Why Did They Let the Turkey Join the Band?

It’s a classic Thanksgiving joke – “Why did they let the turkey join the band?” The humorous punchline, of course, is “Because he had the drumsticks!” This play on words pokes fun at the turkey’s anatomy while linking it to musical instruments. While it may be an overly used dad joke, there’s no denying this quip’s popularity around the holidays.

In this article we’ll explore the origins of the “turkey join the band” joke analyze why it remains so popular, and explain the comedic mechanisms that make it work. Read on for the full story behind this corny Thanksgiving favorite.

The Joke’s History

This turkey joke likely emerged in the mid-20th century alongside many other now-classic holiday puns The drumstick punchline is a version of the “why did the chicken cross the road?” format, simply substituting in a Thanksgiving theme. The joke plays upon the double meaning of “drumsticks” – on one hand, the leg pieces of poultry, and on the other, the sticks used to play drums

Earlier references to turkeys having drumsticks can be found in the late 1800s. An 1883 New York Times article described serving up “drumsticks of turkey.” So the joke simply paired this existing concept with the familiar comedic setup.

Its cornball, family-friendly nature made it a natural for holiday joke books and kids’ riddle collections in the later decades of the 1900s. It remains a seasonal favorite today, even if the dad jokes elicit more groans than laughs.

Why It Remains Popular

There are a few reasons this cringeworthy quip has remarkable staying power after all these years:

• Universal familiarity – Most Americans have heard it, so it provides that spark of recognition.

• Kid-friendly – Silly puns lend themselves perfectly to getting little ones giggling.

• Fond nostalgia – For adults, the joke may recall childhood Thanksgiving memories.

• Gets laughs from all ages – While kids enjoy the silliness, adults appreciate the cornball humor.

• Easy to remember – The simple question and answer structure sticks in your brain.

• Built-in tradition – Telling goofy turkey jokes just feels like part of the holiday.

So this ubiquitous riddle persists because it spans generations and provides a laugh (or groan) for everyone. Corny can be comfortable!

How the Joke Works

Some key elements make this joke tick:

• Leading question – Sets up anticipation for the answer.

• Wordplay – Drumsticks have double meaning.

• Unexpected answer – Punchline surprises through the play on words.

• Holiday relevance – Turkey connects it to Thanksgiving.

• Family friendly – Kid-appropriate content with broad appeal.

• Relatability – Based on common knowledge of turkeys and music.

The easily remembered question-and-answer format gives the joke an interactive, conversational quality. Even after hearing it many times, people enjoy the “a-ha” moment arriving at the punny punchline. The ridiculous imagery makes you laugh and groan simultaneously.

Variations on the Joke

Like any popular quip, variations abound on the classic turkey joining the band:

• Why did the turkey cross the road? To prove he wasn’t chicken.

• What do you get if you cross a turkey with a banjo? A musician ready for a plucking.

• Why did the turkey eat his drumsticks? Because he already had the sticks!

• How does a turkey get into a playground swing? He sits in the middle and gobbles up.

Part of the appeal lies in creating your own versions using different instruments or scenarios. The flexibility makes it a family activity and creative writing exercise as kids learn to invent puns.

Tell It for Smiles This Thanksgiving

Corny it may be, but this turkey joke remains a seasonal staple for good reason. It allows parents to pass down a classic quip, gives kids the chance to play with language, and offers a groan-inducing pun for all ages.

So don’t be afraid to bust it out around the Thanksgiving table this year. Follow the question with the iconic punchline, “Because he had the drumsticks!” Let the collective groans and giggles ensue. Creating joyful memories matters more than inventing clever humor. And this silly riddle always gets smiles. Gobble gobble!