It is still November, but you can already hear Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” blaring from every Court Street bar and every girl’s dorm room, all over campus. There is nothing wrong with this, of course. I love singing that and many other Christmas carols, off-key at the top of my lungs.
Truth be told, I’m not perfect; I sometimes listen to “Santa Baby” in July. But as we get caught up in all the holly jolliness of the upcoming Christmas season, I believe that we are overlooking a hidden gem, if you will: Thanksgiving carols.
On an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, pop-star Meghan Trainer mocked this idea. Her Thanksgiving parody covered all the bases. From your racist grandmother to your canceled flight, she really captures the Thanksgiving spirit. Your uncle that hates Obama, your mom that obsesses over leftovers and the fact that you just want to leave and get drunk with your friends are some more ridiculously relatable aspects.
However, some people take this wonderful holiday seriously. “Come, Ye Thankful People Come” is a fun holiday hymn. “Simple Gifts” may be from 1848, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be what the cool kids get down to. If you want your children to join in your rejoicing, try “Ten Little Turkeys” or “Thanksgiving Feast” from Children’s Favorite Autumn Songs by The Learning Station.
Although these classics should not be overlooked, I guess what I’m saying to all the aspiring musicians out there is do not let this nearly untapped market pass you by.
Where are the songs about the highly commercialized parade where 50 people hold up balloons and C-list celebrities lip-synch on floats? How about people attacking each other in Walmart, on Black Friday? Or the fact that we all have that one relative that eats all the appetizers before anyone else gets there?
There is just so much Thanksgiving song material, and frankly, I’m a little bit disappointed in the lack of ambition in the music industry right now. Come on guys, the world is waiting.
The sleigh bell thing has been overdone. This vegetarian wants to hear a song about a turkey.
Halle Weber is a freshman studying journalism with a focus in news and information at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving Carol? Let Halle know by emailing or tweeting her at hw422715@ohio.edu or @HalleWeber13, respectively.
