Meat has been a subject of fascination for musicians across genres for decades. From rock to country to hip hop, meat has been used as a metaphor for everything from love to social commentary. In this article, we will explore the top 20 songs about meat, spanning a wide range of musical styles and time periods.
Starting off the list is “Another Piece of Meat” by Scorpions, a hard rock song that uses the metaphor of meat to describe a woman who is constantly seeking new partners. In contrast, “Meat is Murder” by The Smiths is a hauntingly beautiful song that takes a stand against animal cruelty in the meat industry.
Moving on to more light-hearted fare, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” by Jimmy Buffett celebrates the simple pleasure of a good burger, while “Fried Chicken” by Zac Brown Band is a catchy country tune that pays homage to the comfort food of the American South.
Hip hop has also had its fair share of songs about meat, such as “Bacon” by Nick Jonas ft. Ty Dolla $ign, which revels in the deliciousness of its titular food, and “Ham ‘n’ Eggs” by A Tribe Called Quest, which uses the metaphor of a balanced meal to explore the importance of balance in life.
1. “Another Piece of Meat” by Scorpions
“Another Piece of Meat” by Scorpions is a hard rock song from their 1980 album “Animal Magnetism”. The lyrics depict a man on the hunt for another sexual conquest, with the titular “piece of meat” being a woman who he hopes will fulfill his desires. The driving guitar riffs and pounding drums create a sense of urgency, and the vocals of Klaus Meine add a touch of aggression to the song.
2. “Meat is Murder” by The Smiths
“Meat is Murder” is a politically charged song by The Smiths, released in 1985. The lyrics describe the horrors of the meat industry and the suffering of animals, and advocate for vegetarianism. The song is characterized by its haunting guitar riff, Morrissey’s emotive vocals, and the powerful message it conveys.
3. “Cheeseburger in Paradise” by Jimmy Buffett
“Cheeseburger in Paradise” is a feel-good song by Jimmy Buffett from his 1978 album “Son of a Son of a Sailor”. The lyrics celebrate the simple pleasures in life, such as a good cheeseburger, and the joys of being on vacation in a tropical paradise. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it a popular party anthem.
4. “Boot Meat” by Soulja Boy
“Boot Meat” is a hip hop song by Soulja Boy, released in 2020. The lyrics depict Soulja Boy’s lavish lifestyle and his desire for success and fame. The title “Boot Meat” is a slang term for money, and the song is characterized by its heavy bass and trap beats.
5. “SPAM” by Weird Al
“SPAM” is a parody song by “Weird Al” Yankovic, based on the R.E.M. song “Stand”. The lyrics describe the much-maligned canned meat product, and poke fun at its dubious reputation. The song features Yankovic’s trademark humor and irreverence, and is a fan favorite.
6. “Meat and Potatoes Man” by Alan Jackson
“Meat and Potatoes Man” is a country song by Alan Jackson, released in 2001. The lyrics describe a man who values hard work, simple pleasures, and traditional values. The song has a laid-back, easygoing melody and Jackson’s smooth vocals.
7. “Bear Meat” by Prodigy and The Alchemist
“Bear Meat” is a gritty hip hop track by Prodigy and The Alchemist, from their 2013 album “Albert Einstein”. The lyrics describe the harsh realities of life on the streets, and the need to do whatever it takes to survive. The song features a haunting piano riff and a hard-hitting beat.
8. “It’s All Meat” by Eric Burdon & The Animals
“It’s All Meat” is a psychedelic rock song by Eric Burdon & The Animals, from their 1968 album “Love Is”. The lyrics describe a psychedelic trip, and the realization that everything in the world is connected. The song is characterized by its trippy guitar riffs and Burdon’s soulful vocals.
9. “Shake Hands With Beef” by Primus
“Shake Hands With Beef” is a funk metal song by Primus, from their 1997 album “The Brown Album”. The lyrics describe the love of a good steak, and the pleasures of eating meat. The song features Les Claypool’s trademark funky bass lines, and the band’s signature off-kilter sound.
10. “Fried Chicken” by Zac Brown Band
“Fried Chicken” is a country rock song by the Zac Brown Band, from their 2012 album “Uncaged”. The lyrics describe the pleasures of a good southern meal, and the joys of being with loved ones. The song features the band’s signature harmonies and catchy melodies.
11. “Meat Man” by Jerry Lee Lewis
“Meat Man” is a rock and roll song by Jerry Lee Lewis, released in 1963. The lyrics describe a man who is always on the hunt for meat, be it beef, pork, or chicken. The song features Lewis’ distinctive piano playing and energetic vocals.
12. “Burgers and Fries” by Charley Pride
“Burgers and Fries” is a country song by Charley Pride, released in 1978. The lyrics describe a man who is longing for a simple meal of burgers and fries, and the memories it brings back of his youth. The song features Pride’s smooth vocals and a catchy melody.
13. “Fried Chicken” by Nas (featuring Busta Rhymes)
“Fried Chicken” is a hip hop song by Nas, featuring Busta Rhymes, released in 2018. The lyrics describe the pleasures of eating fried chicken, and its cultural significance in the African American community. The song features a hard-hitting beat and the lyrical prowess of both Nas and Busta Rhymes.
14. “Meat Song” by VEES
“Meat Song” is an indie rock song by VEES, released in 2021. The lyrics describe the singer’s love of meat, and the joy it brings to their life. The song features a catchy melody and upbeat instrumentation.
15. “My Bacon Roll” by Mark Knopfler
“My Bacon Roll” is a rock song by Mark Knopfler, from his 2018 album “Down the Road Wherever”. The lyrics describe a man who is enjoying a breakfast of bacon and tea, and the memories it brings back of his youth. The song features Knopfler’s signature guitar playing and soulful vocals.
16. “Pork and Beans” by Weezer
“Pork and Beans” is a power pop song by Weezer, from their 2008 album “Weezer”. The lyrics describe the band’s refusal to conform to popular trends in music, and their desire to stay true to their own sound. The song features a catchy chorus and crunchy guitars.
17. “Bacon” by Nick Jonas ft. Ty Dolla $ign
“Bacon” is a pop song by Nick Jonas, featuring Ty Dolla $ign, released in 2021. The lyrics describe the singer’s love of bacon, and his desire to indulge in all its forms. The song features a bouncy beat and Nick Jonas’ smooth vocals.
18. “Easy Meat” by Frank Zappa
“Easy Meat” is a jazz fusion song by Frank Zappa, from his 1979 album “Joe’s Garage Act I”. The lyrics describe the exploitation of working-class people by the music industry, and the artist’s role in perpetuating the system. The song features complex instrumentation and Zappa’s satirical lyrics.
19. “Ham ‘n’ Eggs” by A Tribe Called Quest
“Ham ‘n’ Eggs” is a hip hop song by A Tribe Called Quest, from their 1990 album “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm”. The lyrics describe the importance of balance in life, using the metaphor of a meal of ham and eggs. The song features the group’s trademark jazzy sound and conscious lyrics.
20. “One Meat Ball” by The Andrews Sisters
“One Meat Ball” is a folk song by The Andrews Sisters, released in 1944. The lyrics describe a man who is down on his luck, and can only afford to buy one meatball at a restaurant. The song features the tight harmonies and swing-era sound that made the Andrews Sisters so popular.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
