The season of thanks is here, and there’s so much to be thankful for in music.
For instance, songs have the power to cheer us up in some of the toughest times. Imagine just sitting in your pajamas and Right Said Fred’s “Too Sexy” comes on, who doesn’t start to feel like the hottest thing around for those precious three minutes (or at least find that level of confidence wildly funny)? And then there’s literally any of Weird Al’s classics. No matter your mood, there’s a song out there that could help turn your frown upside down. All that is to say, music is a great way to find those little pockets of joy, and embracing joy during this holiday is exactly what we all need. Here are 6 wonderfully memorable moments that remind us just how great music can be.
Adam Sandler’s Thanksgiving Song
Using his signature quirky singing voice while expressing his love of turkey, a few hilarious historic facts and other pop cultural references from 1992, Sandler’s “Thanksgiving Song” is one of Saturday Night Live’s most epic moments, to-date. This sketch helped calcify Adam Sandler as one of the most legendary comedians of today, and well deserved.
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” has been a holiday staple for generations. From its original comic strip beginnings, titled “Peanut,” the classic children’s story has come a long way to millions of living room screens, and people’s hearts. Now whenever we hear “Vince Guaraldi Trio” we’ll think of this special time of year, and for that we’re grateful.
DJ Suede The Remix God and Shirley Caeser, “You Name It! #UNameItChallenge”
This moment started out as simply as it could, with gospel singer Shirley Caesar talking about food she’s grateful for in front of an audience of church-goers. And then, in true millennial fashion, DJ Suede The Remix God made it oh-so-much more. The 2016 clip made waves on social media and caused a Twitter storm of memes all around the U.S.A.
Dido — “Thank You”
Okay, when you think of Dido’s “Thank You” you may not immediately think of a turkey or pumpkin pie, but we can all agree — as far as songs giving thanks go, this one’s at the top of most lists. “Thank You” is about having love that helps you be okay with other things in your life that may not be so good. Sometimes life is hard, but love can make it better. Thanks to Dido for expressing that truth.
Chance-Giving — SNL
Another SNL moment of note, though more recent, Chance the Rapper made everyone laugh with his Chance-Giving monologue where he sang about wonderfully awkward family moments that occur around the family table during Thanksgiving.
What a Wonderful World
Now, Louis Armstrong isn’t the first to sing this positively delightful classic, but his scruffy, heartfelt rendition of “What a Wonderful World” is possibly the most recognizable for most households. Again, though this song isn’t necessarily a “Thanksgiving” song, the theme of giving thanks, peace with what you have, and joy in things we may take for granted is prevalent. It’s quite possibly the most quintessential gratitude-themed song ever, and that’s truly something thankful for.
