Thanksgiving inspires an odd mix of introspection and gluttony. Americans give thanks, cherish friends and family, and then gorge themselves with wild abandon. I abstain from a few "traditions" of the holiday (watching American football, turkey eating, rampant consumer spending) but Thanksgiving still makes me feel content and nostalgic. Plus, any holiday that revolves around cooking, eating and sharing lovely food is OK in my book.
Here is a playlist of songs about food, Thanksgiving, and giving thanks. A few of the songs about food are not actually about food (ahem!), but I threw them in anyway... (click titles to listen)
Come on-a My House - Rosemary Clooney (1951)
Over the River and Through the Woods - Danny Kaye and the Andrews Sisters (originally written as a Thanksgiving poem in 1844, this version changes the lyrics to make it a Christmas song)
I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For - Bing Crosby, from Holiday Inn (1942)
Ojibway Square Dance (Love Song) - Georgia Wettlin-Larsen (an American Indian variation on "Turkey in the Straw")
Beans and Cornbread - Lois Jordan and the Tympany Five (1949)
Hoe-Down - from Aaron Copeland's 1942 ballet, Rodeo
Ito Eats - "Ito eats like teeth are out of style!" ...Elvis Presley, from Blue Hawaii (1961)
Count Your Blessings - Jackson Gospel Singers
Country Pie - Beck (covering Bob Dylan's 1969 original)
Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes) - Dee Dee Sharp (1962)
Food, Glorious Food - from Oliver! (1968)
Country Style - Bing Crosby, from Welcome Stranger (1947)
Keep on Eating - Memphis Minnie (1938-9)
Parlez-Nous à Boire - roughly, "talk to us about drinking" ...The Balfa Brothers (1967)
Thanksgiving Prayer - Johnny Cash
Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep) - Bing Crosby, from White Christmas (1954)
For the Beauty of the Earth - version of the 1864 hymn by The Lower Lights (song starts properly around the 50 second mark)
This Land is Your Land - Woody Guthrie (1940)
Hope you enjoy, and have a very happy Thanksgiving!
