8 Best Spiders Songs
Creepy, crawly, and captivating, spiders have long been subjects of fascination, fear, and fancy, inspiring musicians across genres and eras.
Their songs range from playful to profound, using the spider and its web as metaphors for various aspects of the human experience.
Let’s untangle the web of songs about our eight-legged friends.
1. “Boris the Spider” by The Who
John Entwistle of The Who penned this playful track inspired by a real spider. The song paints the picture of Boris, the creepy crawly hanging around, with its dark comedic chorus “creepy, crawly” echoing the spider’s movements.
Spinning the Story: Entwistle was supposedly inspired by a night of heavy drinking, and upon waking, noticed a spider which he decided to name Boris. The song taps into the sometimes irrational fear many people have of spiders while portraying them in a somewhat endearing light.
2. “The Spider and the Fly” by The Rolling Stones
This bluesy track from the Stones recounts a story reminiscent of the old fable of a cunning spider trying to seduce a naive fly into its web. Mick Jagger’s delivery adds to the sneaky and seductive nature of the spider.
Spinning the Story: The song can be seen as a metaphorical take on relationships, manipulation, and temptation. The spider’s web here is symbolic of a trap, with the fly representing innocent prey. A reminder of how one can get easily ensnared by allure and deceit.
3. “Spiders” by System of a Down
“Spiders” is an intense track with brooding undertones. The lyrics, “The spiders all in tune, the evening of the moon,” portray a vivid image of spiders moving rhythmically, weaving their webs under the moonlight.
Spinning the Story: The spider’s web is often seen as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life, and System of a Down taps into this. The song touches on themes of control, manipulation and the webs we weave in society, sometimes becoming trapped in the process.
4. “Spider Web” by Joan Osborne
Joan Osborne’s “Spider Web” is a soulful song that tells the story of a dream where Ray Charles becomes blind by looking at a spider web. It’s a unique blend of bluesy rock with a touch of spirituality.
Spinning the Story: Osborne draws parallels between the intricate designs of a spider’s web and the complexities of life and fate.
5. “Spiderwebs” by No Doubt
No Doubt’s ska-influenced hit “Spiderwebs” is about communication gone awry. Gwen Stefani sings about picking up the phone and being entangled in unwanted conversations, much like a fly trapped in a web.
Spinning the Story: The spiderweb here symbolizes entrapment but in the realm of relationships and communications. Stefani’s energetic vocals reflect the frantic feeling of being caught in an unwanted situation, and the song brilliantly captures the essence of trying to break free.
6. “Spider’s Web” by Katie Melua
Melua’s jazzy track “Spider’s Web” delves into the intricacies of truth and the interconnectedness of actions, much like the interconnected strands of a web.
Spinning the Story: This song is a commentary on world events and the delicate balance in which they exist. Just as a spider’s web is delicate yet strong, events and truths are interconnected, with one action potentially leading to a cascade of consequences.
7. “In Itsy Bitsy Spider” by Carly Simon
A fresh take on the classic children’s nursery rhyme, Carly Simon adds her unique touch to this tale of the determined spider climbing up the spout.
Spinning the Story: While the original is a simple story of perseverance, Simon’s version has a slightly more mature tone, hinting at life’s ups and downs, much like the spider’s journey up and down the water spout. It’s a reminder that no matter how many times we’re pushed down, we can always climb back up.
8. “Lullaby” by The Cure
“Lullaby” is a haunting song with Robert Smith narrating a tale of the “spiderman” coming to get him. It’s eerie, with a hint of melancholy, making it a unique spider-themed track.
Spinning the Story: While on the surface, it’s about a spider-like entity preying on its victim; the song dives deep into themes of depression, vulnerability, and inner demons. The “spiderman” can be seen as a manifestation of one’s fears and anxieties, always lurking, ready to pounce.
Spiders, with their intricate webs and stealthy movements, have been a source of intrigue, inspiring musicians across genres and eras. These songs range from playful to profound, using the spider and its web as metaphors for various aspects of the human experience. So, the next time a spider scuttles by, maybe, just maybe, you’ll be inspired to see it in a different light, or even pen down a tune!
