Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support overall health and wellbeing. In addition to their nutritional benefits, vegetables have also inspired countless musicians and songwriters over the years, resulting in a diverse range of tracks that celebrate the beauty and complexity of the humble vegetable. From the catchy funk of “Pass the Peas” by The J.B.’s to the politically charged hip-hop of “Cauliflower” by Dan le Sac Vs. Scroobius Pip, there is no shortage of creative and engaging tracks that showcase the versatility and appeal of vegetables in music.
This top 20 songs about vegetables spans multiple genres and decades, offering a unique and diverse exploration of the topic. From the psychedelic rock of “Vegetables” by The Beach Boys to the introspective folk of “Carrot Rope” by Pavement, each track offers a unique perspective on the role of vegetables in our lives and the cultural significance they hold. Whether you’re a fan of classic funk, indie rock, or experimental hip-hop, there is something in this list for everyone. So sit back, grab a vegetable snack, and enjoy the delightful sounds of 20 Songs About Vegetables.
1. “Pea” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Pea” is a short, quirky and upbeat track by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, taken from their 1999 album, “Californication”. Clocking in at just over a minute, the song is driven by a catchy bassline and funky guitar riffs, accompanied by singer Anthony Kiedis’ unique vocal delivery. The lyrics are somewhat nonsensical, with Kiedis singing about being “a little pea”, a “happy bumblebee” and a “cute little clown”. The overall sound is reminiscent of the band’s earlier, funkier material, with a playful and energetic vibe that is sure to get listeners moving. Despite its brevity, “Pea” packs a punch and is a memorable addition to the album.
2. “Vegetables” by The Beach Boys
“Vegetables” is a quirky and lighthearted track by The Beach Boys, originally released on their 1967 album, “Smiley Smile”. The song is centered around the concept of healthy eating and encourages listeners to indulge in a variety of fresh vegetables. Musically, “Vegetables” features a bouncing bassline, percussive maracas, and the band’s trademark harmonies, with various sound effects interspersed throughout, such as the sound of chopping vegetables and a cash register ringing up a sale. Lyrically, the song is playful and tongue-in-cheek, with lines like “I’m gonna be round my vegetables / I’m gonna chow down my vegetables” delivering the message in a fun and memorable way. Overall, “Vegetables” is a charming and unique addition to The Beach Boys’ catalog.
3. “Tomato Can” by The Arcs
“Tomato Can” is a hard-hitting rock track by The Arcs, a side project of Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach. Released on their 2015 debut album, “Yours, Dreamily”, the song features gritty guitar riffs, driving percussion, and Auerbach’s signature soulful vocals. Lyrically, “Tomato Can” tells the story of a boxer who is seen as an easy opponent, or “tomato can”, but who refuses to be underestimated and fights back against his doubters. The song’s energy and intensity perfectly capture the fighting spirit of the lyrics, making it a standout track on the album and a testament to The Arcs’ ability to deliver raw and powerful rock music.
4. “Green Onions” by Booker T. & The M.G.’s
“Green Onions” is a timeless instrumental track by Booker T. & The M.G.’s, originally released in 1962. The song features a simple yet irresistible melody, driven by a groovy Hammond organ riff and accompanied by crisp guitar and bass lines, as well as a snappy drum beat. “Green Onions” has a laid-back, bluesy vibe that is instantly recognizable, with each instrument contributing to the overall sound in a way that feels effortless and natural. The song has been used in numerous films and TV shows over the years, cementing its status as a classic and enduring piece of instrumental soul music.
5. “Pumpkin Soup” by Kate Nash
“Pumpkin Soup” is a catchy and upbeat track by English singer-songwriter Kate Nash, taken from her 2007 debut album, “Made of Bricks”. The song is built around a bouncy piano melody, with Nash’s distinctive vocals delivering witty and relatable lyrics about the ups and downs of a relationship. “Pumpkin Soup” has a playful and quirky vibe that is typical of Nash’s style, with handclaps, background vocals, and a driving beat adding to the song’s overall energy. The chorus is especially memorable, with Nash singing “We’ll make pumpkin soup and sing a song of cheer / And we’ll lay down the law that we’ll love forever”.
6. “Hot Potatoes” by The Kinks
“Hot Potatoes” is a spirited and bluesy track by the British rock band The Kinks, originally released on their 1975 album, “Schoolboys in Disgrace”. The song features driving guitar riffs, honky-tonk piano, and Ray Davies’ distinctive vocal style, with the lyrics playfully exploring the theme of sexual desire. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with Davies proclaiming “Hot potatoes, hot potatoes, she’s my lover / Hot potatoes, hot potatoes, she’s my lover tonight”. “Hot Potatoes” is a fun and lively addition to The Kinks’ discography, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver high-energy rock and roll with a playful edge.
7. “Potatoes and Whiskey” by Blackfoot Gypsies
“Potatoes and Whiskey” is a raucous and rollicking track by American rock band Blackfoot Gypsies, released on their 2017 album, “To the Top”. The song features gritty guitars, pounding drums, and vocal harmonies that nod to classic rock and roll influences. The lyrics tell a story of indulgence and excess, with references to drinking whiskey and eating potatoes until the morning light. “Potatoes and Whiskey” has a raw and rebellious energy that is characteristic of the Blackfoot Gypsies’ sound, with the band’s passion and musicality on full display. It’s a high-octane track that is sure to get listeners moving and feeling the energy of the music.
8. “Glass Onion” by The Beatles
“Glass Onion” is a psychedelic and whimsical track by The Beatles, featured on their 1968 album, “The Beatles” (also known as the “White Album”). The song’s title is a play on words, with “glass onion” referring to an onion with multiple translucent layers, a metaphor for the complex and often surreal imagery present in the lyrics. Musically, “Glass Onion” features a driving rhythm, layered guitar parts, and John Lennon’s distinctive vocals, with various sound effects and production techniques adding to the song’s trippy vibe. “Glass Onion” is a standout track on the “White Album”, showcasing The Beatles’ versatility and experimental approach to music.
9. “Call Any Vegetable” by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention
“Call Any Vegetable” is a satirical and offbeat track by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, featured on their 1969 album “Absolutely Free”. The song features a driving rhythm, catchy vocal melodies, and a complex arrangement that blends rock, jazz, and avant-garde elements. Lyrically, “Call Any Vegetable” pokes fun at consumer culture and the commodification of food, with Zappa singing lines like “Call any vegetable, and the chances are good / The vegetable will respond to you”. The song’s playful and irreverent tone is a hallmark of Zappa’s style, and it has become a cult favorite among his fans over the years.
10. “The Cabbage” by Teenage Fanclub
“The Cabbage” is a lively and upbeat track by Scottish alternative rock band Teenage Fanclub, featured on their 1991 album “Bandwagonesque”. The song features jangly guitars, driving drums, and catchy vocal harmonies that are characteristic of the band’s signature sound. Lyrically, “The Cabbage” is a fun and nonsensical romp, with lines like “Everybody wants to plant the cabbage / We don’t care, we don’t care, we don’t care”. The song’s energy and upbeat vibe make it a standout track on “Bandwagonesque”, and it has become a fan favorite over the years for its catchy melodies and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
11. “Pork and Beans” by Weezer
“Pork and Beans” is a catchy and upbeat track by American rock band Weezer, featured on their 2008 self-titled album (also known as the “Red Album”). The song features driving guitars, pounding drums, and Rivers Cuomo’s distinctive vocals, with a melody that is instantly recognizable and memorable. Lyrically, “Pork and Beans” celebrates individuality and the rejection of conformity, with Cuomo singing lines like “I don’t give a hoot about what you think / Everyone likes to dance to a happy song”. The song’s upbeat energy and sing-along chorus make it a fan favorite, and it has become one of Weezer’s most popular tracks.
12. “Carrot Rope” by Pavement
“Carrot Rope” is a dreamy and atmospheric track by American indie rock band Pavement, featured on their 1997 album “Brighten the Corners”. The song features a gentle melody, hazy guitars, and Stephen Malkmus’ distinctive vocals, with lyrics that are abstract and open to interpretation. The song’s title is a play on words, with “carrot rope” referring to a common technique used in gardening. “Carrot Rope” is a highlight of “Brighten the Corners”, showcasing Pavement’s ability to create a dreamy and introspective mood with their music. The song is a fan favorite and has become a classic of the indie rock genre.
13. “Beans and Corn Bread” by Tympany Five
“Beans and Corn Bread” is an upbeat and lively track by Tympany Five, a pioneering R&B group led by Louis Jordan, and was released in 1949. The song features a bouncy rhythm, catchy horn riffs, and Jordan’s dynamic vocals, with lyrics that celebrate the simple pleasures of southern cuisine. “Beans and Corn Bread” became a huge hit for Tympany Five, and its infectious energy and catchy melody have made it a classic of the R&B and jump blues genres. The song’s celebration of traditional southern cooking and its joyful mood make it a favorite of music fans of all ages.
14. “Mashed Potato Time” by The Ronettes (not The Crystals)
“Mashed Potato Time” is an energetic and infectious track by American girl group The Ronettes, released in 1962. The song features a driving beat, catchy piano riffs, and the soaring vocals of lead singer Veronica Bennett, aka Ronnie Spector. The track’s lyrics describe the popular dance craze of the time known as “the mashed potato”, with Spector exhorting the listener to “mash potato, feel it in your feet now”. “Mashed Potato Time” became a big hit for The Ronettes, and its irresistible rhythm and catchy melody have made it a classic of the early 1960s girl group sound.
15. “Carrot Juice Is Murder” by Arrogant Worms
“Carrot Juice Is Murder” is a satirical and irreverent track by Canadian comedy trio Arrogant Worms, released in 1992. The song features an upbeat folk melody, catchy guitar riffs, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that criticize the idea of vegetarianism. The lyrics humorously suggest that eating vegetables is as bad as eating meat, with lines like “I find it’s murder to eat asparagus” and “Broccoli’s murder, you carnage-loving fiend”. “Carrot Juice Is Murder” has become a cult favorite for its wry humor and playful take on a serious issue, and it remains one of the Arrogant Worms’ most popular tracks.
16. “Asparagus Next Left” Half Man Half Biscuit
“Asparagus Next Left” is a witty and observational track by British indie rock band Half Man Half Biscuit, released in 1995. The song features a catchy melody, jangly guitars, and the distinctive vocals of frontman Nigel Blackwell, with lyrics that poke fun at the absurdity of modern life. The title of the song is a reference to road signs, and the lyrics describe a journey through the countryside, with Blackwell pointing out various landmarks and sights. “Asparagus Next Left” is a classic example of Half Man Half Biscuit’s wry and often surreal humor, and it remains a fan favorite among their devoted following.
17. “Canned Tomatoes” by Courtney Barnett
“Canned Tomatoes” is a melancholic and introspective track by Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, featured on her 2013 EP “I’ve Got a Friend Called Emily Ferris”. The song features a sparse and haunting melody, with Barnett’s distinctive vocals delivering poetic lyrics that paint a picture of a lonely and isolated existence. The track’s title, “Canned Tomatoes”, is a reference to a mundane and everyday item, which serves as a metaphor for the drudgery and monotony of life. “Canned Tomatoes” is a standout track from Barnett’s early discography, showcasing her raw talent and ability to create poignant and evocative music.
18. “Pass The Peas” by The J.B.’s
“Pass the Peas” is a classic funk track by American band The J.B.’s, featuring a driving rhythm, funky guitar riffs, and tight horns. Released in 1972, the song quickly became a hit and has since become a staple of the funk genre. The track is instrumental, with the band members trading off solos and playing off each other’s grooves. “Pass the Peas” is a quintessential example of the tight and groovy sound of The J.B.’s, and it remains a beloved track for funk fans around the world.
19. “The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead” by XTC
“The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” is a catchy and upbeat track by British rock band XTC, released in 1992. The song features a melodic guitar riff, driving rhythm, and the distinctive vocals of frontman Andy Partridge. The lyrics tell the story of a man named Peter Pumpkinhead, who becomes a political figure and is eventually martyred for his beliefs. The song is widely interpreted as a commentary on the nature of political power and the dangers of being an outspoken figure in society. “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” remains a beloved track for XTC fans, and it continues to be played on radio stations around the world.
20. “Cauliflower” by Dan le Sac Vs. Scroobius Pip
“Cauliflower” is a thought-provoking and politically charged track by British hip-hop duo Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, released in 2010. The song features a minimalist beat, with Scroobius Pip delivering impassioned lyrics that touch on themes of inequality, poverty, and political apathy. The title of the song, “Cauliflower”, is a reference to a food that is often overlooked and undervalued, serving as a metaphor for the plight of the marginalized and disenfranchised in society. “Cauliflower” is a standout track from Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip’s discography, showcasing their ability to create socially conscious and thought-provoking music.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
