When the end of November comes, all that’s on the minds of Americans is a feast. But while turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes are good for the belly, there are some songs that are a veritable sumptuous meal for your ears. From the humorous to the heartfelt, there are several terrific Thanksgiving songs to listen to as you celebrate the season.
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Here below, we wanted to explore three examples. A trio of tracks that provide a cornucopia of sounds for your holiday playlists. Indeed, these are three iconic Thanksgiving songs to feast on this festive time of year.
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“The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler from They’re All Gonna Laugh at You (1993)
When Adam Sandler was on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s, he performed this comical song to celebrate the Thanksgiving season. Much like mashed potatoes, it has since become a staple of the season. And on it, he sings about turkey, pop culture figures, and other goofy stuff that just makes for an enjoyable sonic meal to chuckle to over seconds of dessert. The song later appeared on Sandler’s popular comedy album They’re All Gonna Laugh at You, which he released in 1993. And on the tune, he sings,
White meat, dark meat, you just can’t lose
I fell off my moped and I got a bruise
Turkey in the oven and the buns in the toaster
I’ll never take down my Cheryl Tiegs poster
“Thanksgiving Theme” by Vince Guaraldi Quintet from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (2023)
What would the holiday season be without Vince Guaraldi? Known first and foremost for his soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas, Guaraldi and his quintet also provided the music for the Thanksgiving special starring the Peanuts characters. And the “Thanksgiving Theme” is as good as any to enjoy when trying to get in a festive, feast-centric mood. Check out the song below and enjoy the 1973 cartoon show’s full soundtrack, which was only released last year.
“Thanksgiving Song” Mary Chapin Carpenter from Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas (2008)
While Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Thanksgiving Song” comes on her 2008 LP Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas, the track is certainly one that doesn’t have to be played in December only. It’s also fit for November and the holiday that comes prior to the big gift-giving day. Indeed, on the track, Carpenter sings about gratitude and togetherness. Of course, these are the tentpoles of the Thanksgiving holiday. Indeed, she offers,
Grateful for each hand we hold
Gathered ’round this table
From far and near we travel home
Blessed that we are able
Grateful for this sheltered place
With light in every window
Saying, “Welcome, welcome, share this feast
Come in away from sorrow”
Father, mother, daughter, son
Neighbor, friend and friendless
All together everyone
In the gift of loving kindness
Photo by Moviestore/Shutterstock
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