Thanksgiving might not have a huge catalog of songs like Christmas or Halloween, but the few that exist are packed with warmth, humor, and gratitude. From comedy tracks to gospel tunes, these Thanksgiving songs celebrate everything that makes the holiday unique. This list includes songs that were actually written for or strongly associated with Thanksgiving, not just general songs about being thankful.
Be sure to check out the Songs About Thanksgiving Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About Thanksgiving
1. “The Thanksgiving Song” – Adam Sandler
Lyric Sample: “Love to eat turkey, ’cause it’s good, love to eat turkey like a good boy should.”
Adam Sandler’s 1990s comedy classic from Saturday Night Live is one of the most popular modern Thanksgiving songs. It celebrates turkey, family, and awkward holiday moments with the kind of goofy charm only Sandler can pull off.
2. “Stretchy Pants” – Carrie Underwood
Lyric Sample: “So bring on the turkey, potatoes, casserole dishes.”
Underwood turns Thanksgiving indulgence into a full-blown party in this playful 2021 track. With lyrics about Spandex, leftovers, and round three at the buffet, “Stretchy Pants” celebrates every excuse to eat without guilt or restraint.
3. “Thanksgiving” – Loudon Wainwright III
Lyric Sample: “Now it’s our kids that spill the milk, and our turn to want to kill them.”
Released in 1989, this folk tune looks at Thanksgiving through Wainwright’s trademark wit and honesty. It’s a realistic and funny take on family gatherings and the chaos that comes with them.
4. “Thanksgiving Theme” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
Instrumental
Best known for their Peanuts music, the Vince Guaraldi Trio created this jazz piece for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in 1973. Its nostalgic sound instantly brings to mind cozy autumn scenes and the classic holiday special.
5. “Thanksgiving Song” – Ben Rector
Lyric Sample: “So fill your plate and fill your drink, and fill this house with family.”
This 2020 track is about the comfort of returning home and sharing the table with loved ones. It’s a modern Thanksgiving song in which Rector sings about nostalgia and gratitude, showing how family ties stay strong even as life changes.
6. “Over the River and Through the Wood” – Traditional
Lyric Sample: “Over the river and through the wood, to grandmother’s house we go.”
Originally written in the 1840s, this song has long been tied to Thanksgiving in the U.S. Its lyrics capture the excitement of traveling to family gatherings, and it remains a seasonal favorite for kids and choirs.
7. “Bless This House” – Doris Day
Lyric Sample: “Bless this house, oh Lord, we pray, make it safe by night and day.”
This 1950s classic blends faith and gratitude, making it a perfect fit for Thanksgiving celebrations. Doris Day’s vocals give it a comforting, homey feel.
8. “Alice’s Restaurant” – Arlo Guthrie
Lyric Sample: “You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant.”
Guthrie’s 18-minute 1960s folk story has become a quirky Thanksgiving tradition. Though it begins on the holiday, it turns into a funny, clever protest tale.
9. “Come On-a My House” – Rosemary Clooney
Lyric Sample: “Come on-a my house, I’m gonna give you candy.”
This ’50s jazz-pop hit is all about hospitality and welcoming guests, which aligns perfectly with the atmosphere of gathering on Thanksgiving Day. The lively invitation to share food and company makes it a perfect celebratory tune.
10. “Thanksgiving Prayer” – Joanne Cash
Lyric Sample: “This year when I count my blessings, I’m thanking the Lord He made you.”
Johnny Cash wrote this Thanksgiving song, but his sister Joanne sang this great version. Its lyrics turn Thanksgiving into both a prayer and a love song, thanking God not just for blessings but for the people who make life meaningful.
11. “Gobble Gobble” – Matthew West
Lyric Sample: “Grandpa’s passed out passing gas, but we got pumpkin candles burning just for that.”
West turns Thanksgiving into a hilarious, over-the-top celebration of food and family chaos. From turkey and cranberry jelly to lyrics about leftovers and stretchy pants, this pop song is all about fun and indulgence.
12. “I’ve Got Plenty To Be Thankful For” – Bing Crosby
Lyric Sample: “How could anybody ask for more? My needs are small, I buy ’em all at the five and ten cent store.”
From the 1942 film Holiday Inn, this old standard has a swing jazz sound and a sincere message about appreciating what you have, regardless of your circumstances. Though not written specifically for Thanksgiving Day, it’s often played during the season for its message of gratefulness.
13. “Thanksgiving Day Parade” – Dan Bern
Lyric Sample: “And we all hung together in our crew cuts and our braids, floating down Broadway, above the Thanksgiving Day Parade”
This 2001 Dylan-esque folk-rock track uses the Thanksgiving Day Parade as a backdrop for a sprawling story. Bern mixes humor, nostalgia, and celebration into a chaotic yet charming holiday song.
14. “It’s Thanksgiving” – Nicole Westbrook
Lyric Sample: “It’s Thanksgiving, we’re gonna have a good time.”
This viral 2012 pop song celebrates the holiday with pure teenage enthusiasm. It’s catchy, cheesy, and now part of Thanksgiving internet history.
15. “Thanksgiving” – Pinegrove
Lyric Sample: “Warm night before Thanksgiving, what do I have to be nervous for?”
Pinegrove’s short indie track looks at Thanksgiving from a different angle, one where feelings of anticipation and complicated relationships surface. The song treats the holiday as a moment to pause and reach out to someone important.
16. “Thanksgiving Eve” – Sally Rogers
Lyric Sample: “What can you do with each moment of your life but love ’til you’ve loved it away?”
This 1980s folk song is about the power of love and hope in the face of life’s struggles. Rogers encourages people to find grace in every moment and to value the time they spend with others.
17. “Beans Greens Potatoes” – DJ Suede the Remix God
Lyric Sample: “I got beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb, rams, hogs, dogs.”
DJ Suede’s remix of Shirley Caesar’s gospel song turns classic Thanksgiving foods into a repetitive chant. The song celebrates the abundance of the holiday feast with over-the-top enthusiasm.
18. “Thanksgiving Day” – John McCutcheon
Lyric Sample: “Thankful for the food, thankful for the company, thankful for the things that we do and say.”
In this 1998 folk song, McCutcheon sings about gratitude and togetherness during Thanksgiving. It’s about pausing to appreciate family, friends, and the blessings shared around the holiday table.
Related: Best Songs About November
19. “Thanksgiving Song” – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Lyric Sample: “Grateful for what’s understood, and all that is forgiven.”
This peaceful, acoustic country song is all about being thankful for the moments shared during the holiday. The lyrics honor family, friends, and the shared kindness that makes the holiday meaningful.
Conclusion
There may not be as many Thanksgiving songs as there are for Christmas, but these tracks cover the holiday from every angle. Whether you’re setting the table, saying grace, or passing the mashed potatoes, there’s something here to fit the moment.
If you liked this list, check out Songs About Food, Songs About Autumn, or Songs About November for more great songs!
