Food and music – two universal languages that bring people together. What better way to enhance your next meal or picnic than with a soundtrack dedicated to our favorite subject: food! From playful pop songs mentioning sweet treats to soulful blues numbers lamenting hunger, music has long celebrated the culinary world. Whether you’re actually cooking, planning a menu, or just in the mood for some tasty tunes, this curated list of Songs About Food is sure to satisfy your appetite for great music.
Sweet Sensations: Songs About Candy and Desserts
Let’s start with the sweet stuff! Songs about desserts and candies are plentiful, often used metaphorically for love and desire, but always fun and catchy.
- “Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies: An undeniably feel-good bubblegum pop classic. This song is pure musical candy, perfect for a lighthearted mood.
- “Candy Shop” – 50 Cent (and various covers): While often interpreted with a more adult theme, the literal imagery of a candy shop is still vivid and playful, making it a surprising addition to a food-themed playlist.
- “Lollipop” – The Chordettes or Millie Small: Whether you interpret it literally or figuratively, “My Boy Lollipop” is an iconic tune with a sweet treat at its heart.
- “I Love Rocky Road” – “Weird Al” Yankovic: “Weird Al” brilliantly parodies Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” turning it into an ode to the joys of Rocky Road ice cream. It’s hilarious and undeniably about food.
- “Popsicle” – Jan & Dean: Surf rock meets summer treats! This song evokes sunny days and the simple pleasure of a cold popsicle.
- “Cherry Pie” – Warrant: A classic rock anthem where “cherry pie” is definitely a metaphor, but it’s a food metaphor nonetheless, and the song is undeniably energetic.
- “Sweet Potato Pie” – Ray Charles or Domino: Soulful and smooth, these versions celebrate the comforting goodness of sweet potato pie. Ray Charles’ rendition adds a layer of bluesy sweetness.
Savory Sounds: Songs About Meals and Specific Dishes
From fruits and vegetables to full meals, many songs dive into the more savory side of the culinary spectrum.
- “American Pie” – Don McLean: A legendary and lengthy ballad, “American Pie” uses food imagery, though symbolically, to reflect on American culture and loss.
- “Cheeseburger in Paradise” – Jimmy Buffett: The ultimate song for anyone craving a cheeseburger. Buffett perfectly captures the desire for simple pleasures and comfort food.
- “TV Dinners” – ZZ Top: A bluesy rock track lamenting the state of processed food. ZZ Top brings their signature sound to this humorous commentary on TV dinners.
- “Eat It” – “Weird Al” Yankovic: Another “Weird Al” gem, this time parodying Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and humorously encouraging picky eaters to just “Eat It!”
- “Vegetables” – The Beach Boys: A psychedelic pop song promoting healthy eating in a whimsical Beach Boys style.
- “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” – Hank Williams: A country classic that paints a vivid picture of Louisiana cuisine and culture, mentioning crawfish pie, filé gumbo, and jambalaya.
- “Fried Neckbones and Some Home Fries” – Willie Bobo: An instrumental jazz-funk tune with a mouthwatering title that speaks for itself.
- “Grits Ain’t Groceries” – Little Milton: A bluesy declaration of love using a food metaphor, highlighting that true affection is more than just superficial things (or grits!).
- “Hot Bottom Feeder” – Clutch: A hard rock song that surprisingly includes a crab cake recipe within the lyrics! It’s a unique and unexpected culinary-musical blend.
- “Beans and Cornbread” – Louis Jordan: A jump blues tune celebrating a simple, classic Southern meal.
Drinks and Dishes: Beverage-Inspired Ballads
Don’t forget the drinks! Many songs focus on beverages, from coffee to cocktails, often setting the mood and adding flavor to our playlists.
- “Coffee and TV” – Blur: A Britpop classic using coffee and TV as metaphors for comfort and routine in everyday life.
- “Java Jive” – The Manhattan Transfer: A jazzy and upbeat ode to coffee, expressing an almost addictive love for the beverage.
- “Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles: A more suggestive song, but the prominent mention of watermelon sugar makes it relevant to a food playlist, especially for summer vibes.
- “Coconut” – Harry Nilsson: A quirky and fun song about putting lime in a coconut, perfect for a tropical-themed picnic or party.
- “Milk and Cereal” – G. Love & Special Sauce: A laid-back and groovy track about the simple pleasure of starting the day with milk and cereal.
Pie in the Sky (and in Songs!)
Since the original request mentioned pie specifically, we can’t forget these pie-centric tunes:
- “American Pie” – Don McLean: Already mentioned, but deserves repeating due to its iconic status and pie reference.
- “Apple Pie” – Traditional/Folk (mentioned in “Ode to Billy Joe”): While “Ode to Billy Joe” is not about apple pie, the lyric highlights the comforting presence of this dessert in everyday life.
- “Country Pie” – Bob Dylan: A whimsical and folksy tune with playful lyrics revolving around country pie.
- “Pecan Pie” – Golden Smog: An Americana-tinged song that’s as warm and comforting as pecan pie itself.
- “Shoo Fly Pie” – Traditional/Big Band (e.g., Dinah Shore): A classic novelty song with a catchy tune and a focus on the tempting Shoo Fly Pie.
- “Pie for Breakfast” – The Brothers Comatose: A bluegrass-infused song celebrating the delightful idea of having pie for breakfast – pure indulgence!
- “Making Pies” – Patty Griffin: A more introspective and poignant song where making pies becomes a metaphor for life and love.
This list is just a starting point, of course. The world of music is filled with delicious references to food. So, get ready to spice up your picnic, cooking session, or simply your day with these tasty tunes about food. Create your own food-themed playlist and enjoy the delightful pairing of music and meals!
