Songs of Thanksgiving: A Melodic Celebration by Adam Sandler, Arlo Guthrie, and More

Adam Sandler, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Marley. Getty Images(3)

It's Thanksgiving, so bring on the turkey, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese - and don't forget the music! Although Halloween has its iconic "Monster Mash" and Christmas has countless festive hits, Thanksgiving-themed tunes are few and far between. Most people can only think of Adam Sandler's classic song or, for the older generation, Arlo Guthrie's folk hit "Alice's Restaurant" from 1967.

Sandler's "Thanksgiving Song" celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022. The beloved comedian first performed it on the November 21, 1992, episode of Saturday Night Live during the "Weekend Update" segment. Sandler later included a version on his 1993 comedy album, They're All Gonna Laugh At You!. Since then, it has become practically the only Thanksgiving song anyone knows.

Despite this, there are plenty of other Thanksgiving songs to enjoy this holiday. For your Thanksgiving playlists, consider adding Ben Rector's 2020 tune, "The Thanksgiving Song" (unrelated to Sandler's version.) Additionally, Ray Davies of The Kinks released "Thanksgiving Day" in 2006, capturing all the moods, good or bad, that come with the November holiday.

Songs by Bing Crosby, Drive-By Truckers, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Nicole Westbrook are specifically made for Thanksgiving. If you want to capture the spirit of gratitude, consider adding Bob Marley’s track, “Give Thanks and Praises,” to your playlist, as it has become associated with Thanksgiving, although it is more of a Rastafarian prayer.

You can also include songs about being thankful, such as Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Gratitude,” songs about family like Mary J. Blige's “Family Affair,” and songs about food such as Ohio Players' “Jive Turkey” or Kacey Musgraves' “Biscuits.” Other good additions to your playlist are James Brown’s backing band, The J.B.’s, with “Pass the Peas,” and Thelonious Monk's “Stuffy Turkey.”

Some may wonder why a song titled “Alice’s Restaurant” is linked to Thanksgiving, especially considering it's an 18-minute long, anti-war anthem. The song recounts singer Guthrie's Thanksgiving meal with Alice at her restaurant and his attempt to repay her by taking out her trash. However, when he finds the dump closed on Thanksgiving and leaves the trash by the road, he is arrested for littering. This arrest ultimately leads to Guthrie being disqualified when he is called before the U.S. draft board.

Share that fun fact with your family as you play the following Thanksgiving songs.

Adam Sandler, “The Thanksgiving Song”

The song's lyrics are a collection of free-associative thoughts expressed in a voice reminiscent of Billy Madison, yet the song has stood the test of time. (Unlike Sandler’s Jack and Jill.)

Ben Rector, “The Thanksgiving Song”

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“So feel free to help yourself to food and drink / And let this home be filled with the warmth of family / A love so strong, no distance can ever erase,” sings Rector on “The Thanksgiving Song,” featured on his 2020 album, A Ben Rector Christmas. The song is a poignant addition, acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the importance of pausing to express gratitude for all that we have.

Arlo Guthrie, “Alice’s Restaurant”

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“And I was aware of a spot where the locals disposed of their [waste],” he remarked. Nonetheless, Guthrie was apprehended for dumping, resulting in his disqualification from serving in the Vietnam War. And that narrative was immortalized in this song.

Ray Davies, “Thanksgiving Day”

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Despite being British, Ray Davies managed to encapsulate the essence of the American holiday in his 2006 song. The lyrics convey the tradition of passing on knowledge through the years as families come together. The song also touches on the themes of travel, the inevitable sadness of being far away from loved ones, and the communal joy experienced on Thanksgiving Day.

Nicole Westbrook, “It’s Thanksgiving”

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While it may be a little cheesy and cringeworthy, Nicole Westbrook's "It's Thanksgiving," produced by Ark Music Factory (the same company behind "Friday" by Rebecca Black), has become a seasonal favorite similar to the infamous "Friday." Plus, let's be kind - Westbrook made the song as a child, and showing kindness to kids is part of the Thanksgiving spirit.

Bing Crosby, “I’ve Got Plenty To Be Thankful For”

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Despite being best known for introducing Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” the 1942 film Holiday Inn covers a variety of holidays, including Thanksgiving. While Crosby's song "I've Got Plenty to Be Thankful For" may have been overshadowed by "White Christmas," it could still be a great addition to your Thanksgiving playlist (although the film's blackface scene may be a Thanksgiving "leftover" that's best left behind).

Mary Chapin Carpenter, “Thanksgiving Song”

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Released in 2008, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Thanksgiving Song” showcased the country-folk singer embracing a reverent tone in honor of the holiday. Emphasizing themes of unity and gratitude, she sings, “

Vince Guaraldi Trio, “Thanksgiving Theme”

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A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving marked the conclusion of the Peanuts holiday trilogy, following A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1963 and It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown in 1966. Similar to the Christmas special, the music for this special was composed by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. In October 2023, in celebration of the special's 50th anniversary, Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) released the complete soundtrack on vinyl and CD, featuring the thirteen original song cues and nine previously unreleased bonus/alternative tracks.

Plus, instrumental music is great for Thanksgiving. No one can argue over the lyrics.

Bob Marley and the Wailers, “Give Thanks and Praises”

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Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Give Thanks and Praises” offers a refreshing upbeat vibe, a welcome departure from the more solemn Thanksgiving tunes. Yet, it maintains a deep sense of reverence, with the reggae icon crooning, “Give thanks and praises to the Most-I (Jah!) / Give thanks and praises so high (so high).”

Not specifically a Thanksgiving song, the track ends with “Give thanks and praises / give thanks and praises,” which lies in the holiday spirit.

The J.B.’s, “Pass the Peas”

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Soul music and soul food are essential for a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving celebration. If cooking greens to perfection proves to be a challenge, fear not. Simply crank up some funky tunes to set the mood. The J.B.'s, James Brown's iconic backing band, has a knack for making even the simplest peas taste absolutely delightful with their music.

Thelonious Monk, “Stuffy Turkey”

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Drive-By Truckers, “The Thanksgiving Filter”

Thelonious Monk's "Stuffy Turkey" captures the essence of Thanksgiving and provides the perfect opportunity to pour a drink or grab a snack while you wait to serve yourself a plate.

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Let's face it, Thanksgiving can be a bit of a downer. November is not exactly known for its cheerfulness. The time change can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder for many. Then there are the elections. And not everyone looks forward to spending time with their families; some even prefer to spend the holiday with their chosen family rather than their biological one. That's why songs like Drive-By Truckers' "The Thanksgiving Filter" are so important—they capture that feeling perfectly.

Patterson Hood sings about the relief of having a filter that allows some distance from the chaos and demands for help. In this track from the 2011 album Go-Go Boots, he expresses gratitude for being able to escape the noise and stress, especially during the holidays. He reflects on being thankful for the distance from family, despite it being Thanksgiving.