12 Best Songs about Cows

As a ubiquitous presence in rural landscapes around the world, cows have been a popular subject for many different kinds of art and entertainment. Songs are no exception, with countless artists throughout history penning odes to these gentle giants of the farm. From humorous novelty tunes to heartfelt ballads, songs about cows come in many different flavors and styles.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the top 12 best songs about cows, celebrating the unique role these animals play in our lives and culture. Whether you’re a fan of classic country music, modern pop hits, or anything in between, there’s sure to be a song on this list that captures the spirit of these bovine beauties. So join us as we explore some of the most iconic, catchy, and downright silly songs about cows ever recorded, and discover a whole new appreciation for these fascinating creatures.

1. Milk Cow Blues – Willie Nelson

“Milk Cow Blues” is a classic blues song that has been recorded by countless artists over the years, but perhaps none have done it better than Willie Nelson. With his distinctive voice and impeccable guitar skills, Nelson brings a raw, authentic energy to this tale of love gone wrong. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been dumped by his lover and is now drowning his sorrows in milk instead of alcohol, with lines like “I tried whiskey, and it made me feel so mean / I tried bourbon, and it made me sick and lean / I’m drinking milk, now baby, you gotta treat me right.” It’s a timeless track that showcases Nelson’s talents as both a singer and a guitarist.

2. The Cow Song – NerdOut

“The Cow Song” is a hilarious and catchy tune that celebrates all things bovine. With a bouncy, upbeat melody and witty lyrics, this song is sure to get stuck in your head for days. The song’s narrator is a cow who’s proud of her contributions to society, whether it’s providing milk, cheese, or even leather jackets. The chorus is particularly catchy, with the line “Moo, moo, moo, I’m a cow, I’m not a cat, I don’t say meow.” It’s a fun, lighthearted song that’s perfect for anyone who loves cows or just needs a good laugh.

3. Cowtown – They Might Be Giants

“Cowtown” is a quirky, offbeat song that showcases the unique musical stylings of They Might Be Giants. With its playful lyrics and jaunty melody, this track is sure to put a smile on your face. The song’s narrator is a cowboy who’s fed up with his life in the big city and longs to return to his roots in Cowtown. The lyrics are full of clever wordplay and unexpected turns of phrase, with lines like “I’m gonna put on a cowboy hat and ride into the city / I’m gonna rope and wrangle the mailman, mister, if he tries to slow me down.” It’s a fun, catchy tune that’s perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of a simpler, more rural way of life.

4. Cows Around – Corb Lund

“Cows Around” is a wistful, nostalgic ballad that celebrates the simple joys of life on the farm. With its twangy guitar and plaintive vocals, this track is a classic example of traditional country music. The lyrics paint a picture of a small-town community where everyone knows each other’s name and the cows roam freely through the fields. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the line “I miss the cows around, I miss the fields of brown / I miss the old hometown, that’s where my heart is found.” It’s a touching, heartfelt song that’s perfect for anyone who longs for a simpler, more connected way of life.

5. Brown Chicken Brown Cow – Trace Adkins

“Brown Chicken Brown Cow” is a playful, tongue-in-cheek country song that’s all about love on the farm. With its catchy chorus and silly lyrics, this track is sure to make you smile. The title is a play on words, referencing the sounds that cows and chickens make, but the song itself is all about the sparks that can fly between two people on a farm. The lyrics are full of clever double entendres and sly humor, with lines like “She was a barefoot, blue jean baby / She was a hayloft love machine.

6. For All the Cows – Foo Fighters

“For All the Cows” is a song by the American rock band Foo Fighters, released in 1995 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song features a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from lead singer Dave Grohl, and its lyrics are widely interpreted as a humorous take on unrequited love. The song was never released as a single but has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.

7. Out on the Western Plain – Rory Gallagher

“Out on the Western Plain” is a blues song by Irish musician Rory Gallagher, originally recorded in 1973 for his album “Blueprint”. The song features Gallagher’s signature guitar playing and gritty vocals, as well as his talent for storytelling through music. The lyrics describe the singer’s travels through the American West, encountering cowboys, cattle drives, and wide open spaces. The song has become a classic in Gallagher’s repertoire and a favorite among blues fans.

8. Cattle Call – Eddy Arnold and LeAnn Rimes

“Cattle Call” is a classic Western swing song originally recorded in 1934 by Tex Owens. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Eddy Arnold and LeAnn Rimes in a duet version released in 2000. The song features a distinctive yodeling vocal style and lyrics that describe the call of the cowboy to his cattle. The duet version by Arnold and Rimes was well-received by critics and fans alike, with the two singers complementing each other’s voices and bringing a fresh interpretation to the classic tune.

9. Cow Cow Boogie (Cuma-Ti-Yi-Ti-Ay) – Ella Fitzgerald

“Cow Cow Boogie” is a Western swing song originally recorded in 1942 by the Ink Spots, but it was the rendition by jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald in 1943 that became the most famous version. The song features a catchy melody and playful lyrics that describe the rhythm of a cow’s movements. Fitzgerald’s version incorporates her signature scat singing, where she uses her voice as an instrument to mimic the sounds of a horn section. The song was a hit for Fitzgerald and helped to establish her as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. It has since become a classic of the Western swing genre and a beloved tune among jazz and swing enthusiasts.

10. Cow Patti – Jim Stafford

“Cow Patti” is a novelty country song by Jim Stafford, released in 1974 as a single and included on his debut album “Jim Stafford”. The song features Stafford’s distinctive vocal style and a catchy chorus that encourages listeners to sing along. The lyrics are a humorous take on life on a farm, with references to cow patties and other rural imagery. The song’s popularity led to appearances by Stafford on TV shows and tours with other country music artists. “Cow Patti” has since become a cult classic and a favorite among fans of humorous country songs.

11. Home on the Range – Roy Rodgers and The Sons of The Pioneers

“Home on the Range” is a classic American folk song that has become an iconic representation of the American West. The song has been recorded by countless artists over the years, but perhaps the most famous version is the rendition by Roy Rogers and The Sons of the Pioneers, a popular Western music group. The song features simple yet evocative lyrics that celebrate the beauty and freedom of the open range. The melody is equally iconic, with a simple, lilting tune that perfectly captures the spirit of the American West. Rogers and The Sons of the Pioneers’ version of “Home on the Range” has become a staple of Western music and a beloved tune among fans of Americana.

12. Cows – The Seldom Herd

“Cows” is a humorous and lighthearted song by The Seldom Herd, a bluegrass band based in Colorado. The song’s lyrics describe the various antics and personalities of cows, with references to their grazing habits, milk production, and playful behavior. The melody features fast-paced instrumentals and vocal harmonies that are typical of the bluegrass genre. The song has become a popular tune among fans of bluegrass and country music, and it is often performed at festivals and events. “Cows” is a testament to the enduring appeal of songs about rural life and the connection between music and the natural world.