45 Top Songs About Food Or Drink [With Related Recipes]
It’s time for a fun song list.
In case you hadn’t noticed, there are many songs out there about food and drink.
Oftentimes, the reference to food or drink is just a metaphor for something else, and the songs usually have deeper meanings, but we’ll be getting into that too.
Further, you will find links to various recipes throughout, which should take the fun factor to a new level.
So, let’s dig in!
Contents
“Cherry Pie” by Warrant
Song year: 1990
It’s hard not to think of this song when looking back on the history of hair metal, which was about to meet its doom when this song was released.
There aren’t any hidden meanings to “Cherry Pie.” It’s simply a song about being in lust with a girl.
But if you’re interested in making a great cherry pie, here’s a recipe worth checking out.
“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
Song year: 1971
With its trademark chorus, “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is simply unforgettable.
This is the opening track from their 1971 release Sticky Fingers and the lead single.
Mick Jagger wrote most of “Brown Sugar”, apparently using his secret girlfriend and mother of his first child, Marsha Hunt, as inspiration (though its origin is somewhat debated now).
Subversively, “Brown Sugar” may well be one of the dirtiest rock songs of all time. The reason it lives on, however, might have more to do with its musical content as opposed to its lyrical content, which most people aren’t familiar with.
There aren’t any brown sugar recipes that I know of, but I think we can all agree it is a delicious ingredient all by itself.
“American Pie” by Don McLean
Song year: 1971
With references to screaming, crying, dying and more, Don McLean’s “American Pie” hardly seems like a happy song. Yet, without digging a little further into the lyrics, its meaning will prove hard to decipher.
For better or for worse, McLean has avoided most questions to do with the song, suggesting that it’s poetic, which it certainly is.
Through the years, he made some vague claims about it being a tribute to America, as well as Buddy Holly, who tragically died on February 3, 1959 in a plane crash.
In 2015, when the lyrics and notes to the song were auctioned off, it was revealed that it was a song about America heading in the wrong direction. Bummer.
It’s also a near-verbatim retelling of the death of Meredith Hunter, who was killed at the 1969 Altamont Free Concert.
“Cheeseburger In Paradise” by Jimmy Buffet
Song year: 1978
Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger In Paradise” is a Parrot Head anthem, even if at first listen it sounds like a goofy song about an American favorite.
Apparently, the song goes a little deeper. It was inspired by Buffet’s real-life experience. Due to a boating mishap in the Caribbean, he was forced to eat canned food and peanut butter until he reached the island of Tortola, where he promptly ordered a cheeseburger. What a relief.
If your mouth is starting to water, you might want to check out this recipe for an all-American cheeseburger.
“Rock Lobster” by B-52’s
Song year: 1978
There are few songs that characterize new wave music like “Rock Lobster” by the B-52’s, who were clearly the template for 90s Europop group, Aqua as well.
It seems like a goofy song about nothing, which explains its popularity, but of course it isn’t. One readthrough of the lyrics will leave you wondering too.
Apparently, the song was inspired by a discotheque in Atlanta called “2001”. Instead of a light show, the club had a slide show with pictures of puppies, babies and lobsters on a grill.
Either way, it’s clear that this is a bit of an odd one.
There are many lobster recipes out there, of course. Here’s one for lobster tails with garlic lemon butter.
“Red Red Wine” by UB40
Song year: 1983
Originally by Neil Diamond, UB40’s “Red Red Wine” is probably the more popular, more recognized version of the song. Even Diamond himself now opts for UB40’s reggae arrangement when performing it live, instead of the original acoustic ballad arrangement.
The lyrics tell a sad story of a brokenhearted man once in love with a woman he can’t forget… that is, of course, unless he’s drinking red wine. This is a great example of a song with a color in the title.
“Ice Cream Man” by Van Halen
Song year: 1978
“Ice Cream Man” was the 10th track on Van Halen’s legendary, eponymous, debut release, Van Halen.
The song was originally written by John Brim and recorded by Elmore James. The acoustic intro, interestingly, was performed by singer and leadman David Lee Roth himself (instead of guitarist Eddie Van Halen), on an open E tuned guitar.
Not much needs to be said about the lyrics. The narrator is singing to the ladies, letting them know that all his flavors are “guaranteed to satisfy.”
If you’re in the mood for a bit of ice cream, you’ll be glad to know it’s not as hard to make as you might think. Here’s a great ice cream recipe, which only takes about 20 minutes to make.
“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
Song year: 2005
Unlike many of Johnson’s songs, which are about heartbreak and often rich with metaphor, “Banana Pancakes” is a simple song about being in love and wanting to spend all day with that special someone.
Being in love is a great feeling and self-control often goes out the window. That seems to be what this song encapsulates.
Of course, I hardly need to mention that if you’re craving banana pancakes, you’ll find some wonderful recipes out there.
“Black Coffee” by Humble Pie
Song year: 1973
Is this song simply a celebration of black coffee? Hmm… maybe.
I mean, I’m sure there would be more than a few who would cite coffee as a lifesaver. Some of us need it just to get our day started.
“Black Coffee”, however, seems to be making a bit of a statement about racism and multiculturalism. You can’t help but pick up on words like “skin” and “slave” while reading the lyrics.
Either way, this bluesy classic is awesome.
“Tequila Sunrise” by The Eagles
Song year: 1973
The ever popular “Tequila Sunrise” tells the story of a heartbroken man who has trouble letting go of a girl that’s “out runnin’ ‘round.” So, a Tequila Sunrise, in this instance, would basically be waking up after another night of drinking.
This was the first single from the band’s second album Desperado, and it was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, who had yet to collaborate on a song as a songwriting duo.
Tequila Sunrise, of course, refers to a popular cocktail and you can find a recipe here.
“Cola” by Lana Del Rey
Song year: 2012
Here’s a song that tries to be clever but just ends up coming across devious and cringe worthy.
The inspiration came from Lana Del Rey’s Scottish boyfriend Barrie-James O’Neill, who deemed American girls exotic and patriotic.
Without that context, however, the lyrics just have you rolling your eyes endlessly.
But if you’d like to make your own yummy, natural cola, you can find a recipe for that here.
“Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young
Song year: 1969
A relatively straightforward song for Canadian-American singer-songwriter Neil Young, “Cinnamon Girl” has the narrator dreaming of a spicy lady.
To be fair, though, we’re left wondering exactly what a “cinnamon girl” is, and for that matter, what these words refer to: “Pa send me money now / I’m gonna make it somehow.”
Music critics seem equally puzzled, so perhaps it doesn’t matter all that much. It’s kind of a cool song, though. Thanks Young.
“Bloody Mary” by Lady Gaga
Song year: 2011
Many will know that “Bloody Mary” is a cocktail containing vodka, tomato juice and other spices. Of course, the two words juxtaposed conjure up all kinds of religious imagery too.
Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” is obviously aware of this fact, as it makes some rather obvious references to Pontius, crucifixion and Jesus.
From the opening line, the lyrics equate love with religion. And, those themes basically carry throughout. So, I wouldn’t say this song is overly deep.
Of course, if you’d like to make a Blood Mary cocktail, you can find the recipe here.
“Kiwi” by Maroon 5
Song year: 2007
Like most Maroon 5 songs, this one is about being in lust with a girl.
Not much more needs to be said about the rather obvious metaphors. Can you even call it a metaphor when it’s this overt?
The song is kind of catchy though.
“Honey” by Mariah Carey
Song year: 1997
“Honey” a song about being in love.
For a bit of context, Carey started exercising more creative control over her career when she started working on Butterfly. That’s when she began incorporating more of a hip-hop sound into her music.
This is also reflected in who she collaborated with – namely, Q-Tip and Puff Daddy.
A bold move by Carey, but it seems to have paid off.
“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles
Song year: 1967
The Beatles somehow manage to sneak their way into our song list again with “Strawberry Fields Forever”, a song that mainly seems to be about escaping life’s troubles and difficulties.
The song has a rich backstory, which you’re welcome to research and explore on your own time.
But if I were to summarize, it’s basically about longing for the early days of The Beatles, before all the controversy and challenges they encountered. This is still an oversimplification, mind you.
Strawberries are a versatile fruit, so there are many recipes you can explore here.
“Birthday Cake” by Rihanna
Song year: 2011
Like many Rihanna songs, “Birthday Cake” is incredibly repetitive and unrewarding.
And, like Maroon 5’s “Kiwi”, the “metaphor” is eye roll worthy and the lyrics later in the song make it abundantly clear, just in case you were left out of the loop (unlikely).
Not sure you’d even want to eat cake after imagining the unspeakable, but there are some great birthday cake recipes out there.
“Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
Song year: 1987
Not that there are any deep, rich meanings hidden in Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me”, but when it’s this catchy and rich in imagery, it’s far more satisfying than the previous entry on our list.
Odd bit of trivia – “Pour Some Sugar On Me” wasn’t an instant hit, and Hysteria reached number one of the Top Pop Albums chart a year after release.
“Custard Pie” by Led Zeppelin
Song year: 1975
Again, no hidden meanings here. Led Zeppelin’s “Custard Pie” is about being in lust. Enough said.
Custard, however, is delicious and who can resist custard pie?
“Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay
Song year: 2008
“Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay basically seems to be about people who choose an ordinary life. This is in line with these lyrics: “People moving all the time / Inside a perfectly straight line / Don’t you wanna curve away.”
Some have said the song is about the transition from childhood to adulthood and the loss of innocence, which is a common theme in music.
Either way, I wouldn’t call it the most uplifting song in the world.
“My Bacon Roll” by Mark Knopfler
Song year: 2018
A song that mostly seems to be a tribute to the working class. Knopfler apparently overhead a man at a café near the BBC in Portland Place say, “Have you got my roll? My bacon roll?”
It seems he ran with the idea and built an entire story around this man.
Bacon rolls are more popular in the UK, but they do sound delicious, and you can even find recipes online.
“Poundcake” by Van Halen
Song year: 1991
If there’s any song that sums up Sammy Hagar era Van Halen (which some fans refuse to acknowledge), it’s this song, “Poundcake”, which begins with some otherworldly electric drill sounds Eddie achieved by literally holding electric drill up to his guitar’s pickups and activating it.
The mid-tempo rocker by party band Van Halen is mostly sophomoric in nature, however, and it isn’t about anything deep and meaningful.
Pound cake, however, is delicious, and you can find a recipe here.
“Peaches” by The Presidents Of The United States Of America
Song year: 1995
There are a couple of themes that seem to be running through “Peaches.”
The first is the industrialization of farms, which you can gather from these lines: “Peaches come from a can / They were put there by a man / In a factory downtown.”
The second theme is about being in love with someone, which lead singer Chris Ballew has confirmed. He noted that this was a song about a girl he had a crush on and he wrote it under a peach tree she had in her yard while waiting for her to come home so he could tell her he liked her.
“Apples” by Lily Allen
Song year: 2018
Lily Allen’s “Apples” is a song about breaking up. This is evident from the first lines.
The song paints a vivid picture of the progression the relationship went through. But the narrator couldn’t handle it and declares: “I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, suggesting that she grew up in a broken home.
Not a subtle song. Not even clever. But it is vulnerable and honest, so you’ve got to give it that.
“Apples And Oranges” by Pink Floyd
Song year: 1967
“Apples And Oranges” seems to be a song about a girl who has it all together and therefore gets treated well by everyone she meets.
There doesn’t seem to be any deeper meanings and the lyrics mostly seem whimsical anyway.
“Watermelon In Easter Hay” by Frank Zappa
Song year: 1979
Penned by the eccentric but brilliant Frank Zappa, “Watermelon In Easter Hay” is a song from the 1979 concept album Joe’s Garage.
This song finds the main character becoming increasingly depressed about the decline of the music industry. He copes by imagining guitar solos.
Zappa, it seems, was incredibly prophetic in making this observation.
“Mayonaise” by The Smashing Pumpkins
Song year: 1993
Reportedly, songwriter Billy Corgan threw together the lyrics for “Mayonaise” at the last minute. Although somewhat random, Corgan later discovered the song was somehow reflective of his own experience.
I think you’re welcome to attach whatever meaning you want to this beloved Pumpkins classic, which is anything but hopeful and cheery.
And, yes, there are mayonnaise recipes out there, in case you’re interested.
“Vegetables” by The Beach Boys
Song year: 1967
At face value, “Vegetables” is just a goofy song about eating vegetables, perhaps to encourage children to eat more?
Apparently, though, part of what inspired this song is Brian Wilson’s obsession with physical fitness, especially in the late 60s.
Funny how this message doesn’t seem entirely out of place here in 2020, as people begin to place more focus on eating well and staying healthy.
“Hot Dog” by Led Zeppelin
Song year: 1979
“Hot Dog” by Led Zeppelin is about being brokenhearted. It’s about losing someone you loved and feeling like you don’t know what to do.
As with other Zeppelin songs, it seems the title has little to do with the content of the song.
But I could go for a hot dog now. Here’s a killer recipe for a grilled cheese dog.
“Lemon” by U2
Song year: 1993
Bono’s late mother was the inspiration for “Lemon.” Apparently, he received early Super 8 footage of his mother, aged 24, playing a game of rounders in slow motion, in the mail. She was wearing a lemon-colored dress and was a maid of honor at a wedding.
The song, therefore, is about using film to preserve memories. Honestly, maybe it isn’t just about film but about preserving memories in general, as this song seems to.
“Pork And Beans” by Weezer
Song year: 2008
At base, a mundane and unappealing sounding title, “Pork And Beans” is a song about trying to keep up with the trends and staying young.
Simultaneously, the chorus sems to contradict this notion, declaring: “One look in the mirror and I’m tickled pink / I don’t give a hoot about what you think.”
Lead singer and guitarist Rivers Cuomo has stated that the song was a reaction to a meeting he had with Geffen executives who suggested the band create more commercially viable material. Cuomo left feeling angry, but it inspired this song, so he had the last laugh.
Of course, you can find pork and beans recipes out there too.
“Burrito” by Seether
Song year: 2005
The song’s title doesn’t appear in the lyrics but is clearly a reference to the idea that the narrator wants to hide from the world.
“My hands are stained with scum / Wish I could wash it away” indicates that the narrator may have been an unwilling accomplice in a wrongdoing. It’s possible he stood by and watched as someone he knew did something he didn’t agree with.
This makes “Burrito” a rather haunting song, as we don’t know what happened or what went wrong. All we know is that the narrator feels guilty and wants to be hated.
A burrito, however, sounds good just about now, and there are some burrito recipes out there.
“Breakfast In America” by Supertramp
Song year: 1979
As far as I can tell, “Breakfast In America” is primarily about being unhappy in a relationship and wanting to escape from it to find something better.
Another interpretation (although similar to my initial observation), is that it’s a song about wanting to leave your country to see America.
If you’ve ever fantasized about being somewhere else, then this is your song.
“Ice Cream” by Sarah Mclachlan
Song year: 1994
Just a simple song about being in love, Mclachlan compares her special someone to ice cream and chocolate and says he’s better than either.
I suppose you could say it’s a commentary on the addictive nature of relationships.
Anyway, it’s a sweet sentiment (pun intended).
“Wine After Whiskey” by Carrie Underwood
Song year: 2012
The title kind of says it all, don’t you think? “Wine After Whiskey” is about drinking away your pain after a breakup.
And, in this case the narrator is having trouble letting go because the love she experienced was nothing like she’d ever experienced before.
If you don’t get the reference, however, it’s basically saying that mixing drinks generally gives you the worst hangover of all. Take note.
“Dinner Bell” by They Might Be Giants
Song year: 1992
They Might Be Giants songs are often intellectual and open to interpretation and that’s what makes them fun!
If I were to take my own stab at what this song is about, I would say it’s about Pavlovian conditioning. The tendency for society to accept things as they are and do what they’re told. They don’t have their own opinion about anything and they’re just waiting for the higher ups to tell them what they should want.
Zombies aren’t coming. They’re real!
“Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” by Hank Williams
Song year: 1952
Not much more to say here – this is a song about partying, fishing and falling in love.
Of course, if you’d like to make yourself some jambalaya, you can find a great recipe here.
“Supper’s Ready” by Genesis
Song year: 1972
The wordy “Supper’s Ready” is anything but an ordinary song with a simplistic message. Of course, that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering who authored it.
The Biblical references give you a bit of an idea that it’s a song about the end times, as detailed in the book of Revelation.
Peter Gabriel basically described it as a personal journey through the book of Revelation. I wonder what was happening in Gabriel’s life that prompted him to say that?
“Sukiyaki” by Kyu Sakamoto
Song year: 1961
This Japanese classic has little to do with sukiyaki, which is a Japanese hot pot (and it is delicious). The literal translation of the original song title is “I Look Up As I Walk.”
This would be the equivalent of saying “hold your head up high” even when you’re going through hardship, in Western culture.
The song is about the loneliness one experiences after going through breakup.
You can learn how to make sukiyaki here.
“The White Stuff” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Song year: 1992
This list would simply feel incomplete without an entry from parodist “Weird Al” Yankovic, who probably has more songs to do with food or drink than just about anyone else.
“The White Stuff” is a parody of boy band New Kids On The Block’s “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and is a tribute to Oreo cookies.
For those who love Oreos (and even cookies in general), you’ll be glad to know that recipes for homemade Oreos do exist.
And, maybe like “Weird Al”, you’ll feel like singing the praises of these delicious cookies while eating them.
“Eggs And Sausage (In A Cadillac With Susan Michelson)” by Tom Waits
Song year: 1975
I can only imagine this is a song about being in the working class and having trouble finding a job. It certainly paints a good picture of what it’s like to eat in a diner.
And, while you may not need a recipe for eggs and sausage, here’s one for sausage, egg and cheddar farmer’s breakfast.
“Soup Is Good Food” by Dead Kennedys
Song year: 1985
Dead Kennedys’ “Soup Is Good Food” is a song about how computers are taking over the working class and how human beings are obsolete next to the machines.
It’s also a commentary on the pharmaceutical industry and how there is no room for someone who’s depressed. If you’re not feeling right, you are given a prescription.
The Dead Kennedys were quite prophetic, it seems.
They are also right that soup is good food. Here’s a recipe for carrot ginger soup.
“Chocolate Cake” by Crowded House
Song year: 1991
This is one of those songs that the artist obviously left open to interpretation.
One interpretation that immediately came to mind for me is that it’s a satire for the middle class. A “cheap Picasso fake” would suggest that people are just trying to look good when they can’t afford the lifestyle they’re trying to model.
Another interpretation is that the song is basically saying people don’t appreciate real art. They just go along to get along and go with the masses. Thus, “chocolate cake”, which tastes delicious but has no apparent nutritional value.
If you’re still in the mood for chocolate cake, however, here’s a recipe.
“Dinner For Two” by David Byrne & St. Vincent
Song year: 2012
I take this song to mean that the truth is being hidden from us. We’ve been invited to a “dinner”, a pleasant gathering that’s nothing more than a distraction. But just outside the window, it’s total chaos. The reference to never being alone basically points to the idea that we are always being spied on.
Some sources simply described it as a song about life during wartime, but isn’t that all the time? There is always some kind of war going on.
“Eat At Home” by Paul McCartney
Song year: 1971
One of the world’s most successful songwriters, ladies and gentlemen. But this is one of those songs that will make you go “really, Paul?”
The lyrics are repetitive and don’t tell much of a story. It’s just about being in love with someone and wanting to spend time with them.
I guess we could say it’s genius if it was foreshadowing the bubblegum pop that was to come on its heels.
Anyway, the music is great.
Songs About Food & Drink, Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed this journey down food and beverage lane. I know I had a lot of fun!
Are there any songs we missed? Anything you felt should have been included? What recipes did you like most?
