From pared-down folk ballads, to pumped-up electronic beats, rabbits have hopped their way through many musical genres. We’ve gathered up fifteen groovy songs about bunnies to create the rabbity playlist of our dreams. Who are these musical bunnies, and what do they represent? Let’s dive in to find out!
“bunnybunnybunny” by Mietze Conte (2022)
Fast paced and whimsical, this electro-euro-dance-pop track from Austrian artist Mietze Conte embodies the spirit of a mischievous little bunny! If you’ve ever chased a bunny… you might relate to the sentiment of this song.
Lyric highlight:
Oh little bunny, why do you always run away?
You′re so funny, I want to pet you every day
A little bunny, come and go but never stay
“Pink Rabbits” by The National (2013)
This hauntingly beautiful song by indie rockers The National captures a spirit of longing and vulnerability, fleshed out in lush instrumentation. What about the bunnies, you might ask? The Pink Rabbits mentioned in the song are actually a cocktail, not an animal. Want to try one? We found the recipe here! (Just make sure you sit on your faintin’ chair to enjoy properly).
Lyric highlight:
Am I the one you think about
When you’re sitting in your faintin’ chair drinking Pink Rabbits?
“Bunny is a Rider” by Caroline Polachek (2021)
In this playful, beat-driven track by experimental pop musician Caroline Polacheck (formerly of Chairlift), we are introduced to a Bunny… who is a rider. But who, exactly, is Bunny? A rabbit? A person? We’re never too sure… but we’re definitely here for the ethereal vibes! Polacheck herself describes as the song as coming from a “genre of psychedelic sexy nonsense.” We’ll take it!
Lyric highlight:
Bunny is a rider
Satellite can’t find her
No sympathy
Hmm, ain’t nothing for free
“Bunny Ain’t No Kind of Rider” by Of Montreal (2020)
We are nothing if not diplomatic here at Hop to Pop, and we always strive to present a balanced discourse! On this funky, psychedelic track by indie popsters Of Montreal, it is asserted that Bunny actually Ain’t No Kind of Rider. The lyrics themselves don’t mention Bunny (Bunny’s only appearance is in the title), so, unfortunately we are not closer to solving the mystery of who Bunny is! We’ll have to continue wondering about this mystery in a psychedelic manner…
“Hey Rabbit” by Fionn Regan (2020)
Irish singer-songwriter Fionn Regan brings us this folksy ballad laced with themes of longing, told through animal metaphors. With delicate guitar melodies and bluesy harmonica interludes, this song is truly timeless.
Lyric highlight:
Hey rabbit, you’ve had it
Your fingers are in the coin disposal
Hey, worm, you’re tunneling out
You would not listen to their proposal
“Rabbit One” by Masters of Reality (2013)
From longtime rockers Masters of Reality, “Rabbit One” features a laid back beat, sparse guitar riffs, and contemplative lyrics. Often called “stoner rock” or “desert rock,” we can see the influences of both in this dreamy song.
Lyric highlight:
I wish I was a rabbit
Rabbits can run
I wish I was a rabbit
Rabbits can run
I’d be 15 thousand miles away
Before you shoot your gun
“Rabbit Will Run” by Iron & Wine (2015)
In “Rabbit Will Run,” indie folk rocker Iron & Wine (Samuel Beam) crafts dense lyrics that read like a storybook, thick with imagery of animals, roses, captains and bones. Soft melodies, interspersed with harder rock interludes, create the emotional resonance of the song, painting a picture of longing and a search for peace.
Lyric highlight:
Last I saw mother, she acted surprised
When they caught me, the captain, he cried like a child
Because the rabbit will run, good dogs together go wild
“Mr. Rabbit” by Paul Westerberg (2002)
Quirky and playful, this alt rock ditty is part of the solo work of Paul Westerberg (also of the Replacements). Westerberg’s signature raw and soulful vocals turn simple lyrics into something poignant in this catchy, stripped-back arrangement.
Lyric highlight:
Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
Your coat is mighty gray
Yes, bless God, it’s made that way
Every little soul must shine
Every little soul must shine
“Mad as Rabbits” by Panic! At The Disco (2008)
Blending baroque pop with elements of punk and emo, Panic! At The Disco crafted this energetic track, complete with quirky, cryptic lyrics. This one has us rocking out, while considering the deep questions: “what does it mean to be mad as rabbits, and what exactly are their bad habits”?
Lyric highlight:
He took the days for pageant
And became as mad as rabbits
With bushels of bad habits
Who could ask for anymore?
Yeah, who could have more?
Rabbit by Youth Lagoon (2015)
This song earns a spot on our list due to dreaminess alone! Known for their expert blending of lo-fi, electronic and ambient soundscapes, Youth Lagoon hits this one out of the park. With ethereal-yet-catchy sounds and introspective lyrics, it has us bopping our heads and wondering who the Rabbit is…
Lyric highlight:
And there ain’t no magic door
Just a window in the storm
Like a rabbit
It’ll never come again
There’s a rabbit
And it’s something like a friend
“Who Could Win A Rabbit” by Animal Collective (2004)
Considered to be an early breakthrough hit from experimental rockers Animal Collective, this freaky folk rock song combines unconventional rhythms and surreal imagery. What do you all make of this one? We’re not exactly sure… but we are delighted by the possibility we could win a rabbit!
Lyric highlight:
You could win a rabbit
You could blow an island through the rib
Rabbit or a habit, habit or a rib?
“Let’s Pretend We’re Bunny Rabbits” by The Magnetic Fields (1999)
Synth/indie pop rockers The Magnetic Fields bring us an unconventional love song, with cheeky, witty, bunny-full lyrics! With an upbeat melody, and Stephen Merritt’s deep, velvety vocals, this one tops our list of silliest and sweetest bunny songs.
Lyric highlight:
Let’s pretend we’re bunny rabbits
Let’s do it all day long
Let abbots, babbits and cabots
Say mother nature’s wrong
And when we’ve had a couple of beers
We’ll put on bunny suits
I long to nibble your ears
And do as bunnies do
“Rabbit” by Matt Duke (2009)
Singer-songwriter Matt Duke brings us a heartfelt acoustic song where rabbits serve as a metaphor for innocence, hope, or fleeting moments.
Lyric highlight:
Every sentiment hangs around
No longer than a minute or two
I can keep falling for love
But I can’t seem to follow it through
So run, little rabbit, run
Run, little rabbit, run
“Rabbit Down the Hole” by Billy Talent (2022)
In this emotionally charged rock ballad, long-time Canadian rockers Billy Talent bring us a rabbit who’s a bit more sinister. Referencing Alice in Wonderland’s white rabbit, this song explores themes of loss and grief.
Lyric highlight:
Everyone that I hold dearly, I try to keep em’ close
Cause’ some of them get bitten by the rabbit down the hole
Once they walk past through the grass they’re never coming home
“Tortoise Regrets Hare” by James Yorkston (2008)
In this delicate and instrospective folk song, Scottish singer/songwriter James Yorkston references Aesop’s classic fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
Lyric highlight:
She said “Answer me this, Handsome Jack: if your hands weren’t tied
Would you consider me wise enough to see off your fear of heights
Whether real or imagined
Whether flight or fancy?
I’ll teach you all that this city has taught me
I’ll bow you around this city’s boundaries”
Tortoise regrets hare
Tortoise regrets hare
Fox takes hare
Well, there you have it, gentle listeners! We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve hopped around the mosh pit. What was your favorite bunny song? If our tour of rabbit rock has left you wanting even more, check out our older post with ten more rabbit songs! Rock on, rabbits!