We’ve done it Penn State: it’s finally Thanksgiving break.

You know what that means: turkey, football, a break from schoolwork, and the opportunity to voice what we’re thankful for, and when it comes to telling you what we’re thankful for, our staff certainly isn’t going to miss the chance to do so.

That’s why this week, we’re bringing you a very special edition of Music Monday, including the songs that our staff are thankful for and why. It’s a playlist just as diverse as we are, and even better is that it has a deeper seeded meaning than our usual Music Monday. Happy Thanksgiving, Penn State!

Aaron Andrews: “Flight” by Son Lux — Because I don’t think I could make a long drive without it.

Aaron Sulpizio: “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega — I am thankful for such a marvelous song, which allows its listeners to immediately break down in rhythmic dance and delight them with fantastic vocals.

Ben Rappaport: “Lifted Up (1985)” by Passion Pit — I fell in love while listening to this song.

Cade Reed: “Jesus Walks” by Kanye West — I’m thankful for this song because old Kanye is the best Kanye.

Caitlyn Gailey: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers — For being one of the few songs my dad and I can both jam to on long car rides together.

Carolyn Popescu: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers — Aside from the fact I stood eight hours to see The Killers front row this summer, I’m thankful for this song because it’s not a Penn State party until someone puts it on. It transforms everyone into an angsty, screeching mess and I think that’s beautiful.

Claire Going: “Dancing In The Moonlight” by King Harvest — I am thankful for this song for bringing back endless memories and never failing to put a smile on my face.

Dana Lipshutz: “Old Pine” by Ben Howard — I am thankful for this song because it means I’ll never have to worry about an answer when someone asks what my favorite song of all time is.

David Abruzzese: “Helena” by My Chemical Romance — Gerard Way’s voice is arguably my favorite thing in the world, and the emotionally charged chorus and driving chord base please my musical senses. I love you, My Chemical Romance.

Drew Klingenberg: “Like A Wrecking Ball” by Eric Church

Doug Dooling: “Life In A Northern Town” by The Dream Academy — This song reminds us of the simple life growing up in the North.

Doug Leeson: “The Star Spangled Banner” — Because I’m thankful to live in the U.S. of A., baby.

Emma Curtis: “Ignition (Remix)” by R. Kelly — I’m thankful that this early 2000s gem will never get old and will forever keep the party going.

Ethan Kasales: “Be True” by Bruce Springsteen — I’m a lifelong Springsteen fan, but I hadn’t heard this killer track ’til I saw my fourth live performance in Hershey two summers ago. Who does it better than the Boss?

Gabi Stevenson: “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira (ft. Wyclef Jean) — Thankful because it makes me appreciate my Latin heritage when I’m surrounded by too many white people.

Jack Lukow: “Alphabet Aerobics” by Blackalicious — Because mastering this song has consumed me.

Katie Klodowski: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers — The timeless anthem full of angst that is both a song from my childhood and a jam I will still be rocking to when I’m wasting away in a nursing home.

Kaitlyn Dividock: “Seventy Times 7” by Brand New — I’m so unbelievably thankful for this song because both the song and the band hold such an important place in my heart. Plus this choice was similar to picking a stupid boy to date in middle school: make sure he’s grungy and full of angst, he bitches about everything, and your parents absolutely hate him. It makes traveling back to better and easier times in life a fun, nostalgic journey.

Kevin Cacela: “Jumpman” by Drake — To remind me he is always up to something.

Lexi Shimkonis: “You’ve Got The Love” by Florence + The Machine — I’m thankful for this song because it reminds me of Gossip Girl, and I’m thankful that Dan and Serena ended up getting married.

Maggie Wrobel: “Flightless Bird” by Iron & Wine — I am thankful for this song because it’s been on my most played list recently, and Thanksgiving has turkey, and a turkey is a bird, and therefore it is a full circle.

Matt Coleman: “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi — This song is generally what I listen to when I convince myself I’ll get through college.

Megan Fleming: “Keep Your Head Up” by Ben Howard — Like Ed Sheeran but better, what more could you ask for.

Nick Weiss: “People” by Andrew Jackson Jihad — Helps me feel better whenever some conservative pundit tells me about a new group of people I’m supposed to hate.

Patrick Koerbler: “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh) by Rich Homie Quan —  This song describes my life.

Sam Panko: “Falling In Rain” by Polyenso — I’m thankful for the fact that even though I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for 2 years now, Polyenso has an intensely refreshing sound which never lets this song get old.

Sara Civian: “Dark Fantasy” by Kanye West — Considering I’m a full Kanye Stan, I take his word as the word of the Lord. This song got me through a really rough time because it made me realize that even Yeezus doubts himself sometimes, too.

Steffen Blanco: “679” by Fetty Wap — Because when she walk past I press rewind.

What song are you thankful for? Let us know in the comments!