Source: American Folk and Pop musician Arlo Guthrie plays an acoustic guitar as he performs onstage during the Dr Pepper Summer Music Festival at the Wollman Skating Rink, New York, New York, July 21, 1979. (Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
Thanksgiving is a great holiday in its own right, yet year after year it seems the second the calendar turns from October to November, everyone is in a rush for jingle bells and Christmas music. Well I for one have not had my holiday turkey yet, and until I do, I don’t want to hear any Christmas music whatsoever.
In honor of Thanksgiving Day, here’s some fun Thanksgiving-like songs that’ll fill the void between now and when there’s no avoiding the Christmas cheer. Here’s 20 rocking songs for Thanksgiving Day:
1. Alice’s Restaurant – Arlo Guthrie
A Thanksgiving Day radio staple, Arlo Guthrie’s over-18-and-a-half-minute song is about a mostly true story on Guthrie being ineligible for the Vietnam War draft due to dumping trash on Thanksgiving Day. The exaggerated tale, for comedic effect, is named after his friend’s restaurant, who later comes to bail him out. Alice Brock, who owned the restaurant that inspired the tale, passed away on Thursday at the age of 83.
2. Black Friday – Steely Dan
Sure, Black Friday follows Thanksgiving, but considering the two days are commonly linked, it’s a good excuse as any to listen to this fantastic Steely Dan song.
3. Cherry Pie – Warrant
Dessert is served via Warrant’s hit 1990 single, since there’s always room for pie at the Thanksgiving dinner table. While cherry pie isn’t the most common of turkey day treats, it belongs on this list.
4. Come Together – The Beatles
What’s great about Thanksgiving is that it’s a time for many to get together with friends and family that they may not get to see all too often. The Beatles’ Come Together is a fitting track title for the holiday’s sentiment. Â
5. Come Together – Aerosmith
For a second helping, here’s Aerosmith’s 1978 hard-rocking cover of the classic Beatles hit.
6. Flying Turkey Trot – REO Speedwagon
A fun and upbeat REO instrumental.
7. Full Circle – Aerosmith
A song about enjoying the good times and cherishing the moments. Full Circle is a great song for Thanksgiving.
8. Harvest Moon – Neil Young
Harvest Moon has a nice and cozy fall-like feel to it.
9. I Thank You – Sam & Dave
A rock-infused R&B-soul song about being thankful: Fitting if you ask me.
10. I Thank You – ZZ Top
For a second helping, here’s a cover by ZZ Top!
11. Poundcake – Van Halen
Another song with a dessert for a title,Â
12. Red Red Wine – Neil Diamond
Not as well known as the UB40 cover, but Neil Diamond’s original is a laid back version of the hit song fitting for a nice dinner with family and friends.
13. Savoy Truffle – The Beatles
Just one Savoy Truffle won’t hurt.
14. Thank You – Led Zeppelin
Another song about being grateful for the loved ones in your life. This Led Zeppelin classic is the ultimate song about appreciating those that are the most special to you in this life.
15. Thank You – Tesla
For a second helping, here’s Tesla’s 2007 cover of the Led Zeppelin classic.
16. Thank You Friends – Big Star
From the band that brought us In the Street, which would go on to be covered twice for That 70s Show, Thank You Friends is a song about how friends can keep us grounded, or stable as we go through everything life throws our way. Where would we be without those that’ve helped make this life brighter?
17. Thank You Girl – The Beatles
Another Beatles song, this time about thanking the special woman in your life for loving you in return.
18. Thanksgiving Day – Ray Davies
This folk rock Thanksgiving Day song perfectly captures the feeling of the holiday.
19. The Thanksgiving Song – Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler’s 1992 Saturday Night Live song is sure to entertain the whole family, or transport those who were there back to a time where the New York Mets had just traded Darryl Strawberry.
20. Turkey Chase – Bob Dylan
A folky song, courtesy of Bob Dylan. Enjoy your turkey, sides and desserts this holiday season. Let those important in your life know how thankful you are to have them be a part of it. Cherish this holiday season, and as always, thank you for listening to Houston’s Eagle: Houston’s only classic rock!
