These 15 Songs about Chickens Will Have You Clucking

Songs about chickens have been a popular theme in music for decades. From classic country and blues to modern hip-hop and pop, chickens have found their way into countless songs, often as a symbol of Southern or rural life, or as a source of humor and lightheartedness.

The chicken’s distinctive clucking sound has also been featured in many songs as a unique percussion instrument. Some of the most famous songs about chickens include Johnny Cash’s “Chicken in Black,” Louis Jordan’s “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens,” and Little Feat’s “Dixie Chicken.” In recent years, chickens have continued to inspire new music in a variety of genres.

J-hope’s “Chicken Noodle Soup” and Rollin Wang’s “Chick Chick” are two examples of K-pop and Chinese pop songs that celebrate the joy and humor of chickens. Country rapper Colt Ford’s “Chicken and Biscuits” and The Aquabats’ “Magic Chicken!” are two examples of how chickens can be used in playful and whimsical ways in music. Whether as a symbol of Southern culture or a source of humor and whimsy, songs about chickens have remained a beloved and enduring theme in music.

These songs showcase the versatility and creativity of musicians across genres and cultures, proving that even something as simple as a chicken can inspire great art.

1. Chicken in Black – Johnny Cash

“Chicken in Black” is a humorous and playful country song by legendary musician Johnny Cash. The lyrics tell the story of Cash being turned into a chicken by a mad scientist and his subsequent adventures in the barnyard. The song features Cash’s distinctive deep voice, a catchy guitar riff, and a fun and lighthearted melody that is typical of his unique style. The lyrics are filled with playful wordplay and puns, making it a fun listen for fans of Cash’s music and those who appreciate humorous storytelling in music. Despite its humorous theme, “Chicken in Black” still showcases Cash’s incredible musical talent and ability to entertain his audience.

2. Do the Funky Chicken – Rufus Thomas

“Do the Funky Chicken” is a classic funk song by Rufus Thomas that was released in 1970. The song has an upbeat tempo with a funky bassline, groovy horns, and a catchy chorus that encourages listeners to dance along. Thomas’s energetic vocals and charismatic stage presence add to the song’s lively and fun vibe, making it a timeless party anthem. The lyrics describe the funky chicken dance, with Thomas instructing listeners on how to move and groove to the beat. “Do the Funky Chicken” became a hit upon its release and remains a classic example of the Memphis soul and funk sound of the 1970s.

3. Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens – Louis Jordan

“Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” is a lively and upbeat jazz song by Louis Jordan that was released in 1946. The song features Jordan’s signature saxophone playing, along with a swinging rhythm and catchy lyrics that tell a humorous story about chickens trying to avoid detection by a farmer. Jordan’s playful vocals and the infectious melody make the song a fun and enjoyable listen, while the witty lyrics showcase his talent as a songwriter. “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” was a hit upon its release and has since become a classic example of the jump blues and swing styles popular in the 1940s. The song remains a favorite among jazz and blues fans to this day.

4. Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band

“Chicken Fried” is a country song by the Zac Brown Band that was released in 2008. The song features a catchy melody, a driving beat, and lyrics that celebrate the simple pleasures of life, such as family, friends, and good food. The song’s title refers to a classic Southern dish, and the lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. The Zac Brown Band’s vocals and harmonies are a standout feature of the song, as is the skillful guitar playing. “Chicken Fried” became a breakout hit for the band and remains one of their most popular songs to this day. It is a feel-good anthem that celebrates the joys of life and reminds listeners to appreciate the simple things.

5. Dixie Chicken – Little Feat

“Dixie Chicken” is a classic rock song by the band Little Feat, released in 1973. The song features a bluesy guitar riff, a catchy melody, and a soulful vocal performance by lead singer Lowell George. The lyrics tell the story of a man who falls in love with a woman at the Dixie Chicken bar and decides to leave his old life behind to be with her. “Dixie Chicken” showcases the band’s unique blend of rock, blues, and country influences, with elements of funk and jazz thrown in for good measure. The song’s laid-back vibe and catchy chorus have made it a favorite among fans of classic rock. “Dixie Chicken” remains one of Little Feat’s most beloved songs and a timeless example of their musical style.

6. Know Your Chicken – Cibo Matto

“Know Your Chicken” is an eclectic and playful song by the experimental band Cibo Matto, released in 1996. The song features a unique blend of genres, including alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music, with lyrics that are just as eccentric. The song’s title serves as a refrain throughout the song, with the band singing about various topics such as chickens, fruit, and the meaning of life. The song’s infectious beat and quirky lyrics make it a fun and memorable listen, while the band’s unconventional approach to music has made them a favorite among fans of alternative and experimental music. “Know Your Chicken” is a testament to Cibo Matto’s unique style and their willingness to push boundaries in their music.

7. Chicken Payback – The Bees

“Chicken Payback” is an upbeat and funky song by the British band The Bees, released in 2004. The song features a catchy bassline, funky guitar riffs, and a driving beat, along with the band’s distinctive vocal harmonies. The lyrics tell a tongue-in-cheek story of a man seeking revenge on a chicken that has wronged him, with lines such as “You messed with the wrong guy, now chicken, you’re gonna die”. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious groove make it a fun and enjoyable listen, while the band’s retro-inspired sound has made them a favorite among fans of indie and alternative music. “Chicken Payback” remains one of The Bees’ most popular songs and a testament to their unique musical style.

8. Psycho Chicken – The Fools

“Psycho Chicken” is a humorous and irreverent song by the American band The Fools, released in 1980. The song is a parody of the classic rock song “Psycho Killer” by the Talking Heads, with the lyrics replaced with a nonsensical tale about a chicken on the loose. The song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and the band’s distinctive vocal harmonies, along with various sound effects such as clucking and squawking. The Fools’ tongue-in-cheek approach to music and their playful lyrics make “Psycho Chicken” a fun and memorable listen, while the band’s punk and new wave influences are evident in the song’s high-energy sound. “Psycho Chicken” has since become a cult classic and a favorite among fans of novelty and humorous music.

9. Chicken Farm – Dead Kennedys

“Chicken Farm” is a punk rock song by the Dead Kennedys, released in 1985. The song features the band’s signature fast-paced sound, with aggressive guitar riffs and lead singer Jello Biafra’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are a scathing critique of the modern industrial farming system, with lines such as “Money in your pocket, animal in a cage, breathing ammonia, you can see it in their face”. The song’s powerful message and punk ethos make it a standout track in the Dead Kennedys’ discography, while the band’s relentless energy and intensity have made them one of the most influential punk bands of all time. “Chicken Farm” remains a powerful and timely commentary on the state of industrial agriculture and its impact on both animals and the environment.

10. The Song of the One Legged Chicken – Tom T. Hall

“The Song of the One Legged Chicken” is a country song by Tom T. Hall, released in 1974. The song tells the story of a one-legged chicken that manages to survive against all odds, with lines such as “He’s a walkin’ contradiction, half chicken and half grasshopper”. The song features Hall’s trademark storytelling style, with vivid descriptions and colorful characters, along with a catchy melody and simple acoustic instrumentation. “The Song of the One Legged Chicken” is a charming and lighthearted song that showcases Hall’s songwriting talent and his ability to find inspiration in unexpected places. The song remains a favorite among fans of classic country music and a testament to Hall’s enduring legacy as a songwriter.

11. Chick Chick – Rollin Wang

“Chick Chick” is a novelty dance song by Chinese singer Rollin Wang, released in 2014. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, along with quirky lyrics about chickens and other barnyard animals, with lines such as “Chick chick, duck duck, goose goose, go go go”. The song’s infectious chorus and playful lyrics quickly made it a viral sensation in China and around the world, with its accompanying music video featuring colorful and surreal visuals. “Chick Chick” has since become a popular dance craze and a favorite among fans of humorous and irreverent music. The song’s unique blend of Chinese and Western musical influences has also helped to popularize a new genre of music known as “C-Pop”, or Chinese pop.

12. Chicken Train – Ozark Mountain Daredevils

“Chicken Train” is a bluegrass-inspired song by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, released in 1975. The song features the band’s signature harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, with lively banjo and fiddle solos, along with a driving rhythm section. The lyrics tell the story of a chicken thief who tries to escape on a train, with lines such as “Well, the sheriff was a-makin’ the rounds, so I hopped on a freight outta town”. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation make it a standout track in the Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ discography, while its playful lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favorite among fans of bluegrass and country rock. “Chicken Train” remains a classic example of the band’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary musical influences.

13. Chicken Noodle Soup – J-hope

“Chicken Noodle Soup” is a song by South Korean rapper J-hope, featuring American rapper Becky G. The song was released in 2019 and is a remake of the 2006 song of the same name by DJ Webstar and Young B. The song features a mix of Korean and Spanish lyrics, with a catchy and upbeat melody and danceable beat. The music video for the song showcases various street dance styles, with J-hope and Becky G leading a large dance crew in a high-energy performance. “Chicken Noodle Soup” has become a popular dance craze and has been praised for its celebration of diversity and cultural exchange. The song’s infectious energy and positive message have made it a favorite among fans of K-pop and hip-hop music.

14. Chicken and Biscuits – Colt Ford

“Chicken and Biscuits” is a country rap song by American singer Colt Ford, released in 2010. The song features a mix of country and hip-hop influences, with a twangy guitar riff and a heavy beat. The lyrics tell the story of a Southern man who loves his fried chicken and biscuits, with lines such as “Chicken and biscuits, it’s all I need, a little bit of gravy, bring on the feed”. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it a standout track in Colt Ford’s discography, while its playful lyrics and tongue-in-cheek humor have made it a favorite among fans of country rap and Southern rock. “Chicken and Biscuits” remains a classic example of Colt Ford’s unique blend of country and hip-hop influences.

15. Magic Chicken! – The Aquabats

“Magic Chicken!” is a song by American rock band The Aquabats, released in 2000. The song features the band’s signature blend of punk rock and ska influences, with fast-paced guitar riffs and a horn section. The lyrics tell the story of a magical chicken that grants wishes, with lines such as “Magic Chicken, with your feathers so bright, you grant wishes all day and night”. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a standout track in The Aquabats’ discography, while its playful lyrics and whimsical theme have made it a favorite among fans of punk rock and ska music. “Magic Chicken!” remains a classic example of The Aquabats’ unique blend of humor, energy, and musicality.