpretation of this song, with the Wolf being the personification of the ruthless capitalist banging on your door wanting more. The poor Wolf is getting a bad deal again.

It is interesting that while not being a natural ‘album closer,’ that is where the band placed it. Thus giving it a rather thoughtful and tragic finish. 

The lyrics are full of foreboding, and I particularly enjoyed the narration by Thom Yorke. It adds a certain impact to an already disturbing message. When he wrote it, he must have been in one of his angry moments.

13

Werewolf Bar Mitzvah by Tracy Morgan,

14

The Big Bad Wolf by The Heavy,

15

Wolf Like Me by TV on the Radio,

16

Wolf Among Men by Bob Dylan,

17

Wolfboy by Angels & Airwaves,

18

Wolfen (Das Tier In Mir) by E Nomine,

19

Wolves by Selena Gomez and Marshmello,

20

Song of the Wolf by Patrick Cowley,

21

Wolf’s Law by The Joy Formidable,

22

The Wolf is Loose by Mastodon,

23

The Wolf and the Fox by The Oh Hellos,

24

Wolves Without Teeth by Of Monsters and Men,

25

The Wolf by The Spencer Lee Band,

26

The Wolf and the Lamb by Michael Chapman,

27

Wolf Totem by The Hu,

28

Howlin’ For You by The Black Keys,

29

Wolf at Your Door by Judith Owen,

30

Hungry Wolf by X,

31

The Wolf I Feed by Napalm Death,

32

She-Wolf by Megadeth,

33

Wolf Wind by Bill Miller,

34

The Wolf and the Dove by Brian Eno and John Cale,

35

Wolf and I by Oh Land,

36

Gray Wolves by R. Carlos Nakai,

37

The Wolf and the Shepherd by Tony Banks,

38

Wolves in the Night by Gary Numan,

39

The Wolf is at Your Door by Howlin’ Wolf,

40

The Curse of the Werewolf by Timeless Miracle,

41

Wolves of the North by Tyr,

42

Little Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs,

43

Cry Wolf by A-Ha,

44

Hungry Wolf – 2005 Remaster by Iggy Pop,

45

Black Wolf by Ani DiFranco,

46

Call of the Wild by Janelle Monae and Fun.,

47

Wolf vs. Sheep by Wolf Parade,

48

Wolf and Raven by Sonata Arctica,

49

Wolves and Ravens by Rogue Valley,

50

Wolves of Winter by Biffy Clyro,

More 50 Songs About Wolves

51. 51. Lone Wolf by Eels,
    52. Wolfpack by Syd Barrett,
    53. Wolf by First Aid Kit,
    54. Wolves of the Calla by Queen Elephantine,
    55. Wolf in Disguise by Mott the Hoople,
    56. Wolves in the Throne Room by The Old Ones Are With Us,
    57. The Wolf Song by Nancy Wilson,
    58. Run With the Wolves by Prodigy,
    59. Black Wolf on the Horizon by Ted Nugent,
    60. Wolves and Doors by Finger Eleven,
    61. Wolf Love by Bobby Long,
    62. Dancing With Wolves by Art Bergmann,
    63. Wolf Run by Laura Marling,
    64. Wolf of the Night by Ramin Djawadi,
    65. Big Bad Wolf by In This Moment
    66. The Wolves Have Returned by Jane Siberry
    67. The Wolfpack by Angels & Airwaves
    68. Wolf at the Door by James Reyne
    69. Wolf & I by Oh Land
    70. A Pack of Wolves by The Killers
    71. Wolf Like Howls From The Bathhouse by Son Lux
    72. Baby Animals and Grey Wolf by John Prine
    73. The Wolf and the Moon by The Blue Stones
    74. Wolf Pack by Angels & Airwaves
    75. Wolf in the Breast by Cocteau Twins
    76. Wolf & Crow by Crowbar
    77. The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey by Joni Mitchell
    78. When the Wolf Comes Home by Patrick Sweany
    79. Wolf Attack by The Pack A.D.
    80. Little Wolf by Holly Golightly
    81. Wolf Hour by The Dead Weather
    82. White Wolf by Electric Six
    83. Crying Wolf by ZZ Ward
    84. Alpha Wolf Need Love Too by Aaron Carter
    85. The Wolf is Dead by Soko
    86. Wolf Song by Patrick Park
    87. Wolf & Man by Dave Matthews Band
    88. Where the Wild Wolves Have Gone by Powerwolf
    89. Wolves in the Attic by Twin Atlantic
    90. The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger by Wolf Lie Down
    91. Wolfman by The Quakes
    92. The Wolf’s Cry by Otep
    93. The Wolves of the Calla by Jason and the Scorchers
    94. The Wolfman by The Hooten Hallers
    95. Let the Wolves Howl at the Moon by The Frights
    96. The Wolf is My Shepherd by Jonny Lang
    97. Devil Wolf by Danzig
    98. Wolf of the North by Nox Arcana
    99. Wolves of the Sea by Alestorm
    100. Wolf on the Fold by Ilium

Looking for Interesting Songs?

We can help with that. Take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs about Fighting, the Best Songs About Change, the Best Songs about Friday, the Best Songs About Friendship, the Best Songs About Walking, and the Best Songs About Dreams for more great musical selections.

Songs About Wolves – Conclusion

Some interesting material that approaches the subject from a variety of angles. But still, there seems to be a theme. The Wolf is viewed as a bringer of bad luck and a sign of danger. I don’t suppose it will ever shake that off.

However, using wolves in song lyrics allows the music to explore darker themes as well. The metaphorical idea of wolves isn’t going anywhere. So, in ten years, this could be a whole new list of howling good songs.

Until next time, let the music play.