The frog has been a popular subject in music throughout history, inspiring countless songs across genres such as rock, folk, pop, and reggae. These songs often feature the frog as a symbol of transformation, rebirth, and renewal, as well as a playful and lighthearted motif that adds to the song’s melody and lyrics. Some of the most notable examples of these “ribbiting” songs include Peter, Paul and Mary’s “I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog,” The Flaming Lips’ “I Can Be a Frog,” and Frank Zappa’s “Frogs with Dirty Little Lips.”
While some songs use the frog as a metaphor for love and relationships, others use it as a symbol for social and political commentary. For example, Frank Zappa’s “Frogs with Dirty Little Lips” satirizes various public figures and politicians, while The Doors’ “Peace Frog” comments on the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Similarly, Lucky Dube’s “Kiss No Frog” uses the frog as a symbol for authenticity and honesty in relationships, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself. Overall, the songs about frogs showcase the versatility of this iconic creature as a symbol of love, transformation, and social commentary. These songs have become beloved classics in their respective genres, highlighting the enduring popularity of the frog in popular culture.
1.I Can Be a Frog – The Flaming Lips
“I Can Be a Frog” by The Flaming Lips is an experimental, psychedelic rock song from their album “Embryonic”. The song features Karen O from Yeah Yeah Yeahs and is known for its quirky and offbeat sound, with lyrics that depict the singer imagining themselves as various animals, including a frog. The song combines a variety of sounds and musical elements, including electronic beats, guitar riffs, and animal sounds, creating a unique and eclectic listening experience.
2.Hop Frog – Lou Reed ft. David Bowie
“Hop Frog” by Lou Reed featuring David Bowie is a rock song from Reed’s album “New York”. The song is a homage to the short story “Hop-Frog” by Edgar Allan Poe and features Bowie providing backing vocals. The track has a driving beat and features a prominent guitar riff throughout, while Reed delivers his characteristic spoken-word style vocals. The lyrics deal with themes of power, oppression, and rebellion, echoing the themes of the Poe story. The collaboration between the two iconic rock stars makes for a powerful and memorable track.
3.Funny Little Frog – Belle and Sebastian
“Funny Little Frog” by Belle and Sebastian is a bright and upbeat indie pop song from their album “The Life Pursuit”. The song features catchy guitar riffs and a lively horn section, with lyrics that tell the story of a person falling in love with someone unexpected. The track has a playful and infectious energy, making it a fan favorite among Belle and Sebastian’s discography.
4.Kiss That Frog – Peter Gabriel
“Kiss That Frog” by Peter Gabriel is a pop rock song from his album “Us”. The song has a funky beat, with a prominent bassline and a catchy chorus featuring the lyrics “kiss that frog”. The lyrics of the song use the image of a frog as a metaphor for the singer’s desire to transform himself and his relationships. The music video for the song is also notable for its use of cutting-edge digital animation, which was groundbreaking at the time of its release.
5.Hermit the Frog – MARINA
“Hermit the Frog” by MARINA (formerly Marina and the Diamonds) is an alternative pop song from her debut album “The Family Jewels”. The song features a catchy chorus and driving beat, with lyrics that describe the struggles of being an outsider and wanting to find a place to belong. The song showcases Marina’s unique vocals and her ability to combine introspective lyrics with upbeat, catchy melodies.
6.Peace Frog – The Doors
“Peace Frog” by The Doors is a blues rock song from their album “Morrison Hotel”. The song has a classic rock sound, with a prominent bassline and guitar riff. The lyrics reference the civil rights movement and police brutality, with the chorus featuring the iconic line “blood in the streets”. The song also features a spoken-word section by lead singer Jim Morrison, adding to its intense and confrontational feel. The track has become a fan favorite among The Doors’ repertoire and is often performed at their live shows.
7.The Frog Prince – Keane
“The Frog Prince” by Keane is a piano-driven ballad from their debut album “Hopes and Fears”. The song features melancholic lyrics that tell the story of a person struggling with unrequited love, comparing themselves to the fairy tale character of the Frog Prince. The track showcases lead singer Tom Chaplin’s emotive vocals and the band’s ability to create moving and evocative music.
8.Kiss No Frog – Lucky Dube
“Kiss No Frog” by Lucky Dube is a reggae song from his album “Taxman”. The song has a laid-back, island-inspired sound, with a catchy chorus and upbeat tempo. The lyrics of the song criticize people who pretend to be something they’re not in order to impress others, with the singer insisting that he wants a genuine and honest relationship. The track has become a fan favorite among Lucky Dube’s discography and is known for its positive and uplifting message.
9.I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog – Peter, Paul and Mary
“I’m in Love with a Big Blue Frog” is a folk song performed by Peter, Paul and Mary from their album “Album 1700”. The song features a lighthearted and playful melody, with lyrics that tell the story of a person who falls in love with a big blue frog. The song was written by singer-songwriter Leslie Braunstein and became a hit for Peter, Paul and Mary, showcasing the group’s ability to bring fun and whimsy to their music while maintaining their signature vocal harmonies. The song has since become a classic of the folk genre and is often covered by other artists.
10.Bull Frog Yay – Project Pat
“Bull Frog Yay” by Project Pat is a hip hop song from his album “Mista Don’t Play: Everythangs Workin'”. The song features a hard-hitting beat, with lyrics that discuss the artist’s experiences with drug dealing and violence. The chorus samples the sound of a bullfrog, adding to the track’s ominous and menacing feel. The song showcases Project Pat’s gritty and confrontational style of rap and has become a fan favorite among his discography, known for its raw and unapologetic portrayal of street life.
11.Frogs with Dirty Little Lips – Frank Zappa
“Frogs with Dirty Little Lips” is a satirical rock song by Frank Zappa from his album “Broadway the Hard Way”. The song features a funky rhythm and catchy guitar riff, with lyrics that mock various politicians and public figures. The chorus features the repeated line “frogs with dirty little lips”, which has become a catchphrase among Zappa fans. The song showcases Zappa’s distinctive brand of humor and his ability to use music as a vehicle for social commentary and political satire. The track is often cited as a classic of Zappa’s discography and a prime example of his unique musical style.
12.Frogs and Princes – Natasha Bedingfield
“Frogs and Princes” is a pop song by Natasha Bedingfield from her album “Strip Me”. The song features an upbeat melody and catchy chorus, with lyrics that describe the singer’s experiences with relationships and dating. The title of the song references the fairy tale “The Frog Prince”, with the lyrics suggesting that finding true love can be difficult and often involves kissing a lot of “frogs” before finding the right person. The track showcases Bedingfield’s upbeat and optimistic approach to pop music and has become a fan favorite among her discography.
Jared Parker 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.
