Setlist History: Adam Sandler Live Debuts "The Thanksgiving Song"

Adam Sandler live debuted the hilarious "Thanksgiving Song" on SNL on November 21, 1992, less than a year after becoming a cast member.

Sandler along with fellow cast member Kevin Nealon introduced the world to what became the most popular ode to Thanksgiving during the Weekend Update segment during the long-running series' 18th season.

The outrageous melody which includes eating turkey in a big, brown shoe was co-written by Sandler, Robert Smigel and Ian Maxtone-Graham.

Smigel is probably best known as the man behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, but he also co-wrote the film You Don't Mess with the Zohan where Sandler plays a hair stylist and Mariah Carey fan who brings peace to a warring neighborhood.

Kevin Nealon makes a cameo in Zohan.

Maxtone-Graham was a writer on SNL and was snatched up by The Simpsons where he wrote for 17 years and was awarded six Emmys.

While at SNL, Maxtone-Graham also co-wrote "The Hanukkah Song," which quickly became one of that holiday's most beloved tunes.

David Lee Roth and all of the Three Stooges? The things we learn.

One of the funny lines of "The Thanksgiving Song" is when Sandler sings

Eat that turkey
All night long
Fifty million Elvis fans
Can’t be wrong

Sandler is referencing the title of the second volume of RCA's 1959 greatest hits collection of the King's gold records that were recorded from '57-'58.

While the collection isn't all that incredible, as it appeared to be a simple way to get fans who hadn't collected all the singles to buy the LP, the now-iconic album cover and title spawned many copycats and satirists from Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi, Blues Traveler, The Fall, Soulwax and others.

Over the years Sandler has become one of the most successful comedy stars of film and television, but he hasn't forgotten where he came from. He still writes and sings funny, original tunes.

A few years ago he even co-wrote one that has been known to jerk a tear from an unsuspecting audience member or two.

"Chris Farley Song" is a tribute to his former SNL cast member who died in 1997 at just 33 years old. The bittersweet song was the highlight of his 2019 Netflix special, “Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh.”

Sandler still has a number of dates left on his I Missed You Tour where he tells jokes and sings both old and new songs and brings up special guests.


For example (speaking of Elvis), last week at the gig in Indianapolis, SNL alum Rob Schneider grabbed the mic and sang "It's Now or Never" as Kevin James played bongos.

Get your tickets here for the remaining dates of the tour.

Saturday, Dec. 2: Las Vegas — Michelob ULTRA Arena
Sunday, Dec. 3: Salt Lake City — Delta Center
Thursday, Dec. 7: San Antonio — AT&T Center
Friday, Dec. 8: Thackerville, Oklahoma — WinStar Casino
Saturday, Dec. 9: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Paycom Center
Sunday, Dec. 10: Wichita, Kansas — INTRUST Bank Arena
Tuesday, Dec. 12: Denver — Ball Arena

When you go to the show, don't forget your phone, wallet, and keys.

Karma Police - Please Share:

Most played songs

Last updated: 27 Apr 2024, 05:13 Etc/UTC