Animal lovers will be showering even more attention on their furry friends today as the nation celebrates Love Your Pet Day.
The day gives pet owners the chance to show their beloved animals how they really feel by treating and pampering them. To help you prepare for the big day, here are 10 tracks inspired by beloved pets.
Martha, My Dear
The Beatles
Released on the White album, Paul McCartney originally wrote this track as a piano exercise. The song was believed to be about Jane Asher but in 1977 McCartney revealed it was inspired by an old English sheepdog he adopted in 1965.
Old Shep
Elvis
Originally written in 1933 by Red Foley and Arthur Willis, this track is about Foley's childhood German shepherd called Hoover, who was poisoned by a neighbour. It was first recorded in 1935.
All Dead, All Dead
Queen
Written by Brian May, this track is about the guitarist coming to terms with the death of his childhood cat. It appeared on the band's sixth studio album, News of the World, in 1977.
I Love My Dog
Cat Stevens
Released as his first single, Stevens wrote this track about a dachshund he found tied to a post as a youngster. The song became a hit on pirate radio stations in the UK and helped launch his career.
Ben
Michael Jackson
Written for the 1972 film Ben, this track is about a pet rat. Jackson recorded the song when he was 14, becoming the youngest artist to top the US charts as a solo artist and a member of a group.
Me and My Arrow
Harry Nilsson
This track was taken from the soundtrack to animated film The Point! Nilsson created the film with animation director Fred Wolf and produced the accompanying soundtrack album.
Lucifer Sam
Pink Floyd
Appearing on the band's debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, this track is an ode to Syd Barrett's cat Sam. During recording sessions, the song was originally called Percy the Rat Catcher.
Man of the Hour
Norah Jones
Taken from her 2009 album The Fall, this track is about Jones' poodle Ralph. The album cover features a picture of a Saint Bernard rather than Ralph as Jones said he would have caused chaos on set.
Jet
Paul McCartney
This track appeared on Wings album Band of the Run. Reviewers had claimed that the song was about McCartney's Labrador Retriever, however, in 2010 he confirmed it was inspired by his pony.
Black Dog
Led Zeppelin
Appearing on Led Zeppelin IV, this track's title refers to a black Labrador Retriever that wandered around Headley Grange Studios during recording. Robert Plant's vocals were recorded in two takes.
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