Friendsgiving and other alternative gatherings will soon occur in addition to or in place of traditional Thanksgiving celebrations. This usually means connecting with a chosen family of friends and/or relatives who aren’t biological kin.
I. An on-the-nose playlist choice is the catchy “Chosen Family,” originally recorded by Rina Sawayama and later released as a duet (2020) with Elton John.
…We don’t need to be related to relateWe don’t need to share genes or a surnameYou are, you areMy chosen, chosen familySo what if we don’t look the same?We been going through the same thingYeah, you are, you areMy chosen, chosen family…
II. “I’ll Be There for You” (1995) was written as the theme song for the TV series Friends. Originally recorded by The Rembrandts, the title line is already bouncing in your head right now if you’ve ever been a Friends superfan.
But have you ever heard Chase Holfelder‘s “major to minor”(key) version, which saddens it right up? Although recorded well before Matthew Perry‘s death last year and for different reasons, it’s suitable to add not only to a Friendsgiving playlist but also to a grieving/sad music list.
…I’ll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I’ll be there for you
(Like I’ve been there before)
I’ll be there for you
(‘Cause you’re there for me too)…
In the mood for another poignant minor-key “chosen family” song variation? Here’s Caleb Grimm:
IV. “We Are Family” (1979) by Sister Sledge, four actual siblings, quickly became and has continued to be an enduring LGBTQ Pride theme. We don’t have to be related to feel related.
…Everyone can see we’re together
As we walk on by
(And) And we flock just like birds of a feather
I won’t tell no lie
(All) All of the people around us, they say
“Can they be that close?”
Just let me state for the record
We’re giving love in a family dose…
V. “That’s What Friends Are For” is best known for its 1985 hit version recorded by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder, otherwise billed as Dionne & Friends. The single raised money for AIDS research and prevention.
…Keep smiling, keep shiningKnowing you can always count on me, for sureThat’s what friends are forFor good times and bad timesI’ll be on your side forever moreThat’s what friends are for…
