Throughout history the dog has served as a great source of inspiration for different artistic varieties: painting, cinema, decoration ... and of course, music. Hence we find an infinite list of Songs that make reference to the mascots of their composers, or to dogs famous for their feats. In any case, we can listen to them of any gender, age and nationality. These are five of the most popular.
1. «Laika», by Mecano (1988). It is a precious tribute that the Spanish group dedicates to Laika, a stray dog launched by Russia into space inside Sputnik 2, in November 1957. She was the first living being to orbit the Earth, although she only survived between 5 or 7 hours after launch as a result of high temperatures and panic. Today experts say that the design of the capsule in which the animal was found was not adequate. Nacho Cano composed this ballad in his honor.
2. "Martha My Dear", by The Beatles (1968). Written by Paul McCartney, a priori it resembles a traditional love song. In fact, for years much of the public believed that it was dedicated to the actress Jane Asher, her former partner. However, the artist himself recognized in 1977 that it was inspired by his pet, an English shepherd who he adopted in 1965.
3. "Old King", by Neil Young (1992). The Canadian singer Neil Young composed this song dedicated to Elvis, his dog, who died shortly before publishing the album in which he included this song, called "Harvest Moon." In his lyrics he explains that he was his faithful companion and how much he meant to him.
4. “I love my dog”, by Cat Stevens (1966). The London musician expresses with this melody how much he loves his pet, a dachshund that he found abandoned in the street tied to a pole. "All you need is love and you know you will have it" is one of the most remarkable phrases in his lyrics, already considered an icon for animal lovers.
5. “My dog friend”, by Rafael Farina. The exact year in which the famous copla and flamenco singer composed it is unknown. Very emotional, she recounts how her pet died at the hands of thieves who entered to rob her house, and affirms that she does not feel the loss of material goods, but that of her best friend. "Damn the hand, which kills a dog", narrates the sad refrain of this song, which is one of the greatest tributes to the figure of the dog in Spanish music.