Food has been a huge part of our lives forever. It’s not surprising that art across cultures and history often shows food. Even way back in ancient Greece and Rome, they were all about banquets and parties, and that love for food was celebrated in their art.
Food art is a form of art that uses food, drinks, or edible items as the main focus or material for artistic expression. Its goal is to create visually appealing displays or offer social commentary through the representation of food.
And guess what? Food isn’t just in paintings or literature. It’s in pop songs too! We’ve put together a playlist of 21 songs that are all about food in this article.
Contents
- 21 Songs About Food
- 1. “American Pie” by Don McLean
- 2. “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
- 3. “Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young
- 4. “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
- 5. “Savoy Truffle” by The Beatles
- 6. “Custard Pie” by Led Zeppelin
- 7. “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay
- 8. “Poundcake” by Van Halen
- 9. “My Bacon Roll” by Mark Knopfler
- 10. “Meat Is Murder” by The Smiths
- 11. “Sugar” by Maroon 5
- 12. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
- 13. “Honey” by Moby
- 14. “Peaches ‘n’ Cream” by Snoop Dogg
- 15. “Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s
- 16. “Egg Man” by The Beastie Boys
- 17. “Mayonaise” by The Smashing Pumpkins
- 18. “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard
- 19. “Mother Popcorn” by James Brown
- 20. “Ice Cream Man” by Blur
- 21. “Ham ‘n’ Eggs” by A Tribe Called Quest
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
- Listen on Other Music Streaming Platforms
21 Songs About Food
1. “American Pie” by Don McLean
“American Pie” by Don McLean is a legendary folk rock song that serves as a poignant reflection on the changing cultural landscape in the United States during the late 1950s and 1960s.
Released in 1971, the song is renowned for its vivid storytelling and cryptic lyrics that allude to historical events, cultural shifts, and the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, an event often referred to as “The Day the Music Died.”
While “American Pie” doesn’t prominently feature references to food, it does contain a metaphorical line that includes a mention of whiskey, which is often associated with drink:
“Drove my Chevy to The Levee, but The Levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey in Rye
And singin’, ‘This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die.'”
In this excerpt, the mention of whiskey in Rye is part of the broader narrative, symbolizing a moment frozen in time and contributing to the song’s rich, layered storytelling.
The song primarily uses food and drink as metaphorical elements rather than focusing on them directly, emphasizing the broader themes of loss, cultural change, and the end of an era.
2. “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson is a laid-back acoustic track that exudes a cozy and carefree vibe. The song is known for its relaxed melody and soothing vocals, making it a perfect tune for lazy mornings or unwinding moments.
In the song, Johnson sings about the simple joys of staying indoors and enjoying quality time with a loved one. The reference to food, particularly banana pancakes, adds to the song’s charm and warmth. Here are some lyrics from the song that mention food:
“Maybe we could sleep in
Make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it’s the weekend now”
These lyrics encapsulate the idea of taking it easy, savoring the moment, and indulging in the pleasure of making banana pancakes as a way to create a weekend-like atmosphere, regardless of the actual day of the week.
3. “Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young
“Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young is a timeless classic that emerged from his 1969 album “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere,” marking the beginning of his collaboration with the band Crazy Horse. The song is renowned for its hypnotic guitar riff and dreamy lyrics, creating an iconic piece in the folk-rock genre.
The lyrics of “Cinnamon Girl” convey a sense of romantic longing and yearning. Neil Young wrote the song with inspiration drawn from a city girl he envisioned, described as a “cinnamon girl.” The term “cinnamon girl” is open to interpretation, suggesting warmth, sweetness, or perhaps exotic allure.
Here are some lyrics from the song that touch on elements related to food:
“I wanna live with a cinnamon girl
I could be happy the rest of my life with a cinnamon girl”
While the lyrics may not explicitly delve into the realm of food, the use of “cinnamon” in the context of a relationship adds a flavorful and sensory element to the song. Cinnamon is often associated with warmth, sweetness, and comfort, making it a fitting metaphor for the desired qualities in a romantic partner.
4. “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock classic that was released as the opening track and lead single from their 1971 album, “Sticky Fingers.” Written primarily by Mick Jagger, the song has a gritty and bluesy sound that characterized much of the band’s work. However, it’s important to note that the lyrics of “Brown Sugar” are controversial and touch on themes of slavery, racism, and sexual exploitation.
The song opens with vivid imagery of a gold coast slave ship bound for cotton fields, reflecting the grim history of the transatlantic slave trade. The lyrics also delve into the exploitation of black women, using the metaphor of “brown sugar” to allude to both the sweetness and the exploitation associated with the objectification of black people.
While the song is not about food in the literal sense, the repeated refrain “Brown sugar, how come you taste so good?” employs the metaphor of sugar to convey a certain allure or temptation. This metaphor, along with the imagery of a “scarred old slaver” and references to midnight activities, contributes to the controversial and complex nature of the song’s lyrics.
5. “Savoy Truffle” by The Beatles
“Savoy Truffle” is indeed a unique and playful song by George Harrison from The Beatles’ White Album. The lyrics are distinctive for their reference to various flavors of chocolates, creating a whimsical and slightly cautionary tale about the consequences of indulging in too many sweets. The song reflects Harrison’s desire to move away from his “Mystical Beatle George” image and contribute lighthearted songs without profound messages.
The lyrics mention specific chocolate flavors such as “Creme tangerine and montelimat,” “ginger sling with a pineapple heart,” “cool cherry cream,” and “coconut fudge.” These confectionery names are inspired by a box of Mackintosh’s Good News chocolates, with some being real flavors and others created by Harrison based on the flavors listed inside the box’s lid.
The theme of the song centers around the idea that indulging in too many sweets, as suggested by the various chocolate flavors, could lead to dental problems. The mention of having “them all pulled out after the Savoy truffle” serves as a humorous and cautionary note about the potential consequences of overindulgence.
The lyrics also touch upon the concept of the impact of what one consumes on their identity: “You know that what you eat you are, but what is sweet now turns so sour.” This line suggests a broader reflection on the consequences of one’s actions and choices.
Overall, “Savoy Truffle” showcases George Harrison’s wit and creativity, and it’s a notable example of the diverse range of styles and themes explored by The Beatles during their career.
6. “Custard Pie” by Led Zeppelin
“Custard Pie” by Led Zeppelin is a track off their sixth studio album, “Physical Graffiti,” released in 1975. Known for its bluesy rock style and suggestive lyrics, the song is a flavorful mix of metaphorical language and innuendo, much like a culinary creation that leaves a lasting impression.
The lyrics playfully intertwine themes of desire and indulgence, using food metaphors to convey a sense of pleasure. In the midst of Robert Plant’s distinctive vocals and the band’s energetic instrumentation, the repeated references to a “custard pie” add a distinct and memorable flavor to the song. Here’s a snippet of the lyrics that serves up a musical feast:
“Your custard pie, yeah, sweet and nice
When you cut it, mama, save me a slice
Your custard pie, I declare, it’s sweet and nice
I Like your custard pie
When you cut it, mama mama, please save me a slice”
With its bluesy groove and playful lyrics, “Custard Pie” showcases Led Zeppelin’s ability to weave together diverse influences, creating a musical experience that’s as satisfying as a well-prepared dish.
7. “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay
“Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay is a song known for its melodic and soothing qualities. The lyrics depict a serene scene on a strawberry swing, capturing moments of precious time and conversation. The repetition of the phrase “Cold, cold water” suggests a refreshing and invigorating feeling, emphasizing the sensory experience.
The mention of a “perfect day” adds to the overall positive and uplifting theme of the song. The lyrics convey a sense of appreciation for simple joys, such as walking up to the strawberry swing and anticipating the morning. There’s also a subtle hint of nostalgia, as the singer reminisces about a time when everything seemed perfect and unchanging.
The lines “Now the sky could be blue, I don’t mind / Without you, it’s a waste of time” suggest that the presence of a special someone enhances the beauty of the world. The color blue is often associated with calm and tranquility, and the absence of this person makes everything seem dull and meaningless.
8. “Poundcake” by Van Halen
“Poundcake” by Van Halen is a rock song that reflects the band’s signature sound and style. The lyrics seem to celebrate and praise a woman who embodies certain qualities, emphasizing the importance of genuine and traditional values. The metaphor of “poundcake” is used to describe a woman who is wholesome, soulful, and has a down-to-earth quality.
The song expresses a preference for a woman who possesses a certain authenticity and simplicity, rejecting what is perceived as trendy or superficial. The reference to “poundcake” as a “long-lost recipe” suggests a nostalgia for a bygone era and a desire for something real and enduring.
Musically, “Poundcake” features Van Halen’s distinctive guitar-driven sound, with Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work being a prominent and defining element of the track. The song’s energetic and upbeat tempo contributes to its overall lively and catchy feel.
9. “My Bacon Roll” by Mark Knopfler
“My Bacon Roll” by Mark Knopfler is a track from his ninth solo studio album, “Down the Road Wherever,” released in 2018. Knopfler weaves a tale that touches on various aspects of life, including work, changes, and personal reflections.
The title itself, “My Bacon Roll,” adds a touch of colloquialism, suggesting a down-to-earth and relatable theme. In the lyrics, there are references to food, adding a culinary flavor to the narrative. Knopfler humorously contemplates a preference for a bacon roll, a classic and comforting dish, creating a relatable and cozy atmosphere within the song.
Here are some relevant lyrics about food from the song:
“S’cuse me, s’cuse me
Have you got my roll?
My roll? My bacon roll?”
The lyrics not only delve into the realm of work and life changes but also incorporate the simple pleasures of everyday experiences, like enjoying a bacon roll.
10. “Meat Is Murder” by The Smiths
“Meat Is Murder,” like much of the band’s work, contains strong and provocative themes. In this case, it addresses the ethical and moral concerns surrounding the consumption of meat and animal cruelty.
The lyrics depict the process of killing animals for meat, describing the cries of a heifer and the act of slaughtering a beautiful creature. The repeated refrain “And death for no reason is murder” emphasizes the idea that killing animals for consumption, especially when it’s not a necessity, is a form of unjustified violence.
The song goes on to criticize the way people often ignore or downplay the reality of where their food comes from, describing the kitchen aromas associated with cooking meat as not being “homely” or “comforting.” The lyrics challenge the notion that eating meat is natural or normal, highlighting the brutality of the process with phrases like “sizzling blood” and the “unholy stench of murder.”
The closing lines, “Oh…and who hears when animals cry?” further underscore the plea for empathy and consideration toward the suffering of animals in the meat industry.
11. “Sugar” by Maroon 5
“Sugar” by Maroon 5 is a pop song with a catchy and upbeat tune. It was released as the third single from the band’s fifth studio album, “V,” in 2014. The song was written by Mike Posner, Adam Levine, Dr. Luke, and Jacob Kasher Hindlin, and produced by Ammo and Cirkut. The lyrics, penned by Adam Levine, convey a sense of longing and desire for a romantic interest.
The chorus of the song features the repeated request for “sugar” from the romantic interest, using the term metaphorically to imply a desire for intimacy. The lyrics express vulnerability and a need for love and connection. The line “I want that red velvet, I want that sugar sweet” is a notable lyric that Jon Caramanica of The New York Times highlighted as an example of the song’s suggestive language.
The overall tone of “Sugar” is fun and lighthearted, and it incorporates elements of disco, funk-pop, and soul, as reflected in its instrumentation, which includes percussion, keyboards, and guitars.
12. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard is a high-energy rock anthem that has become synonymous with the spirited sound of the 1980s. Released in 1987 as part of their iconic album “Hysteria,” the song is known for its infectious melody, catchy lyrics, and the unmistakable vocals of lead singer Joe Elliott. While the lyrics predominantly convey a sense of desire and excitement, it’s interesting to note that the metaphor of sugar is employed throughout the song.
The title itself, “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” conjures images of sweetness and indulgence, and the lyrics playfully incorporate elements that evoke a sense of pleasure.
The line “Livin’ like a lover with a radar phone” and “Demolition woman, can I be your man?” suggest a glamorous and exhilarating lifestyle. The repeated invitation to “Pour some sugar on me” is a metaphorical request for adding sweetness and intensity to the experience of love.
13. “Honey” by Moby
“Honey” by Moby is a track that blends electronic beats with soulful samples, creating a unique and captivating sound. Released as the lead single from his fifth studio album “Play” in 1998, the song incorporates samples from the 1960 recording “Sometimes” by American blues singer Bessie Jones.
Moby discovered “Sometimes” on a folk music collection compiled by Alan Lomax, and he skillfully crafted “Honey” around the vocal samples from Jones’ original song.
The lyrics of “Honey” are minimalistic, often repeating phrases and rhythms. While the song doesn’t explicitly focus on food, the repeated mention of “honey” in the lyrics could evoke a sense of sweetness and warmth. Honey, being a natural sweetener, is often associated with comfort and pleasure, and the repetition of the word in the following lyrics adds a rhythmic and melodic element:
“Get my honey come back, sometimes
I wanna rap like that, sometimes
I get a hump in my back, sometimes
I’m going over here, sometimes”
14. “Peaches ‘n’ Cream” by Snoop Dogg
“Peaches ‘n’ Cream” is a lively song by Snoop Dogg featuring Charlie Wilson, released on March 10, 2015, as part of Snoop’s album “Bush.” The track combines hip-hop vibes with funky R&B elements, creating a catchy and energetic atmosphere.
The lyrics of “Peaches ‘n’ Cream” incorporate a playful and flirtatious theme, and while the title suggests a connection to a dessert, the actual content of the song focuses more on the irresistible allure of a woman rather than food.
In the following lyrics, we can see that the phrase “Peaches and cream” is used metaphorically to describe the girl’s attractiveness and confidence:
“She’s ’bout to go in
She likes that low end
Damn, her ass is so big
Just keep it bumping Peaches and cream”
15. “Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s
“Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s is a lively and eccentric song that was released in 1978 as the band’s debut single. Written by Fred Schneider and Ricky Wilson, the song talks about a beach party, featuring playful references to various marine animals, both real and imagined.
While the lyrics don’t specifically focus on food, there’s a humorous mention of a party where someone’s earlobe falls into the deep, only to be discovered as a “rock lobster.” The narrator sings:
“We were at a party
His earlobe fell in the deep
Someone reached in and grabbed it
It was a rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster”
16. “Egg Man” by The Beastie Boys
“Egg Man” by The Beastie Boys is a lively and eccentric track from their 1989 album “Paul’s Boutique.” The song showcases the Beastie Boys’ trademark blend of humor, wordplay, and funky beats. In “Egg Man,” the trio introduces us to a mischievous character called the Egg Man, who engages in egg-related antics throughout the lyrics.
The song opens with the narrator spotting the Egg Man through a window, launching eggs at him using a slingshot. The Egg Man becomes a symbol of irreverence, and the lyrics describe how he creatively uses eggs in various situations. The chorus emphasizes his role as the “King of the town” who is always ready to throw eggs, creating a playful and rebellious atmosphere.
While the song primarily revolves around the Egg Man character, it also features references to food, particularly eggs. Lines like “The egg, a symbol of life,” and “I go inside your house and bust out your wife, I pulled out the jammy, he thought it was a joke, The trigger, I pulled his face, the yolk” playfully incorporate food elements into the narrative.
17. “Mayonaise” by The Smashing Pumpkins
“Mayonaise” is a song by The Smashing Pumpkins from their second album, Siamese Dream, released in 1993. The band found the title amusing after a mistranslation in Japan, where a lyric from their previous album, Gish, was translated as “mayonnaise seas.” This inspired them to use “Mayonaise” as a temporary title for a new song, and it stuck.
The lyrics express a mix of emotions, touching on themes of love, pain, and self-reflection. The singer reflects on being almost foolish and nearly understanding things, while also acknowledging the difficulty of escaping sorrow. The song talks about trying to ease the pain, the passage of time, and the struggles of life.
The repeated phrase “When I can, I will” suggests a desire for understanding and change, even though it may not happen immediately. The lyrics also mention sending a heart to loved ones during dreary times and express a sense of being rumored or misunderstood.
18. “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard
“Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard is a classic rock and roll song that was written in 1955. It’s known for its energetic and upbeat style, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the rock and roll genre. The song features Little Richard’s distinctive vocal style and exuberant lyrics.
The title, “Tutti Frutti,” is Italian for “all fruits,” and the lyrics include playful references to food. Here’s a snippet from the song:
“Wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie
Tutti frutti, oh rootie”
The inclusion of “Tutti frutti” in the lyrics adds a lively and colorful element to the song, making it a fun and memorable piece in the history of rock and roll.
19. “Mother Popcorn” by James Brown
“Mother Popcorn (You Got to Have a Mother for Me)” by James Brown is a lively and energetic song released in 1969. It became a #1 hit on the R&B charts and reached #11 on the Pop charts. The song is part of a series of recordings inspired by the popular dance craze, the Popcorn.
The title, “Mother Popcorn,” may sound a bit quirky, but in the context of the song, “mother” is James Brown’s playful way of referring to a woman with a big and attractive figure.
In the song, Brown sings about different body types, expressing his personal likes and dislikes. The lyrics mention liking them “fat and tall” or “short, skinny legs, and all.” The upbeat and rhythmic nature of the song, combined with Brown’s dynamic delivery, makes it a classic funk tune.
20. “Ice Cream Man” by Blur
“Ice Cream Man” by Blur is a playful and whimsical song that captures the essence of the ice-cream man’s magical presence at the end of the road.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the ice-cream man arriving at a party, freezing everyone with his magical whip, and offering a variety of imaginative ice cream flavors like scribble, chocolate chip, and umbrella. The narrator sings:
“Here comes the ice-cream man
Parked at the end of the road
With a swish of his magic whip
All the people in the party froze
Scribble, chocolate chip, umbrella and his white glove and
Shade from the sun was his intention”
21. “Ham ‘n’ Eggs” by A Tribe Called Quest
“Ham ‘n’ Eggs” by A Tribe Called Quest is a track from their debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm,” released in 1990.
The song is known for its playful and humorous take on food choices, specifically addressing the members’ decision to avoid ham and eggs due to concerns about cholesterol. The band sings:
“I don’t eat no ham n’ eggs, ’cause they’re high in cholesterol
A yo, Phife do you eat em? No, Tip do you eat em?
Uh huh, not at all(again)
I don’t eat no ham n’ eggs, ’cause they’re high in cholesterol
Jarobi, do you eat em? Nope, Shah, do you eat em? (Nope)
Not at all”
In the song, the members, including Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, discuss their dietary habits. They emphasize a diet that includes collard greens, asparagus, candied yams, and occasional steak. The lyrics also touch on snacks and treats:
“Strictly collard greens and a occasional steak
Goes on my plate
Asparagus tips look yummy, yummy, yummy
Candied yams inside my tummy
A collage of good eats, some snacks or nice treats”
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Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.