Delicious Tunes: The Ultimate Playlist of Songs About Food

Are you planning a picnic, a cookout, or just looking for some fun, quirky songs to spice up your music library? Look no further than the world of food-inspired music! From sweet treats to savory dishes, artists have been singing about our favorite eats for decades. If you’re craving a playlist that’s as satisfying as your favorite meal, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a delectable list of Songs About Food, perfect for any occasion where good food and good music are on the menu.

Serving Up Some Musical Dishes: A Genre-Spanning Food Song Feast

The beauty of songs about food is their incredible variety. This isn’t just novelty music; food themes pop up across genres, from classic jazz to modern pop, country twang to indie rock vibes. Whether you’re after literal odes to specific foods or more metaphorical uses of culinary themes, there’s a song out there to whet your appetite.

Pie in the Sky: A Sweet Spot for Songwriters

Let’s start with a classic: pie! There’s something universally comforting and celebratory about pie, and songwriters have certainly taken note. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat pop tunes, pie makes its presence known in surprising and delightful ways.

• “American Pie” – Don McLean: An epic and iconic track, “American Pie” may be more metaphorical in its overall meaning, but the imagery of “American Pie” itself evokes a strong sense of Americana and comforting, familiar flavors.

• “Cherry Pie” – Warrant: On the more rock and roll side, Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” is undeniably catchy and fun. While often interpreted with a more suggestive meaning, the title itself and food references make it a playful addition to a food-themed playlist.

• “Sweet Potato Pie” – Ray Charles: For a soulful and smooth treat, Ray Charles’ “Sweet Potato Pie” is a must-listen. His voice brings warmth and richness, much like a good sweet potato pie itself.

• “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” – The Four Tops: This Motown classic uses sweet treats as terms of endearment. “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” is pure joy and sweetness, perfect for adding a lighthearted touch to your playlist.

• “Country Pie” – Bob Dylan: Leave it to Bob Dylan to bring a unique, folksy take on pie. “Country Pie” is a quirky, fast-paced song that’s as unexpected and charming as a homemade country pie.

• “Pecan Pie” – Golden Smog: For a touch of indie rock sweetness, Golden Smog’s “Pecan Pie” offers a laid-back, melodic ode to this Southern dessert staple.

• “Apple Pie” – “Ode to Billy Joe” – Bobbie Gentry: Featured in the lyrics, “another piece of apple pie” in Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billy Joe” adds a touch of everyday life to a narrative-rich song, grounding the story in relatable, comforting imagery.

• “Shoo-Fly Pie And Apple Pan Dowdy” – (Various Artists): This classic novelty song celebrates two distinct types of pie, “Shoo-Fly” and “Apple Pan Dowdy,” with a catchy and memorable tune.

Image: A still from a performance of “The Frim Fram Sauce” featuring Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

From Fruits to Vegetables: A Balanced Musical Diet

Beyond pie, the musical menu expands to include all sorts of delicious foods. Fruits and vegetables, often overlooked in popular music, get their time to shine in these flavorful tracks.

• “Starfish & Coffee” – Prince: A whimsical and imaginative song, Prince’s “Starfish & Coffee” paints a picture of a child’s breakfast with quirky and unusual food combinations, showcasing Prince’s playful side.

• “Eat the Music” – Kate Bush: Kate Bush, known for her experimental and artistic approach, encourages listeners to “Eat the Music” in this song, suggesting a synesthetic experience where music itself is a form of nourishment.

• “Vegetables” – The Beach Boys: The Beach Boys, in their psychedelic era, surprisingly sang about the joys of “Vegetables,” perhaps as a counter-cultural statement or a playful exploration of healthy eating.

• “Peaches” – The Presidents of the United States of America: This alternative rock hit is simply about “Peaches,” sung in a catchy, repetitive, and undeniably fun way.

• “Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles: Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar” is a sensual and summery song that uses the sweet taste of watermelon as a metaphor for pleasure and good times.

• “It’s CORN” – (Various Artists, popularized by Tariq): This viral sensation, originating from a child’s enthusiastic interview about corn, became a catchy song celebrating the simple joy of eating corn on the cob.

• “Banana Chips” – Shonen Knife: Japanese pop-punk band Shonen Knife brings their signature energy to “Banana Chips,” a fun and upbeat song about this crunchy snack.

• “Avocado Woo Woo” – Tin Men: For a quirky and jazzy instrumental, “Avocado Woo Woo” by Tin Men is a unique and playful tune likely inspired by the popular fruit.

• “Potato Chips” – Slim Gaillard: Slim Gaillard, known for his bebop and scat singing, celebrates “Potato Chips” in this energetic and jazzy number, likely highlighting his love for this popular snack.

• “Jolly Green Giant” – The Kingsmen: This novelty rock and roll song by The Kingsmen humorously references the “Jolly Green Giant,” the mascot for Green Giant vegetables, creating a playful and memorable tune.

Image: A still from Weird Al Yankovic’s music video for “Eat It”, a parody song about food.

Savory Sounds: Main Courses and More

It’s not all sweetness and light in the world of food songs. Many artists delve into the heartier, more savory side of cuisine.

• “Cheeseburger in Paradise” – Jimmy Buffett: Jimmy Buffett’s iconic “Cheeseburger in Paradise” perfectly captures the feeling of craving a simple, delicious cheeseburger and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

• “TV Dinners” – ZZ Top: ZZ Top’s “TV Dinners” rocks out about the less glamorous side of food – the convenience and sometimes questionable quality of TV dinners.

• “Home Cookin'” – Junior Walker: Junior Walker’s “Home Cookin'” is a soulful and upbeat instrumental that evokes the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals.

• “Dinner Bell” – (Various Artists): Songs titled “Dinner Bell” often musically depict the call to mealtime, sometimes with playful or nostalgic tones.

• “Skinhead BBQ” – Dance Hall Crashers: This ska-punk track, “Skinhead BBQ,” by Dance Hall Crashers, uses the imagery of a BBQ in a high-energy, albeit potentially controversial, context (referencing skinhead culture).

• “Eat It” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” “Eat It,” humorously tackles picky eaters and the universal parental plea to “eat your food.”

• “Food, Glorious Food” – (from Oliver!): From the musical “Oliver!”, “Food, Glorious Food” is a boisterous and theatrical ensemble number expressing the longing for food and the stark reality of hunger.

• “Savoy Truffle” – The Beatles: The Beatles’ “Savoy Truffle” is a quirky and somewhat nonsensical song listing various types of chocolates and sweets, possibly inspired by George Harrison’s love of Eric Clapton’s favorite candies.

• “Pollo Asado” – Ween: Ween, known for their genre-bending and experimental music, offers “Pollo Asado,” likely a song inspired by or referencing the popular grilled chicken dish.

• “Shrimp Po Boy, Dressed” – Allen Toussaint: Allen Toussaint’s “Shrimp Po Boy, Dressed” is a New Orleans-flavored track celebrating the iconic sandwich, filled with local culinary pride.

• “Chicken is Nice” – Dave Van Ronk: Dave Van Ronk’s folksy tune “Chicken is Nice” is a straightforward and humorous ode to the simple pleasure of eating chicken.

• “Save The Bones For Henry Jones” – Danny Barker: Danny Barker’s jazzy “Save The Bones For Henry Jones” is a playful song about saving leftovers for a beloved character, likely Henry Jones, emphasizing resourcefulness and community.

• “They All Ask’d For You” – The Meters: The Meters’ funky instrumental “They All Ask’d For You” includes random shout-outs to classic Louisiana dishes, adding a local culinary flavor to the music.

• “Toast” – Streetband: Streetband’s “Toast” is a novelty song that is literally about making toast, with spoken word instructions and humorous observations on the breakfast staple.

• “Eat to the Beat” – Blondie: Blondie’s “Eat to the Beat” is an energetic new wave track using the phrase “eat to the beat” metaphorically, but the title itself brings food imagery into the musical landscape.

• “Fried Neckbones and Some Home Fries” – Willie Bobo: Willie Bobo’s “Fried Neckbones and Some Home Fries” is a soulful jazz track celebrating a specific soul food dish, likely evoking comfort and home-style cooking.

• “Jambalaya on the Bayou” – Hank Williams: Hank Williams’ classic country song “Jambalaya on the Bayou” paints a vivid picture of Louisiana culture, centered around food, including “jambalaya” and “crawfish pie.”

• “Slurf Song” – Michael Hurley: Michael Hurley’s “Slurf Song” is an unusual and whimsical track with “slurf” being a made-up word, possibly food-related in a nonsensical or playful way, typical of Hurley’s style.

• “Eat That Chicken” – Charles Mingus: Charles Mingus, a jazz giant, has a song titled “Eat That Chicken,” which could be interpreted in various ways, from a literal instruction to a more metaphorical or satirical statement.

• “Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band: Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried” is a country anthem celebrating Southern staples like “chicken fried” and “cold beer on a Friday night,” painting a picture of simple, down-home pleasures.

• “Greasy Grit Gravy” – (Various Artists): Songs titled “Greasy Grit Gravy” often evoke Southern cuisine and breakfast traditions, sometimes with bluesy or humorous undertones.

• “Cornbread, Peas and Black Molasses” – Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee’s bluesy track “Cornbread, Peas and Black Molasses” celebrates simple, traditional Southern food, highlighting the flavors of rural life.

• “Beans and Cornbread” – Louis Jordan: Louis Jordan’s jump blues tune “Beans and Cornbread” is an upbeat celebration of this classic soul food combination.

• “Hot Bottom Feeder” – Clutch: Clutch’s “Hot Bottom Feeder” is a hard rock song that uniquely includes a recipe for crab cakes within its lyrics, blending culinary instructions with heavy music.

• “Fish Heads” – Barnes & Barnes: Barnes & Barnes’ novelty song “Fish Heads” is famously bizarre and comedic, with repetitive lyrics focusing solely on “fish heads,” creating a cult classic for its sheer oddity.

• “Bread and Gravy” – Ethel Waters: Ethel Waters’ “Bread and Gravy” is a classic blues or jazz song that likely speaks to simpler times or economic hardship, where “bread and gravy” represent a basic but filling meal.

• “Two Triple Cheese, Side Order of Fries” – (Various Artists): Songs with this title celebrate the quintessential fast food order: “Two Triple Cheese, Side Order of Fries,” often with a rock and roll or diner vibe.

• “Mashed Potatoes” – (Various Artists): Instrumental tracks titled “Mashed Potatoes” are often upbeat and danceable, evoking the popular 1960s dance craze inspired by mashed potatoes.

• “Cornbread” – Lee Morgan: Lee Morgan’s “Cornbread” is a jazz instrumental piece, likely named after cornbread, possibly inspired by its warm, comforting, and perhaps “soulful” qualities.

• “Brown Rice” – Don Cherry: Don Cherry’s “Brown Rice” is a jazz fusion track, possibly named “Brown Rice” to reflect a natural, earthy, or perhaps “healthy” and “organic” musical style.

• “Chicken Teriyaki” – Rosalía: Rosalía’s song “Chicken Teriyaki” blends pop and Latin influences, using “chicken teriyaki” as a catchy and perhaps slightly ironic or modern food reference.

• “Fruit Salad” – Tierra Whack: Tierra Whack’s “Fruit Salad” is likely a playful and experimental hip-hop track, using “fruit salad” as a central theme, possibly metaphorically or simply for its catchy and colorful imagery.

• “Jambalaya” – The Carpenters: The Carpenters’ version of “Jambalaya” brings their signature soft rock sound to this classic tune about Louisiana food and culture.

Image: Harry Nilsson in a performance of his song “Coconut”.

Sweet Metaphors and Culinary Concepts

Sometimes, songs about food aren’t really about food at all. Food can be a powerful metaphor for love, desire, comfort, or even social commentary.

• “Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies: “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies is bubblegum pop at its sweetest, using “sugar” as a metaphor for love and affection in a light and catchy way.

• “Brown Sugar” – The Rolling Stones: The Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar” uses “brown sugar” as a metaphor, often interpreted as referring to a Black woman, with controversial and complex lyrical themes.

• “Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl” – Bessie Smith/Nina Simone: “Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl,” performed by both Bessie Smith and Nina Simone, uses “sugar” in a bluesy and suggestive way, often interpreted as a metaphor for sexual desire.

• “Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows” – Lesley Gore: Lesley Gore’s “Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows” uses sweet treats and imagery to depict pure happiness and optimism, with lollipops representing simple joys.

• “My Boy Lollipop” – Millie Small: Millie Small’s ska hit “My Boy Lollipop” uses “lollipop” as a term of endearment for a boyfriend, creating a sweet and playful romantic metaphor.

• “Candy Shop” – 50 Cent: 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” uses “candy” and a “candy shop” as metaphors for sexual pleasure and desire, with suggestive and explicit lyrics.

• “Pour Some Sugar on Me” – Def Leppard: Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” uses “sugar” as a metaphor for excitement, energy, and perhaps romantic or sexual attraction, in a high-energy rock anthem.

• “Milkshake” – Kelis: Kelis’ “Milkshake” uses “milkshake” as a metaphor for something desirable and attractive, often interpreted as female allure, in a catchy and provocative R&B track.

• “Coconut” – Harry Nilsson: Harry Nilsson’s “Coconut” uses the coconut and lime drink as a central, quirky element in a narrative song about a medical ailment, creating a memorable and slightly absurd tune.

• “Coffee and TV” – Blur: Blur’s “Coffee and TV” uses “coffee and TV” to represent simple comforts and routines in a song about longing and searching for someone.

• “One More Cup of Coffee” – Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan’s “One More Cup of Coffee” uses coffee as a symbol of comfort, conversation, or perhaps a moment of shared intimacy in a complex and evocative song.

• “Java Jive” – The Manhattan Transfer: The Manhattan Transfer’s “Java Jive” is a jazzy ode to coffee, humorously expressing an intense addiction and love for the beverage.

• “Coffee Jim” – Terry Fell: Terry Fell’s “Coffee Jim” is a country or novelty song centered around a character named “Coffee Jim,” likely with coffee being a defining or humorous trait.

• “A Cup Of Coffee, A Sandwich And You” – (Various Artists): Songs with this title often celebrate simple pleasures and companionship, with “a cup of coffee and a sandwich” representing basic comforts shared with a loved one.

• “Grapefruit Diet” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “Grapefruit Diet” humorously tackles fad diets and restrictive eating, using the “grapefruit diet” as a target for satire.

• “Spam” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “Spam” is a humorous song, likely about the canned meat product Spam, possibly commenting on processed foods or consumer culture.

• “Taco Grande” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “Taco Grande” is likely a humorous song referencing or parodying Mexican food, perhaps with comedic or exaggerated food descriptions.

• “My Bologna” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “My Bologna” is a parody of “My Sharona,” changing the focus to “bologna,” likely for comedic effect and food-related humor.

• “Girls Just Want to Have Lunch” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “Girls Just Want to Have Lunch” is a parody of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” humorously shifting the focus to food and lunchtime activities.

• “Living in the Fridge” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “Living in the Fridge” is a comedic song with a surreal concept, imagining living inside a refrigerator, possibly for humorous or absurdist effect.

• “The White Stuff” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “The White Stuff” is a song about Oreos, celebrating the “white stuff” (the cream filling) in a playful and food-centric way.

• “Addicted to Spuds” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “Addicted to Spuds” is a song, presumably humorous, about being addicted to potatoes (“spuds”), likely playing on food cravings and habits.

• “Lasagna” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “Lasagna” is a parody of “La Bamba,” changing the lyrics to be about “lasagna,” creating food-related humor from a popular song.

• “I Love Rocky Road” – Weird Al Yankovic: Weird Al Yankovic’s “I Love Rocky Road” is a parody of “I Love Rock and Roll,” switching the subject to “Rocky Road” ice cream, for food-based comedic lyrics.

• “MacArthur Park” – Donna Summer/Richard Harris: “MacArthur Park,” famously sung by Donna Summer and Richard Harris, contains the memorable line “MacArthur’s Park is melting in the dark,” with “cake” imagery that is often debated for its meaning – possibly about lost love or fleeting moments.

• “Cake by the Ocean” – DNCE: DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean” uses “cake by the ocean” as a nonsensical and catchy phrase, often interpreted as a metaphor for indulgence and carefree fun.

• “Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries” – (Various Artists): “Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries” is a classic song encouraging a lighthearted and optimistic outlook, using “a bowl of cherries” to represent the idea that life is easy and pleasant.

• “If I Had $1,000,000” – Barenaked Ladies: Barenaked Ladies’ “If I Had $1,000,000” lists various whimsical things to buy if they were rich, including “Kraft Dinner” and “fancy ketchups,” adding humor and relatable food references.

• “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee” – Irving Berlin: Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee” is a classic song about finding optimism and togetherness in simple things, like sharing “another cup of coffee.”

• “Hang on Little Tomato” – Pink Martini: Pink Martini’s “Hang on Little Tomato” uses the image of a “tomato” to symbolize resilience and hope, with “hang on little tomato, help is on the way” as a central, encouraging line.

• “The Christians and the Pagans” – Dar Williams: Dar Williams’ “The Christians and the Pagans” is a song about interfaith understanding during the holidays, humorously mentioning “burning pies” as part of the Christmas chaos, adding a relatable domestic detail.

• “MM..FOOD” – MF DOOM: MF DOOM’s album “MM..FOOD” is a concept album where each song title is a food-related term or pun, exploring themes around food, consumerism, and metaphoric wordplay within hip-hop.

• “Junk Food Junkie” – Larry Weiss: Larry Weiss’ “Junk Food Junkie” humorously confesses an addiction to junk food, listing various unhealthy snacks with a catchy and self-deprecating tone.

• “Cognac and Bologna” – Doug and the Slugs: Doug and the Slugs’ song “Cognac and Bologna” has a title that juxtaposes the fancy (“cognac”) and the mundane (“bologna”), possibly as a humorous or ironic statement, though the lyrics might not be explicitly about food.

• “Whipped Cream & Other Delights” – Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass: Herb Alpert’s album “Whipped Cream & Other Delights” features song titles that are almost entirely food-related (“Whipped Cream,” “Tangerine,” “Green Peppers,” etc.), creating a playful and culinary-themed instrumental collection.

Create Your Own Foodie Playlist!

This list is just a starting point, of course. The world of songs about food is vast and varied. Whether you’re looking for a fun picnic soundtrack, some quirky tunes for cooking, or just a reminder of your favorite flavors, exploring songs about food can be a surprisingly delightful musical journey. So go ahead, dig in, and create your own delicious playlist today!