Songs About Chickens might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of popular music.
However, these quirky and fun tunes have found a special place in various genres.
Whether they’re used for humor, symbolism, or just a catchy beat, chickens have inspired some unforgettable songs.
From folk to country, rock to children’s music, Songs About Chickens span decades and styles.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the best examples of these feather-filled hits.
So, if you’re ready to tap your feet or have a chuckle, these Songs About Chickens are sure to entertain.
1. “Do the Funky Chicken” by Rufus Thomas (1969)
About this song:
- Album: Do the Funky Chicken
- Released: 1969
- Artist: Rufus Thomas
- Genre: Funk
- Key Lyric: “Y’all can do it now / C’mon and do the Funky Chicken”
Rufus Thomas released “Do the Funky Chicken” in 1969 as a funky, dance-inspired track.
The song is known for its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm, urging listeners to dance like a chicken.
It was a humorous take on popular dance crazes at the time, giving people a fun new dance move.
Rufus Thomas’s unique delivery and persona made the track a favorite in the funk genre.
Though playful, it also exemplifies the lively energy of late ’60s funk music.
2. “How Funky Is Your Chicken” by The Jackson 5 (1970)
About this song:
- Album: Third Album
- Released: 1970
- Artist: The Jackson 5
- Genre: R&B, Funk
- Key Lyric: “How funky is your chicken / How loose is your goose”
This upbeat track was part of The Jackson 5’s energetic repertoire in the early 1970s.
“How Funky Is Your Chicken” introduced a playful dance craze, showing off their youthful charm and enthusiasm.
The lyrics encourage people to get up and move, asking listeners how funky their chicken dance could be.
It reflects the light-hearted, fun nature of The Jackson 5’s early music.
The song is an example of the group’s ability to blend catchy lyrics with danceable beats.
3. “Chicken” by The Cramps (1986)
About this song:
- Album: A Date With Elvis
- Released: 1986
- Artist: The Cramps
- Genre: Rockabilly, Psychobilly
- Key Lyric: “Chicken baby, chicken walk”
“Chicken” by The Cramps is a high-energy track from their 1986 album A Date With Elvis.
The song combines rockabilly and psychobilly, genres The Cramps are known for pioneering.
With edgy lyrics and a rebellious vibe, it uses “chicken” as a metaphor for someone scared or unwilling to take risks.
The song’s unique style highlights The Cramps’ ability to blend humor and rock with a dark, retro feel.
It showcases their characteristic raw guitar sounds and frantic energy.
4. “Psycho Chicken” by The Fools (1980)
About this song:
- Album: Sold Out
- Released: 1980
- Artist: The Fools
- Genre: New Wave, Parody
- Key Lyric: “Psycho Chicken, what the hell?”
“Psycho Chicken” is a parody song by The Fools, released in 1980 as a humorous take on The Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.”
The Fools used chickens as a funny twist, turning the original’s intensity into something absurd and light-hearted.
The song mocks the seriousness of the original, making the chicken a comical, chaotic character.
Its New Wave sound, combined with the band’s sense of humor, made it a cult favorite during the 1980s.
The song embodies the fun and irreverence of The Fools’ musical style.
5. “Chicken Walk” by Hasil Adkins (1986)
About this song:
- Album: Chicken Walk
- Released: 1986
- Artist: Hasil Adkins
- Genre: Rockabilly
- Key Lyric: “Well, you can chicken walk all night long”
“Chicken Walk” by Hasil Adkins is a 1986 rockabilly track that celebrates his signature wild, unrestrained style.
The song encourages listeners to join the “chicken walk,” a dance as energetic and chaotic as the track itself.
Hasil Adkins was known for his one-man band performances, and this song embodies his raw, eccentric musical personality.
It plays on the whimsical idea of chickens, using them as inspiration for the high-energy, rebellious dance.
The track highlights Adkins’ blend of humor, intensity, and his love for offbeat, quirky music.
6. “Know Your Chicken” by Cibo Matto (1996)
About this song:
- Album: Viva! La Woman
- Released: 1996
- Artist: Cibo Matto
- Genre: Alternative, Experimental
- Key Lyric: “I know my chicken / You’ve got to know your chicken”
“Know Your Chicken” is an eclectic track by the experimental band Cibo Matto, blending alternative and hip-hop influences.
Released in 1996, the song’s quirky lyrics revolve around the absurdity of chicken ownership and cooking.
It reflects Cibo Matto’s playful yet avant-garde approach to music, creating surreal and humorous narratives.
The song was a standout on their album Viva! La Woman is known for its offbeat subject matter.
It helped define the band’s reputation for blending seemingly random elements into catchy, eccentric tracks.
7. “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” by Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
About this song:
- Album: Let The Good Times Roll
- Released: 1946
- Artist: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
- Genre: Swing, Jazz
- Key Lyric: “There ain’t nobody here but us chickens / We ain’t laying eggs”
“Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” was released by Louis Jordan in 1946 and quickly became one of his most iconic swing hits.
The song humorously depicts chickens attempting to fool a farmer by claiming no one is around to disturb them.
It plays on the metaphor of chickens as everyday characters trying to avoid work, making it lighthearted and relatable.
Jordan’s jazzy, infectious sound combined with the playful lyrics makes this a memorable tune from the swing era.
The song exemplifies his witty approach to music, blending comedy with toe-tapping rhythms.
8. “Magic Chicken!” by The Aquabats! (1997)
About this song:
- Album: The Fury of The Aquabats!
- Released: 1997
- Artist: The Aquabats!
- Genre: Ska, Punk
- Key Lyric: “Magic chicken / magic chicken”
“Magic Chicken!” by The Aquabats! is a fun, eccentric track that plays into the band’s love of quirky humor and upbeat ska-punk.
Released in 1997, this song is part of their album The Fury of The Aquabats!, known for its energetic and whimsical content.
The song uses a fantastical “magic chicken” as a central theme, creating a playful, surreal atmosphere.
The Aquabats! are known for their superhero-themed personas and absurd narratives, and “Magic Chicken!” fits perfectly within that style.
The track is a high-energy ride that exemplifies the band’s commitment to fun and ridiculousness in their music.
9. “The Song Of The One Legged Chicken” by Tom T. Hall (1974)
About this song:
- Album: Songs of Fox Hollow
- Released: 1974
- Artist: Tom T. Hall
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “The one legged chicken was the only one there”
Tom T. Hall released “The Song Of The One Legged Chicken” as part of his children’s album Songs of Fox Hollow in 1974.
The song tells the story of a chicken with one leg, symbolizing resilience and uniqueness despite challenges.
Hall was inspired by his experiences with children and farm life, using the one-legged chicken to teach valuable life lessons.
Known as “The Storyteller” in country music, Hall uses simple yet powerful narratives in his songs, especially for younger audiences.
This track showcases Hall’s ability to weave touching stories with humor and warmth.
10. “The Chicken In Black” by Johnny Cash (1984)
About this song:
- Album: Johnny 99
- Released: 1984
- Artist: Johnny Cash
- Genre: Country, Novelty
- Key Lyric: “And they said, ‘This is your brain,’ I said, ‘It’s a chicken’s brain.’”
“The Chicken In Black” is one of Johnny Cash’s more humorous and self-deprecating songs, released in 1984 during a transitional period in his career.
In this satirical tune, Cash tells the absurd story of getting a brain transplant—only to receive a chicken’s brain by mistake.
The song was intended as a parody and a playful jab at his record label at the time, as he felt disillusioned with the direction his music was being pushed.
Though it strays far from his traditional outlaw country image, “The Chicken In Black” is remembered for its comedic twist and quirky narrative.
The track shows Cash’s willingness to step outside his usual serious persona and embrace humor, even poking fun at himself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Songs About Chickens have brought a unique blend of humor, creativity, and fun to the world of music.
From funk and rock to country and jazz, chickens have inspired artists across various genres to craft memorable tunes.
These songs offer not just entertainment but also a glimpse into the playful side of music history.
Whether you’re in the mood to dance, laugh, or reflect, there’s a chicken-themed song for every occasion.
So the next time you’re building a quirky playlist, don’t forget to add these classic Songs About Chickens to your lineup!!!