Songs about Wolves
Wolves have long captured the human imagination as powerful, cunning, and mysterious creatures. They feature prominently in mythology, literature, and music, inspiring awe, fear, and fascination. There’s something about the wolf’s primal howl, its relentless pursuit of prey, and its unbreakable bond with its pack that speaks to our deepest instincts and emotions.
It’s no wonder, then, that wolves have inspired many musicians to write songs that evoke their spirit and essence. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most notable songs about wolves, from rock anthems to folk ballads, from the haunting to the uplifting.
Duran Duran – “Hungry Like the Wolf”
This early ’80s synth-pop classic is perhaps the most famous song with the word “wolf” in its title. “Hungry Like the Wolf” tells the story of a man on the prowl, searching for his prey in the streets of an exotic city. The song’s infectious beat, catchy melody, and vivid lyrics create a sense of urgency and adventure that has made it a perennial favorite.
TV on the Radio – “Wolf Like Me”
This indie rock gem from 2006 features driving drums, distorted guitar riffs, and lead singer Tunde Adebimpe’s urgent vocals. “Wolf Like Me” is a dark and moody ode to the transformation that takes place when the full moon rises and the protagonist becomes a wolf himself. The song’s intensity and rawness capture the animalistic energy that resides within us all.
“Dire Wolf” by the Grateful Dead
This acoustic ballad from the Grateful Dead’s classic album “Workingman’s Dead” tells the story of a lone wolf and a hunter who meet in the woods. The hunter tries to kill the wolf, but it outsmarts him and escapes. The song’s gentle melody, harmonies, and acoustic guitar fingerpicking create a melancholic and bittersweet mood that reflects the fragility and beauty of life.
Mumford & Sons – “The Wolf”
This rollicking folk-rock tune from Mumford & Sons’ album “Wilder Mind” showcases the band’s signature blend of banjo, guitar, and thundering drums. “The Wolf” is a defiant and anthemic song about refusing to be defeated by life’s hardships, and instead fighting back like a wolf with teeth bared. The song’s infectious energy and sing-along chorus make it a crowd favorite at the band’s live shows.
Iron & Wine – “Wolves (Song of the Shepherd’s Dog)”
This haunting and atmospheric track from Iron & Wine’s album “The Shepherd’s Dog” features delicate guitar arpeggios, layered vocals, and sparse percussion. “Wolves” is a dreamlike and surreal song that evokes a sense of wandering through a misty forest at night, pursued by wolves and other spirits. The song’s poetic lyrics and ethereal soundscapes create a haunting and unforgettable listening experience.
Eddie Vedder – “Wolf”
Eddie Vedder, the lead singer of Pearl Jam, released this powerful and emotional song on his solo album in 2011. “Wolf” is a tribute to Vedder’s late friend and former Rock Against Cancer founder Adam Roth. The song features Vedder’s trademark gravelly voice, acoustic guitar strumming, and stirring lyrics about being lost and alone in the wilderness.
Shakira – “She Wolf”
This dance-pop anthem from Shakira’s 2009 album of the same name features a club-ready beat, lush synths, and Shakira’s passionate vocals. “She Wolf” is an empowering song about embracing your inner strength and wildness and refusing to be held back by society’s expectations. The strutting rhythm and bold chorus make this an unforgettable and electrifying listening experience.
Florence and The Machine – “Howl”
This epic and ethereal track from Florence and The Machine’s debut album “Lungs” showcases the band’s dynamic blend of folk-rock and pop. “Howl” is a soaring anthem about overcoming adversity, with driving drums, lush strings, and Florence Welch’s emotional vocals. The song captures the power of transformation inherent in the image of the wolf howling at the moon.
David Guetta, Sia – “She Wolf (Falling To Pieces)”
This dance-pop collaboration between French producer David Guetta and Australian singer Sia features a thumping beat, roaring synths, and Sia’s powerful vocal performance. “She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)” is an uplifting song about embracing your inner strength and finding the courage to face life’s challenges. The upbeat chorus and electro-pop production make this an infectious and energizing listen.
RY X – “Howling”
This folk-tinged track from Australian singer-songwriter RY X combines stark acoustic guitar strumming with ambient synths, ethereal vocal harmonies, and subtle percussion. “Howling” is a contemplative song about facing our fears and insecurities head on. The haunting melody, sparse instrumentation, and emotive lyrics create a mesmerizing listening experience.
AURORA – “Running With the Wolves”
Norwegian singer AURORA released this dreamy and ethereal track in 2016. “Running With the Wolves” is a mysterious and captivating song that blends folk-tinged guitar strumming with reverberant synths and AURORA’s haunting vocals. The song’s gentle melody, harmonies, and acoustic guitar fingerpicking create a melancholic and bittersweet mood that reflects the fragility and beauty of life.
Neil Young – “Wolf Moon”
This classic folk-rock tune from Neil Young’s album “Freedom” features vintage electric guitars, atmospheric keyboards, and Young’s signature raspy vocals. “Wolf Moon” is an eerie yet beautiful song about being haunted by memories of lost love. The hypnotic melody, layers of reverb-drenched guitars, and evocative lyrics combine to create an unforgettable listening experience.
Selena Gomez, Marshmello – “Wolves”
This contemporary dance-pop collaboration between Selena Gomez and EDM producer Marshmello features a thumping beat, lush synths, and Gomez’s emotive vocals. “Wolves” is an inspiring anthem about following your own path and having the courage to stand out from the crowd. The chorus’ uplifting melody and powerful production make this an infectious and invigorating listen.
Of Monsters and Men – “Wolves Without Teeth”
This soaring folk-rock track from Icelandic band Of Monsters And Men combines driving drums with fingerpicked acoustic guitars and emotive vocal harmonies. “Wolves Without Teeth” is a song about the power of transformation, with lyrics that evoke the image of the lone wolf howling at the moon. The anthemic chorus and electrifying production make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Cat Power – “Werewolf”
This ethereal track from American singer-songwriter Cat Power features sparse instrumentation, gentle fingerpicking, and Chan Marshall’s trademark haunting vocals. “Werewolf” is a dreamy yet powerful song about facing our inner demons and finding strength through difficult times. The tranquil melody and melancholic atmosphere create an immersive listening experience.
First Aid Kit – “Wolf”
This upbeat and uplifting track from Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit features shimmering guitars, driving drums, and beautiful vocal harmonies. “Wolf” is a song about learning to let go of fear and being brave enough to follow your own path. The chorus’ soaring melody and joyful production make this an inspiring and energizing listen.
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – “Wolf Among Wolves”
This melancholy folk-rock offering from Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy features gentle fingerpicking, atmospheric keyboards, and a vocal performance full of emotion. “Wolf Among Wolves” is a reflective song about being lost in the wilderness and finding solace in companionship. The haunting melody, subtle harmonies, and evocative lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
Radiohead – “Wolf at the Door”
This intense and frenetic track from British rock band Radiohead features a driving beat, distorted guitars, and Thom Yorke’s emotive vocals. “Wolf at the Door” is an angst-filled song about facing our insecurities head on. The aggressive melody and powerful production make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Paul Simon – “The Werewolf”
This haunting folk-rock song from Paul Simon features atmospheric keyboards, gentle fingerpicking, and Simon’s trademark vocal melodies. “The Werewolf” is a mysterious yet captivating track about embracing the dark side of life. The dreamy atmosphere and evocative lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
Patrick Watson – “Good Morning Mr. Wolf”
This uplifting and majestic track from Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson features soaring strings, shimmering guitars, and Watson’s emotive vocals. “Good Morning Mr. Wolf” is a song about finding courage in the face of fear. The anthemic chorus and powerful production make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Eels – “Fresh Blood”
This energetic track from American alt-rock band Eels combines driving drums with fuzzed-out guitars and Mark Oliver Everett’s signature vocal delivery. “Fresh Blood” is a song about facing our fears and discovering our hidden strength. The hypnotic melody, layers of distorted guitars, and evocative lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
The Spencer Lee Band – “The Wolf”
This dark and brooding alternative rock track from the Spencer Lee Band features a driving beat, haunting guitars, and Lee’s emotive vocal performance. “The Wolf” is a song about facing our inner demons and embracing them instead of running away. The cathartic melody, powerful production, and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Phosphorescent – “Wolves”
This melancholic yet captivating track from American singer-songwriter Phosphorescent features gentle fingerpicking, atmospheric keyboards, and Matthew Houck’s haunting vocals. “Wolves” is a reflective song about facing the darkness within us all. The dreamy atmosphere and emotional lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
Surf Curse – “Hour of the Wolf”
This intense and frenetic track from American dream-pop duo Surf Curse combines driving drums with shimmering guitars and reverb-drenched vocals. “Hour of the Wolf” is a song about facing our innermost fears in order to find clarity. The energetic melody, layers of distorted guitars, and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Blitzen Trapper – “Furr”
This upbeat yet melancholic track from American indie rock band Blitzen Trapper features gentle fingerpicking, atmospheric keyboards, and Eric Earley’s emotive vocal delivery. “Furr” is a reflective song about finding strength in the face of adversity. The anthemic chorus and dreamy atmosphere create an immersive listening experience.
Bon Iver – “The Wolves”
This powerful and emotive track from American indie-folk band Bon Iver features distorted guitars, pulsing drums, and Justin Vernon’s passionate vocals. “The Wolves” is a song about facing our inner demons head on. The cathartic melody and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Biffy Clyro – “Wolves of Winter”
This intense rock track from British band Biffy Clyro combines driving drums with fuzzy guitars, melodic bass lines, and Simon Neil’s passionate vocals. “Wolves of Winter” is a song about embracing the darkness within us all. The captivating melody and powerful production make this an unforgettable listening experience.
U2 – “Raised by Wolves”
This driving rock track from Irish rock band U2 combines pulsing drums with shimmering guitars and Bono’s passionate vocal delivery. “Raised by Wolves” is a song about facing our inner demons and emerging victorious. The hypnotic melody, layers of distorted guitars, and emotive lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
Ben Howard – “Wolves”
This melancholic yet uplifting track from British singer-songwriter Ben Howard features atmospheric keyboards, gentle fingerpicking, and Howard’s emotive vocal performance. “Wolves” is a reflective song about finding strength in the face of adversity. The anthemic chorus, dreamy atmosphere, and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Mandolin Orange – “The Wolves”
This gentle yet captivating track from American folk duo Mandolin Orange combines warm acoustic guitars with piano accompaniment and Andrew Marlin’s emotive vocals. “The Wolves” is a song about facing our innermost fears in order to find our true purpose. The hypnotic melody, layers of atmospheric instruments, and evocative lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
Creedance Clearwater Revival – “Bad Moon Rising”
This intense rock track from American band Creedence Clearwater Revival combines driving drums with fuzzy guitars and John Fogerty’s passionate vocal delivery. “Bad Moon Rising” is a song about embracing the darkness within us all. The captivating melody, layers of distorted guitars, and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
The Black Keys – “Howlin’ for You”
This upbeat and bluesy rock track from American duo The Black Keys combines driving drums with melodic guitar riffs and Dan Auerbach’s emotive vocals. “Howlin’ for You” is a song about facing our inner demons head on. The cathartic chorus, layers of distorted guitars, and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Langhorne Slim – “Wolves”
This gentle yet captivating track from American singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim combines warm acoustic guitars with piano accompaniment and Langhorne’s emotive vocals. “Wolves” is a reflective song about finding strength in the face of adversity. The dreamy atmosphere, hypnotic melody, and evocative lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
The Cult – “Brother Wolf, Sister Moon”
This powerful rock anthem from British band The Cult features pulsing drums with fuzzy guitar riffs and Ian Astbury’s passionate vocal delivery. “Brother Wolf, Sister Moon” is a song about embracing the darkness within us all. The anthemic chorus and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Rainbow – “Run With The Wolf”
This driving rock track from British band Rainbow combines intense drum patterns with melodic guitar solos and Ronnie James Dio’s emotive vocals. “Run With The Wolf” is a song about facing our inner demons and emerging victorious. The hypnotic melody, layers of distorted guitars, and powerful lyrics create an immersive listening experience.
All Time Low – “Dancing with a Wolf”
This upbeat and driving rock track from American band All Time Low combines pulsing drums with crunchy guitars and Alex Gaskarth’s passionate vocal delivery. “Dancing with a Wolf” is a song about embracing our inner darkness. The anthemic chorus, layers of distorted guitars, and emotive lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
Kanye West – “Wolves”
This melancholic and atmospheric track from American hip-hop artist Kanye West features piano accompaniment, gentle percussion, and Kanye’s emotive vocals. “Wolves” is a reflective song about finding strength in the face of adversity. The dreamy atmosphere, hypnotic melody, and thought-provoking lyrics make this an unforgettable listening experience.
These songs demonstrate the many different interpretations of wolves in popular music, from gentle folk melodies to driving rock anthems. Each track brings something unique to the table, creating a diverse and captivating collection of songs about our inner demons and finding strength within ourselves. Whether you’re looking for a reflective listen or something to get your blood pumping, there’s sure to be something here for every music lover!
Songs About Wolves Conclusion
These are some songs about wolves, examples of the many songs that have been written about wolves, each capturing a different aspect of their mythology and symbolism. Whether you’re a fan of rock, folk, or indie music, there’s a wolf song out there that will speak to your primal instincts and transport you to a wild and mysterious world.
To sum it up, it is clear that wolves have made a great impression on the music world and will continue to do so for many years to come. Whether you are an avid fan of wolves or just enjoy listening to unique songs about them, there is no doubt that there is something for everyone in this genre. Why not take some time out of your day today to start exploring the vast amount of catchy and captivating songs about wolves available? What song will be your favorite? What musicians have written your favorite melodies about these majestic creatures? So go ahead, howl at the moon, and let the wolves in your soul run free.