Every year, there's a great holiday music debate: When is it appropriate to start listening to festive tunes dedicated to specific days in December? You’re usually Team Right-After-Halloween or Team Any-Time-After-Thanksgiving. At the risk of pulling an Ebenezer Scrooge, might I propose we at least try to throw some of that musical energy at Thanksgiving this year instead? There are few Turkey Day anthems, but you can still pull together a playlist that actually slaps while you stuff your face with mashed potatoes and pie. Here are a few Thanksgiving music suggestions, so you don’t have to think too hard about it.
"Thankful," by Kelly Clarkson
This sweet little song from Kelly Clarkson is all about being thankful for the love and lessons your significant other has brought into your life. It's a great message to hear right before you both sit down to eat so much you don't want to be around another human for 24 hours.
"All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version)," by Taylor Swift
If there was an award for a song with the most fall-esque vibe, it would be "All Too Well"—the 10 minute version, of course. Taylor may not mention Thanksgiving directly, but by talking about autumn leaves and going to her BF's sisters house, it definitely feels on brand for the holiday.
"Autumn in New York," by Billie Holiday
Never have I ever heard a song that felt so incredibly perfect to play in the background of a Thanksgiving dinner. Billie's soulful voice and descriptions of a New York autumn are just *chef's kiss*.
"Thank You For The Music," by ABBA
Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for the good things in your life, riiiight? And that includes music! And ABBA!
"Thank U," by Alanis Morissette
This might not be your typical Thanksgiving banger, but technically she's giving thanks for everything from India to consequence to silence. PLUS the second line of the song is "How 'bout stopping eating when I'm full up?" and, I mean, what could be more Thanksgiving than that?
“Where You Lead,” by Carole King
You may recognize this as the theme song to Gilmore Girls, which, IMHO, is the most perfect fall show that exists, so it's got that going for it. But the lyrics are all about going to your loved one when they're in need and that's a pretty nice message for a day of thanks.
"Take Me Home, Country Roads," by John Denver
Raise your hand if you're traveling back home for the holidays! Okay great, this song is perfect for you! Even if you don't live out in the country, the nostalgic feeling still hits.
"Stretchy Pants," by Carrie Underwood
Okay so technically this was meant to be a funny Christmas song, but when it's going on about needing to wear stretchy pants because of all of the turkey, potatoes, and casseroles being eaten, you can't tell me it doesn't work perfectly for Thanksgiving too!
"We Are Family," by Sister Sledge
This one is for the brief moments when you and your family members are actually getting along. Make sure to play it after you all eat, when no one is hangry. It’s strictly a song for full stomachs and good vibes.
"I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For," by Bing Crosby
We’ve seen and experienced plenty of terrible stuff recently, but the circumstances have made the parts of life we're grateful for even more meaningful–like, you know, being able to live another day during a pandemic. What better song to encompass that feeling than this oldie?
"Sicko Mode," by Travis Scott feat. Drake
You know that feeling when you overeat and have major regrets? Let this song be your anthem in that moment. All self-control is shot when there are snacks and seasonal eats covering the countertops.
"Thankful," Celine Dion
Want to get deep in your feels on this day of thanks? Celine Dion’s majestic voice will guide you through it. If you listen to her gratitude-forward song after your feast, it might even help you fall into a deep Turkey Day slumber.
"Hunger," by Florence + the Machine
This track's chorus says it all. Everyone is bound to be in a massive state of hunger as they anticipate and cook up a hearty meal on Thanksgiving. I mean, sure, you'll graze throughout the day, but all of the delicious food that awaits you during the main event will fuel your seemingly endless hunger.
"Thank u, next," by Ariana Grande
Yes, this is technically a breakup song. But you know what? It’s also what you say when there are, like, three different kinds of potatoes at the table. Right after conquering the mashed, you’re like, “Thank you, next,” and head right over to the sweet potatoes.
"Thank You," by Dido
Forget Eminem and “Stan.” Dido made this at least a year before the rapper asked her to collab. And it’s a lovely song about how things can be the worst, but if you have the right person (or people!) in your life, it can also be the best. And who doesn’t want that, especially on Thanksgiving?
"Biscuits ’n’ Gravy," by Kelis
Of all the under-appreciated singers, Kelis might top the list. And with her 2014 album Food, Kelis gave casual listeners who stanned “Milkshake” a whole new side to her. The title itself is a Thanksgiving staple, and the lyrics of the downbeat track sound kinda like a prayer? Speaking of...
"Thanksgiving Song," by Adam Sandler
Uh...Adam Sandler’s “Thanksgiving Song” isn’t much of a banger, but it is decidedly one of the few songs that’s purely about Thanksgiving—and due to Adam’s frat-boy popularity of the ’90s, it quickly became a modern holiday classic. So let him inspire you to literally eat all of the turkey.
"You and I," by Lady Gaga (live from A Very Gaga Thanksgiving)
LOL, remember when Lady Gaga hosted her Thanksgiving special on ABC? It resulted in a gorgeous live cover of Gaga’s hit ballad “You and I,” which is really peak Gaga because it’s about whiskey, a hot Midwestern guy, and rock and roll. So basically it’s the narrative of Thanksgiving Eve, the biggest bar night of the year. Might as well celebrate!
"Thank God I Found You," by Mariah Carey feat. Joe and 98 Degrees
A lovely bop about gratitude? You have to stan. TBH, this was probably about Mariah being thankful for her pending divorce from Tommy Mottola and Nick Lachey being thankful for Jessica Simpson. Things we can all be thankful for.
"Sweet Potato," by Sia
Before Sia was aggressively Sia, she wrote this lovely little song in 2004 about sweet potatoes and burgeoning romance and getting to know the holes in other people. It’s wistful and perfect for swaying around while putting marshmallows on your sweet potatoes.
"Thanksgiving Theme," by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Is it even a holiday if a Charlie Brown special isn’t mentioned? Use the Vince Guaraldi Trio to get you into the Thanksgiving spirit and give you the urge to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Also, the minute you put this on, all adult voices become that “wah wah” from Peanuts, right?
"Apple Pie à la Mode," by Destiny’s Child
Pie (specifically apple) is a holiday staple, and so is Destiny’s Child. I know this song is not technically about eating apple pie leftovers in front of the TV the day after Thanksgiving...but it’s kind of the perfect theme music for exactly that.
"Nicotine and Gravy," by Beck
Beck’s “Nicotine and Gravy” is the song to get you over that end hump of the holiday. It’s danceable enough to make you wonder if you can push your turkey-stuffed self out the door to another location or if you’re just gonna roll into bed.
"Family Is Family," by Kacey Musgraves
Something you’ll need to remember, at multiple points during Thanksgiving, is that your family is going to be your family no matter what. Shout-out to Kacey Musgraves for making a song to remind us of that even if we’re gritting our teeth while listening to their political opinions over cranberry sauce.
“Coming Home,” by Leon Bridges
Trick your elders into loving young people music with this soulful hit that sounds straight of the 1960s. Plus, Leon's coming home and so you are.
“Lovely Day,” by Bill Withers
The perfect track for that inevitable moment when your internal monologue asks, "Why did I agree to come home for this?" Kidding. To family members everywhere, we love you, but stop asking about our dating lives.
“Home,” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
This indie classic goes straight to the top of "home" themed music. Plus, it's totally nostalgic, which is the Thanksgiving vibe, right?
“Matilda,” by Harry Styles
For those celebrating Turkey Day solo, with friends, or with the wait staff at your favorite diner, Harry Styles has you covered. Going home is not mandatory.
“Waffle House,” by Jonas Brothers
Finally! A song dedicated to the sibling fights of yore! Leave it to the Jonas Brothers to put our childhood traumas to tune.
“Dedicated To The One I Love,” by The Mamas & The Papas
If this list contains a bit too much post-2010 sound for your older family members, this classic is a perfect song to share with the ones you love.
“American Pie,” by Don McLean
This song doesn't have a damn thing to do with Thanksgiving, but hear us out. Thanksgiving is, after all, an exclusively American holiday, complete with pie. This song is a classic American tune that is, once again, perfect for every generation.
“Only the Good Die Young,” by Billy Joel
If you thought a song about a man trying to swindle his way into the pants of a nice Catholic girl wasn't family friendly, you thought wrong. Just my family? Okay.
“The Best Day (Taylor’s Version),” by Taylor Swift
A song to make you and your mother cry, that's a Taylor classic.
“Family Business,” by Kanye West
Not only is this song about family, but it will strike up plenty of interesting conversation between you and your family simply by invoking the name of Ye. Want to see Grandma squirm on Turkey Day? Say, "Alexa, play Kanye West."
“Daughters,” by John Mayer
For every few songs dedicated to mothers—of which their are more to come, scroll on— we'll throw in a sweet tune for the dads. Follow this one up with a double stream of "Dear John (Taylor's Version)."
“Dear Mama,” by 2Pac
A song for all the mama's boys (even the toughest among us).
“Keep the Family Close,” by Drake
Born family or chosen, keep them close this holiday season.
“All-American Girl,” by Carrie Underwood
Another American classic by the Queen of Country, Carrie Underwood.
“My Little Love,” by Adele
We've spent enough time singing to our parents, now let them sing to us. Mom, Dad, new parents everywhere, I say to you one thing: Sing to me Paolo.
“Brown Skin Girl,” by Beyonce
Stream this song to celebrate the one thing we are most grateful for this year—Beyonce and Blue Ivy Renaissance Tour content. Blue, you are the people's princess, and this one is for you.
“Joanne,” by Lady Gaga
Every holiday deserves a somber moment or two to remember the empty chairs at our very full tables.
“Sister,” by Mickey Guyton
Use this song to ease the tension created by the high stakes wishbone snapping competition that takes place post-dinner. Love you, sister.
“Little Bird,” by Jonas Brothers
Warning: tears ahead. Sing this to your own bebe or the little ones at your holiday table.
