Hats have been around for centuries, and their symbolism has evolved over time. They can represent status, power, or simply be seen as a fashion statement. And while there are many songs that reference hats, we’ve narrowed it down to the 20 best songs about hats.
You might also like these playlists:
Hats off To Larry – Del Shannon
“Hats Off to Larry” is a song written by Del Shannon and recorded in 1961. The song is about a man named Larry who loses his hat, and the narrator offers various theories about where it might have gone. Theories include Larry falling asleep on a train and leaving his hat behind, or Larry being robbed by a thief who made off with his hat. Regardless of what happened to Larry’s hat, the narrator concludes that it was “a mighty nice hat.” “Hats Off to Larry” was a top ten hit in the United States, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Wear My Hat – Phil Collins
“Wear My Hat” is a song by English drummer and singer-songwriter Phil Collins. It was released as the lead single from his fourth studio album, But Seriously (1989), on 23 January 1990. The song peaked at No. 1 on the UK singles chart and reached the top 40 in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. In the United States, “Wear My Hat” peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received heavy airplay on radio stations. The song’s music video was directed by Joe Pytka and features Collins performing the song in various hats.
You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker
You Can Leave Your Hat On is a song written by Randy Newman and popularized by Joe Cocker. The song is about a man who is trying to seduce a woman, and he tells her that she can take off her clothes, but she can keep her hat on. The song became popular in the 1980s thanks to its inclusion in the film 9 1/2 Weeks, and it has been covered by many artists since then. The song has been interpreted as being about sexual liberation, or as simply being a fun and naughty song about taking your clothes off. Either way, it’s a catchy tune that always gets people moving.
The Fez – Steely Dan
The Fez by Steely Dan is a song about hats. The title of the song is a play on words, as the word “fez” is both a type of hat and a city in Morocco. The song was released as a single in 1974, and it peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is written in the style of an operetta, and it tells the story of a man who tries to buy a fez from a street vendor. However, the vendor refuses to sell him the hat, and the man is forced to improvise. He eventually ends up with a piece of cloth wrapped around his head, which he dubs his “fez.” Despite its humorous subject matter, the song has a catchy melody and it remains one of Steely Dan’s most popular songs.
Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat – Bob Dylan
In the song “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat”, Bob Dylan sings about hats and how they can enhance one’s appearance. He starts by talking about how a leopard-skin pill-box hat can make someone look “like a movie star”. He then goes on to talk about how other types of hats, such as a fedora or beret, can also make someone look stylish. He even mentions how a baseball cap can be worn backwards to make someone look cool.
My Own Kind Of Hat – Merle Haggard
In “My Own Kind of Hat,” Merle Haggard sings about the various types of hats that he has owned and worn throughout his life. He begins by describing a straw hat that he wore as a young boy, and how it made him feel like he was “a king of the world.” He then recalls a cowboy hat that he wore during his time as a ranch hand, and how it helped him to survive the hot summer days.
Dope Hat – Marilyn Manson
The song “Dope Hat” by Marilyn Manson is a song about Hats. The lyrics of the song describe different types of hats, and how they can be worn. The song also talks about how hats can be used to hide one’s face or to make a statement. The chorus of the song is particularly catchy, and includes the line “I’m wearing my dope hat.” This line is repeated several times throughout the song and is sure to get stuck in your head. Overall, “Dope Hat” is a fun, catchy song that will leave you thinking about hats long after it is over.
Ain’t No Hat 4 That – Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke’s “Ain’t No Hat 4 That” is a lighthearted ode to the power of hats. Throughout the song, Thicke extols the many virtues of hats and how they can transform any outfit. He sings about how hats can make you look like a movie star, a cowboy, or even a superhero. In addition, he describes how hats can protect you from the sun, keep you warm in the winter, and help you express your personality.
Don’t Touch My Hat – Lyle Lovett
“Don’t Touch My Hat” is a song written and performed by American country music artist Lyle Lovett. It was released in June 1993 as the second single from his album Joshua Judges Ruth. The song is a moderate up-tempo with a distinctly western feel. The narrator tells the story of how he views his hat as an extension of his personality and how others should respect that. He also talks about how a hat can be a symbol of status and how he has been asked to take his hat off in places where hats are not typically worn. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Country charts and remains one of Lovett’s most well-known songs.
Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) – Paul Young
“Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home)” is a song written by Motown singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye and recorded by English singer Paul Young. The song was released in May 1983 as Young’s debut single and it peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart in July 1983. In the United States, the song peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in November 1983. “Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home)” received mixed reviews from music critics.
This Cowboy’s Hat – Chris LeDoux
This Cowboy’s Hat is a song by Chris LeDoux that pays tribute to the cowboy hat. In the song, LeDoux talks about how the hat is more than just a piece of clothing – it’s a symbol of the west. He describes how the hat protects cowboys from the sun and wind, and how it keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. He also talks about how the hat is worn with pride by cowboys, and how it represents their independent spirit. This Cowboy’s Hat is an anthem for all those who love the west, and it’s sure to get your feet tapping. So put on your cowboy hat and enjoy this classic country song.
Hats off To (Roy) Harper – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s “Hats Off To (Roy) Harper” is a song about the British folk singer and guitarist Roy Harper. In the song, Robert Plant pays tribute to Harper’s musical talent, calling him “the best there is.” The lyrics also reference some of Harper’s most famous songs, including “Another brick in the wall” and “I can’t get no satisfaction.” While “Hats Off To (Roy) Harper” is primarily a tribute to Harper’s work, it also serves as a reminder of Led Zeppelin’s own roots in the British folk tradition.
Shoes N Hat – Smash Mouth
Smash Mouth’s “Shoes N Hat” is a song about, well, shoes and hats. In the song, the narrator describes how he loves to wear different shoes and hats, and how they make him feel. He also talks about how he loves to see other people wearing shoes and hats, and how they can bring people together. The song is lighthearted and fun, but it also has a message about self-expression and individuality. After all, what could be more individual than the clothes we wear?
Hats Off To The Bull – Chevelle
Chevelle is an American alternative metal band that formed in the mid-1990s. The group’s debut album, Point #1, was released in 1999. “Hats Off to the Bull” is a song from Chevelle’s sixth studio album, Hats Off to the Bull, which was released in 2011. The song is about how hats can be both a symbol of power and a source of ridicule. In the chorus, lead singer Pete Loeffler sings, “Hats off to the bull/ That made us look like fools/ It’s all part of the game.”
Purple Hat – SOFI TUKKER
![SOFI TUKKER - Purple Hat (Official Video) [Ultra Records]](https://theawesomemix.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FhOEMsqWx4nE%2F0.jpg&fix=it)
Sofi Tukker is a US-based electronic duo whose music is a mix of house, EDM, and pop. They are best known for their 2016 hit single “Drinkee,” but have since released several other catchy and club-ready tracks. Their latest single, “Purple Hat,” is a fun and upbeat song about…you guessed it, hats! The song begins with the lines “I’m so excited / I bought a new hat.” From there, the lyrics detail all the different ways someone can show off their new hat, including wearing it to the beach, on a date, or even to bed.
Top Hat Bar And Grille – Jim Croce
Jim Croce’s “Top Hat Bar and Grille” is a light-hearted ode to the classic accessory. The song paints a picture of a lively nightspot where people come to let loose and have a good time. Hats are clearly a central part of the experience, and Croce encourages the listener to “wear your top hat with style.” The hats not only add to the atmosphere of the bar, but they also help the guests to express their individuality. In the end, the hats come off and everyone is dancing together, united by their shared love of music and fun.
Hat 2 Da Back – TLC
“Hat 2 Da Back” is a song recorded by American girl group TLC for their second studio album, CrazySexyCool (1994). It was written by the group’s producers Dallas Austin and Marqueze Etheridge, with additional writing from Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and was released as the fourth single from the album on February 28, 1995. The song’s subject matter revolves around the wearing of hats, and is primarily an R&B track with elements of new jack swing.
Big Hat, No Cattle – Randy Newman
“Big Hat, No Cattle” is a song written and performed by Randy Newman. It was released as a single in 1986, and later appeared on his album Land of Dreams. The song is a satirical take on the country music genre, specifically the stereotype of the “big hat, no cattle” cowboy. In the song, Newman pokes fun at the idea of a cowboy who talks a big game but doesn’t actually own any cattle. He also mocks the country music industry, which he believes is more interested in style than substance. Despite its mocking tone, the song is catchy and upbeat, with a clever mix of country and pop influences.
Straw Hat and Old Dirty Hank – Barenaked Ladies
The Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies released the song “Straw Hat and Old Dirty Hank” in 1998. The song is a playful ode to the humble straw hat, an essential item of summer clothing that has been around for centuries. In the lyrics, the singer reflects on how a straw hat can make even the most ordinary person look like a movie star. He also pays tribute to the many different types of straw hats, from straw cowboy hats to Panama hats. The song ends with a plea for everyone to put on a straw hat and dance around in circles. “Straw Hat and Old Dirty Hank” is a lighthearted ode to a summertime staple, and it is sure to put a smile on your face.
Hard Hat and a Hammer – Alan Jackson
Hard hats are an essential piece of construction equipment, designed to protect workers from falling debris and other potential hazards. Alan Jackson’s “Hard Hat and a Hammer” is a tribute to the men and women who work hard every day to build our homes and roads. The song highlights the many different trades that come together to build something new, from the carpenters and bricklayers to the electricians and plumbers. It also pays tribute to the courage and determination of these workers, who risk their lives every day to make our world a better place.
You might also like these playlists: