Holidays like Halloween and Christmas have songs that fit the holiday perfectly, and everyone loves them, but what about Thanksgiving? Why does Turkey Day get left out?
That all ends now because Jess Likes Music has your back! Here are eight fantastic songs to add to your playlist to get into the Thanksgiving spirit!
“Pass The Peas” – The JB’s
“Pass the peas like we used to say!” I don’t know a phrase that fits Thanksgiving better than that! This funky tune by The JB’s will surely get your family up and dancing and probably get their stomachs growling!
“Stuffy Turkey” – Thelonious Monk
Are you looking to jazz up your Thanksgiving a bit? Why not turn on this tune while you cook or as background music while your guests wait for dinner? I personally never really considered the “sound” of Thanksgiving, but Thelonious Monk captured it perfectly!
“Crowded Table” – The Highwomen
This song from The Highwomen is a beautifully written and performed testament to the importance of having those you love the most around you – no matter what happens or how far everyone may go, they can always come home—an excellent message during the Thanksgiving season when we should be grateful for one another.
“Blessed” – Buju Banton
Bring out the island vibes this Thanksgiving with this upbeat and uplifting song from Buju Banton! This wouldn’t be your traditional Thanksgiving song, but the message still fits perfectly – you’re blessed, look how far you’ve come! Others may not have thought you’d make it, but you did it! Sometimes, we need to express gratitude for that and acknowledge that we are blessed!
“Let’s Turkey Trot” – Little Eva
Well, this song screams Thanksgiving, doesn’t it? It’s the perfect song to help you stay motivated in the kitchen to finish the meal or a great way to dance off those calories after eating!
“Autumn in New York” – Billie Holiday
This song isn’t about Thanksgiving specifically, but it gives off those cozy, nostalgic fall vibes, which complement the holiday quite well! This song is one of my personal favorites from Billie Holiday. I can see this one playing Thanksgiving morning as you wake up, excited for the day, playing in the car on your ride to your destination, or as background music as the family is eating together.
“The Thanksgiving Song” – Ben Rector
Here’s another song with heartfelt lyrics that describe the importance of loving family and having gratitude. Here’s what Ben Rector had to say about the song: “When I started putting together the Christmas album, I realized I hadn’t ever heard a Thanksgiving song. I feel like everyone has an emotional connection and a lot of memories around Thanksgiving, just like they do Christmas, so I did my best to write a song that honored that.”
“Thanksgiving Day” – Guy Davis
Not all songs have to have lyrics to give you the feels, and that’s what blues musician Guy Davis has accomplished with this song. Like Monk, Guy managed to help capture a sound associated with Thanksgiving’s hustle, bustle, and joy.
Final Thoughts
All eight songs provide a variety of feelings to help you get into the Thanksgiving spirit! Hopefully, these tunes will make you laugh, encourage gratitude, or make you want to get up and dance with your family and friends! Either way, these songs are sure to keep the good times rolling for you and your loved ones during the holiday!
