Eggs have long been a staple in human diets, appearing in countless recipes and cuisines around the world. But beyond their culinary uses, eggs have also served as a source of inspiration for artists and musicians, giving rise to a surprising number of songs about this humble food item. From rock and roll to hip hop, from country to pop, eggs have been the subject of lyrical musings in a diverse range of musical genres.
Some of these songs focus on the simple pleasures of a good egg dish, extolling the virtues of scrambled, fried, or boiled eggs. Others use eggs as a metaphor for rebirth, renewal, or transformation, drawing on the symbolism of the egg as a life-giving force. Still others use eggs as a playful or irreverent subject, using puns and wordplay to explore the comedic potential of this versatile food item.
Despite their seemingly lighthearted subject matter, songs about eggs offer a unique window into the cultural and social history of the places and times in which they were written. Through the lens of egg-themed lyrics, we can explore changing attitudes towards food, gender roles, and even politics. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply curious about the strange and wonderful things that people sing about, top 20 songs about eggs are sure to entertain and surprise.
1. Egg Head” by Benny Goodman
“Egg Head” is an upbeat instrumental swing jazz piece performed by Benny Goodman and his orchestra. The song opens with a lively piano solo that sets the tempo for the rest of the tune. The melody is then picked up by the clarinet, which Goodman famously played. The piece features complex harmonies and rhythms, and the solo sections allow for individual musicians to showcase their talents. The interplay between the different instruments creates a lively and engaging sound that captures the essence of swing jazz. Overall, “Egg Head” is a fun and exciting piece that exemplifies Goodman’s mastery of the swing jazz genre.
2. “How D’ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning” by Dean Martin
“How D’ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning” is a classic duet performed by Dean Martin and Helen O’Connell. The song features a playful exchange between the two vocalists, with Martin and O’Connell trading verses that describe various ways to prepare eggs for breakfast. The melody is catchy and upbeat, with a swinging jazz rhythm that is sure to get toes tapping. The lyrics are filled with clever puns and double entendres, making for a fun and flirtatious listening experience. Overall, “How D’ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning” is a lighthearted and entertaining song that captures the charm and wit of the golden age of Hollywood.
3. “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald
“I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” is a timeless jazz standard originally composed by Irving Berlin. The rendition by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald features the duo’s signature vocal chemistry, with Armstrong’s gravelly baritone voice complementing Fitzgerald’s pure and clear tone. The song’s lyrics describe a couple’s decision to take a chance on a romantic relationship, and the melody captures the excitement and anticipation of falling in love. The arrangement is a masterful example of swing jazz, with the instrumentation and solos highlighting the talents of the musicians. Overall, “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” is a classic song that has stood the test of time.
4. “Egg Raid On Mojo” by Beastie Boys
“Egg Raid On Mojo” is a high-energy punk rock track by the Beastie Boys, released in 1982 as part of their debut EP “Polly Wog Stew”. The song is an ode to mischief and youthful rebellion, with the band shouting about a late-night raid on a local bodega to steal eggs and wreak havoc. The frenzied guitars and pounding drums drive the chaotic energy of the song, while the Beastie Boys’ distinctive vocal delivery adds to the sense of teenage anarchy. “Egg Raid On Mojo” showcases the band’s early punk roots and irreverent attitude, and remains a classic example of their early sound.
5. “The Future Is in Eggs” by Guided by Voices
“The Future Is in Eggs” is a lo-fi indie rock song by Guided by Voices, released in 1994 as part of their album “Bee Thousand”. The song features a fuzzy guitar riff and catchy, straightforward melody, with the band’s trademark raw production values adding to the charm of the track. The lyrics of the song are cryptic and abstract, with singer Robert Pollard singing about eggs and their symbolic importance to the future of humanity. The song is a classic example of Guided by Voices’ lo-fi, DIY aesthetic, and their ability to craft infectious hooks and melodies from seemingly simple ingredients.
6. “Happiness Is Egg-Shaped” by The Seahorses
“Happiness Is Egg-Shaped” is an upbeat and melodic Britpop song by The Seahorses, released in 1997 as a single and later included on their album “Do It Yourself”. The song features a catchy, jangly guitar riff and soaring vocals from singer Chris Helme, who sings about the simple pleasures of life and the joy of playing football. The song’s title and lyrics reference the shape of a rugby ball, adding to the playful and uplifting mood of the track. “Happiness Is Egg-Shaped” is a quintessential example of the upbeat, guitar-driven sound of 1990s Britpop, and showcases The Seahorses’ infectious songwriting and melodic sensibility.
7. “Pork Roll Egg and Cheese” by Ween
“Pork Roll Egg and Cheese” is a humorous and offbeat rock song by the experimental band Ween, released in 1994 as part of their album “Chocolate and Cheese”. The song is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to a classic breakfast sandwich from New Jersey, with the band’s signature irreverent lyrics and eclectic musical style adding to the playful mood of the track. The song features a mix of lo-fi rock instrumentation and electronic beats, and includes spoken-word interludes and other unconventional elements. “Pork Roll Egg and Cheese” is a prime example of Ween’s unique blend of humor, genre experimentation, and infectious melodies.
8. “Eggs And Sausage (In A Cadillac With Susan Michelson)” by Tom Waits
“Eggs and Sausage (In a Cadillac with Susan Michelson)” is a bluesy, jazz-inflected track by Tom Waits, released in 1975 as part of his album “Nighthawks at the Diner”. The song features Waits’ distinctive gravelly vocals and sparse, bluesy instrumentation, with a lyrical focus on a late-night diner scene and the colorful characters who inhabit it. The song’s evocative and poetic lyrics, which include references to cigarettes, whiskey, and other staples of the night, create a vivid atmosphere of late-night escapism and longing. “Eggs and Sausage” is a classic example of Waits’ singular style and storytelling prowess, and remains a fan favorite.
9. “Egg” by Mr Bungle
“Egg” is a psychedelic and experimental track by the avant-garde band Mr. Bungle, released in 1991 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song features a disorienting and unsettling mix of musical styles, with frenzied horn blasts, distorted guitar riffs, and chaotic rhythms. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and surreal, with lead singer Mike Patton singing about a strange and elusive “egg” that seems to represent something mysterious and primal. “Egg” is a prime example of Mr. Bungle’s boundary-pushing approach to music-making, and their ability to merge disparate genres and sounds into a unique and challenging whole.
10. “Temptation of Egg” by Giant Sand
“Temptation of Egg” is a dreamy and atmospheric track by the alt-country band Giant Sand, released in 1996 as part of their album “Tucson”. The song features a slow, hypnotic rhythm and an understated instrumental arrangement, with a focus on singer Howe Gelb’s languid vocals and poetic lyrics. The song’s title and lyrics reference the power of transformation and renewal, using the metaphor of an egg hatching to represent the potential for rebirth and growth. “Temptation of Egg” is a haunting and evocative example of Giant Sand’s distinctive blend of country, rock, and avant-garde influences, and highlights Gelb’s unique voice as a songwriter and performer.
11. “They Punctured My Yolk” by Flaming Lips
“They Punctured My Yolk” is a psychedelic and experimental track by the American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 1993 as part of their album “Transmissions from the Satellite Heart”. The song features a dense and chaotic mix of sounds, including swirling guitars, trippy electronic effects, and frontman Wayne Coyne’s distinctive falsetto vocals. The song’s lyrics are surreal and cryptic, describing a strange and otherworldly landscape where strange creatures lurk and a feeling of disorientation prevails. “They Punctured My Yolk” is a prime example of The Flaming Lips’ offbeat and innovative approach to rock music, and showcases the band’s willingness to experiment with sound and song structure.
12. “The Egg Or The Hen?” by Hot Lips Page And His Orchestra
“The Egg or The Hen?” is a jazz song by the American trumpeter and bandleader Oran “Hot Lips” Page, released in 1946 as part of his orchestra’s discography. The song features a swinging big band arrangement, with Page’s brassy trumpet leading the way and the rest of the ensemble providing a lively and upbeat backdrop. The song’s title and lyrics reference the age-old philosophical question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, with the band’s playful and upbeat performance creating a celebratory and carefree atmosphere. “The Egg or The Hen?” is a classic example of mid-20th century jazz, and a testament to Page’s skills as a bandleader and performer.
13. “Little Black Egg” by The Night Crawlers
“Little Black Egg” is a garage rock classic by the American band The Night Crawlers, released in 1965. The song features a catchy and simple guitar riff, a driving beat, and clear and plaintive vocals, with a focus on a romantic and enigmatic narrative involving a “little black egg”. The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, but likely describe a relationship gone awry or a sense of confusion and disorientation. “Little Black Egg” is a prime example of the raw and energetic sound of mid-60s garage rock, and a testament to the enduring appeal of simple and effective rock ‘n’ roll songwriting.
14. “Whose Egg Is It” by JunyTony
“Whose Egg Is It” is a quirky and playful song by the Japanese duo JunyTony, released in 2020. The song features a bouncy and cheerful instrumental arrangement, with acoustic guitars, electronic beats, and a catchy melody creating an upbeat and positive mood. The song’s lyrics are focused on the theme of new life and creation, using the metaphor of an egg hatching to explore the idea of starting anew and building something from scratch. “Whose Egg Is It” is a charming and lighthearted example of modern Japanese pop music, and showcases the duo’s skills as songwriters and performers.
15. “Egg man” by Beastie Boys
“Egg Man” is a hip-hop classic by the American group Beastie Boys, released in 1989 as part of their landmark album “Paul’s Boutique”. The song features a funky and sample-heavy instrumental arrangement, with a driving beat, guitar riffs, and horn stabs creating a vibrant and energetic backdrop for the group’s rapped verses. The song’s lyrics are full of playful wordplay and cultural references, with the “Egg Man” character serving as a symbol of rebellion and subversion. “Egg Man” is a prime example of the Beastie Boys’ eclectic and innovative approach to hip-hop, and a testament to the group’s enduring influence on the genre.
16. “Baked Beans and Egg” by Macka B
“Baked Beans and Egg” is a reggae song by the British artist Macka B, released in 2019 as part of his album “Warrior Style”. The song features a smooth and laid-back instrumental arrangement, with a classic reggae rhythm section, horns, and a melodic guitar riff providing a mellow and uplifting atmosphere. The song’s lyrics are focused on the theme of simple and healthy food choices, with “baked beans and egg” serving as a symbol of easy and affordable nourishment. “Baked Beans and Egg” is a positive and life-affirming example of modern reggae music, and a testament to Macka B’s skills as a songwriter and performer.
17. “Eggs” by Land Before Time II
“Eggs” is a fun and upbeat song featured in the Land Before Time II movie soundtrack. The song has a lively and cheerful instrumental arrangement, with playful piano and guitar riffs, bouncy drums, and cheerful singing. The song’s lyrics are centered on the character of Ducky, a baby dinosaur, and her fascination with eggs. The song celebrates the beauty of life and the wonder of the natural world, with a focus on the miracle of birth and the joy of new beginnings. “Eggs” is a delightful and catchy children’s song that captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that characterizes the Land Before Time franchise.
18. “Walking On Eggs” by The Ground Floor People
“Walking On Eggs” is a groovy and psychedelic song by the American rock band The Ground Floor People, released in 1968 as a single. The song has a trippy and experimental instrumental arrangement, with swirling guitars, groovy bass lines, and dreamy vocals creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and enigmatic, with surreal and poetic imagery evoking a sense of unease and uncertainty. “Walking On Eggs” is a testament to the creativity and experimentation of the psychedelic era, and a reminder of the powerful and transformative potential of music.
19. “Egg” by Smashing Pumpkins
“Egg” is a moody and introspective song by the American alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins, released in 1994 as a B-side to their single “Disarm”. The song has a melancholic and atmospheric instrumental arrangement, with dreamy guitar textures, ethereal vocals, and a sparse and hypnotic rhythm section creating a haunting and introspective mood. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and poetic, with singer Billy Corgan reflecting on the fragility and transience of life, and the difficulty of finding meaning and purpose in a chaotic and unpredictable world. “Egg” is a haunting and powerful example of the Smashing Pumpkins’ trademark blend of introspection and sonic experimentation.
20. “Hammerin’ Eggs (The Metal Song)” by Goo Goo Dolls
“Hammerin’ Eggs (The Metal Song)” is a quirky and upbeat track by the American alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls, released in 1990 on their debut album “Goo Goo Dolls”. The song features a frenetic and catchy instrumental arrangement, with driving drums, jangly guitars, and a playful, almost cartoonish sensibility. The lyrics are humorous and irreverent, with references to egg puns and an overall sense of lightheartedness. “Hammerin’ Eggs” stands out as a fun and unique moment in the Goo Goo Dolls’ early catalog, showcasing the band’s playful side and sense of humor.
Jason Smith 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.
