Songs About Rats may not be the first theme that comes to mind when thinking of music, but these curious creatures have inspired a surprising number of tracks.
From rock to hip-hop, rats have been used as symbols in songs, representing everything from survival and rebellion to fear and mischief.
Whether you’re looking for a deep metaphor or just an offbeat tune, there’s something fascinating about how rats have crept into the world of music.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the best Songs About Rats and uncover the stories behind these unique tracks.
1. “Rats Rule” by Die Antwoord (2016)
About this song:
- Album: Mount Ninji and Da Nice Time Kid
- Released: 2016
- Artist: Die Antwoord
- Genre: Hip-Hop/Electronic
- Key Lyric: “Rats rule!”
“Rats Rule” is a powerful and quirky track by the South African duo Die Antwoord, released in 2016.
The song embraces the idea of rats as survivors in a harsh world, embodying a rebellious and unyielding spirit.
Ninja and Yolandi, the band members, use rats as a metaphor for their defiance of societal norms.
The song was written during a time of political and social unrest in South Africa, amplifying its rebellious tone.
Musically, it blends hip-hop beats with electronic influences, creating a dynamic, energetic anthem for outcasts.
2. “Great King Rat” by Queen (1973)
About this song:
- Album: Queen
- Released: 1973
- Artist: Queen
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Great King Rat died today, born on the twenty-first of May.”
This song was featured on Queen’s debut album in 1973, written by Freddie Mercury.
The lyrics tell the story of a mysterious figure, Great King Rat, who lives a life of sin and meets a tragic end.
It was inspired by Mercury’s fascination with larger-than-life, almost mythic figures.
Though not explicitly about rats, the song uses the rat as a metaphor for corruption and death.
The energetic rock style complements the dark theme of the story.
3. “Cats, Dogs & Rats” by Rare Americans (2018)
About this song:
- Album: Rare Americans
- Released: 2018
- Artist: Rare Americans
- Genre: Indie Rock
- Key Lyric: “Cats, dogs, and rats, we’re all trapped.”
This song, released in 2018 by Canadian band Rare Americans, appears on their self-titled album.
It discusses societal hierarchies using animals—cats, dogs, and rats—as metaphors for different classes and struggles.
The song was written during a time when the band was reflecting on social inequality and systemic traps.
The rat, in this case, represents those at the bottom of the social ladder, fighting to survive.
Its playful, indie-rock sound contrasts with the serious subject matter, making the message more accessible.
4. “Rat Queen” by The Mountain Goats (2020)
About this song:
- Album: Getting Into Knives
- Released: 2020
- Artist: The Mountain Goats
- Genre: Indie Folk
- Key Lyric: “Long live the rat queen.”
“Rat Queen” was released in 2020 by The Mountain Goats as part of their album Getting Into Knives.
The song paints the picture of a metaphorical “rat queen” leading an army of outcasts in a world full of adversity.
It was composed by frontman John Darnielle during a reflective period about the struggles faced by marginalized people.
Rats here symbolize resilience and rebellion, living through tough circumstances and fighting for their space.
The track combines Darnielle’s thoughtful lyrics with an indie folk sound, evoking both melancholy and empowerment.
5. “The Rat” by The Walkmen (2004)
About this song:
- Album: Bows + Arrows
- Released: 2004
- Artist: The Walkmen
- Genre: Indie Rock
- Key Lyric: “You’ve got a nerve to be asking a favor.”
Released in 2004, “The Rat” became one of The Walkmen’s most popular songs, appearing on their Bows + Arrows album.
The lyrics express intense frustration, and the “rat” serves as a metaphor for betrayal and anger towards a former friend or lover.
It was written during a time of tension and disappointment in the band members’ personal lives.
The song’s raw energy, fast tempo, and sharp vocals perfectly encapsulate the emotional turmoil.
It remains a classic indie rock anthem, symbolizing disillusionment and resentment.
6. “Rat Salad” by Black Sabbath (1970)
About this song:
- Album: Paranoid
- Released: 1970
- Artist: Black Sabbath
- Genre: Heavy Metal
- Key Lyric: (Instrumental)
“Rat Salad” is an instrumental track featured on Black Sabbath’s iconic album Paranoid released in 1970.
The song showcases drummer Bill Ward’s powerful drumming and serves as a bridge between two key tracks on the album.
The name “Rat Salad” reportedly came from a comment about a messy meal, though it may also hint at the chaotic, wild nature of the music.
It was composed during a time when Black Sabbath was gaining recognition for its dark, heavy sound.
The song is a display of technical skill, with the rat in the title symbolizing something untamed and unpredictable.
7. “Rat Trap” by The Boomtown Rats (1978)
About this song:
- Album: A Tonic for the Troops
- Released: 1978
- Artist: The Boomtown Rats
- Genre: New Wave, Punk Rock
- Key Lyric: “You’re young and good looking and you’re acting kind of tough.”
“Rat Trap” was released in 1978 and became The Boomtown Rats’ first UK number-one hit, featured on their album A Tonic for the Troops.
Written by lead singer Bob Geldof, it tells the story of a youth feeling trapped in a dead-end town, yearning for escape.
The “rat trap” in the title symbolizes the oppressive conditions of working-class life, making rats a metaphor for those stuck in a repetitive, hopeless cycle.
The song was written during a period of economic struggles in the UK, which inspired its rebellious tone.
Its blend of punk rock and new wave created an anthem of discontent for young listeners at the time.
8. “I Think I Smell a Rat” by The White Stripes (2001)
About this song:
- Album: White Blood Cells
- Released: 2001
- Artist: The White Stripes
- Genre: Garage Rock
- Key Lyric: “Oh, I think I smell a rat.”
This track, released in 2001 on White Blood Cells, is a biting commentary on dishonesty and betrayal.
Jack White uses the rat as a symbol of deception and people who can’t be trusted, giving the song an aggressive edge.
It was written during a time when The White Stripes were gaining mainstream attention but still kept their raw, garage rock roots.
The minimalist instrumentation, with sharp guitar riffs and driving rhythms, complements the song’s cynical message.
Its lyrics express a growing frustration with falsehood, making “I Think I Smell a Rat” a memorable moment in the album.
9. “Rats” by Pearl Jam (1993)
About this song:
- Album: Vs.
- Released: 1993
- Artist: Pearl Jam
- Genre: Grunge
- Key Lyric: “They don’t scurry when something bigger comes their way.”
Released in 1993 on Pearl Jam’s Vs. album, “Rats” highlights the band’s unique blend of grunge and social commentary.
The song contrasts the behavior of rats with that of humans, suggesting that rats, despite their negative reputation, are more honorable in some ways.
Eddie Vedder wrote the song as part of his exploration of human nature, comparing the deceptive nature of people to rats.
It was composed during a time when Pearl Jam was dealing with newfound fame and the pressures of the grunge scene.
The rat serves as a metaphor for survival and integrity, themes central to Pearl Jam’s philosophy.
10. “Rat in Mi Kitchen” by UB40 (1986)
About this song:
- Album: Rat in the Kitchen
- Released: 1986
- Artist: UB40
- Genre: Reggae
- Key Lyric: “There’s a rat in mi kitchen, what am I gonna do?”
Released in 1986, “Rat in Mi Kitchen” is one of UB40’s most iconic reggae tracks, featured on their album Rat in the Kitchen.
The song blends a catchy reggae beat with lyrics that seem literal but carry political undertones.
It was written after Ali Campbell, the band’s lead singer, discovered a rat in his kitchen, but the song also serves as a metaphor for societal and political issues.
The track came out during a time of significant political unrest, making the rat in the kitchen a symbol of problems lurking at home.
Its playful yet serious tone helped the song become a hit, resonating with both reggae fans and broader audiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Songs About Rats showcase the versatility of this unexpected subject in music.
Whether used as metaphors for survival, rebellion, or deceit, rats have inspired artists across various genres and eras.
These songs highlight how even the most overlooked creatures can spark creativity and deep meaning.
From classic rock to reggae and indie anthems, the diversity of Songs About Rats is truly impressive.
If you’re looking for unique tracks that dig deeper into the human experience, this collection of rat-inspired songs is a perfect place to start.