Songs About Thanksgiving bring warmth and joy to gatherings, setting the perfect tone for this special holiday.
From gratitude-filled ballads to upbeat tunes celebrating family and togetherness, these songs capture the essence of Thanksgiving.
Music has a unique way of creating connection, adding something extra to each cherished moment around the table.
In this collection, we’ve gathered a range of Songs About Thanksgiving to elevate your holiday, from reflective classics to festive favorites.
Whether you’re cooking, relaxing, or enjoying time with loved ones, these songs are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving celebration.
1. “Give Thanks And Praises” by Bob Marley (1983) – Perfect Reggae Song About Thanksgiving
About this song:
- Album: Confrontation
- Released: 1983
- Artist: Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Genre: Reggae
- Key Lyric: “Give thanks and praises to the Most-I (Jah!). Give thanks and praises so high (so high).”
“Give Thanks And Praises” by Bob Marley celebrates gratitude, aligning beautifully with the Thanksgiving spirit.
Released posthumously in 1983 on the Confrontation album, it highlights Marley’s spiritual reverence and belief in thankfulness.
This song was composed as an expression of Marley’s deep faith, focusing on appreciation for life’s blessings.
The lyrics invite listeners to give thanks in any situation, making it a timeless track for a day of gratitude.
“Give Thanks And Praises” has since become a heartfelt reminder of Marley’s legacy and the joy of thankfulness.
2. “Thanksgiving Theme” by Vince Guaraldi (1998) – Best Jazz Song About Thanksgiving
About this song:
- Album: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Released: 1998
- Artist: Vince Guaraldi
- Genre: Jazz, Holiday
- Key Lyric: N/A
Composed by Vince Guaraldi, “Thanksgiving Theme” offers a gentle, reflective melody fitting for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Originally created as part of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, this instrumental piece embodies the holiday’s warmth and simplicity.
The song’s soft jazz tones provide a backdrop for family togetherness, evoking a cozy, nostalgic feel.
Though it lacks lyrics, Guaraldi’s piano-driven composition tells a story of unity and celebration.
“Thanksgiving Theme” has become a holiday classic, cherished for its peaceful, heartwarming vibes that suit any Thanksgiving setting.
3. “The Thanksgiving Song” by Ben Rector (2020) – Recommended Holiday Song About Thanksgiving
About this song:
- Album: A Ben Rector Christmas
- Released: 2020
- Artist: Ben Rector
- Genre: Holiday
- Key Lyric: “That life is short and bittersweet. Thank God for this Thanksgiving Day.”
Released in 2020, “The Thanksgiving Song” by Ben Rector quickly became a holiday favorite for its heartfelt message.
Appearing on A Ben Rector Christmas, the song expresses gratitude for family, food, and the memories made around the Thanksgiving table.
Rector composed it to capture the simple, bittersweet moments that define this special holiday.
The lyrics serve as a reminder to appreciate loved ones and the fleeting nature of life’s happy gatherings.
“The Thanksgiving Song” has resonated widely, praised for its relatable message and warm, nostalgic feel.
4. “Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter (2008) – Awesome Holiday Song
About this song:
- Album: Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas
- Released: 2008
- Artist: Mary Chapin Carpenter
- Genre: Holiday
- Key Lyric: “Father, mother, daughter, son. Neighbor, friend, and friendless.”
“Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter, released in 2008, reflects on gratitude, family, and the holiday’s deeper meaning.
Featured on Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas, the song extends the spirit of Thanksgiving into a celebration of community.
Carpenter composed this piece to highlight the blessings of loved ones and the strength of human connection.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of gathering with friends and family, especially on Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving Song” has been celebrated for its heartfelt expression of gratitude, making it ideal for the holiday season.
5. “The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler (1993) – Remarkable Pop Song About Thanksgiving
About this song:
- Album: They’re All Gonna Laugh at You!
- Released: 1993
- Artist: Adam Sandler
- Genre: Pop
- Key Lyric: “They wanna hear the thanksgiving song! All right. This is uhh, This is the Thanksgiving Song.”
“The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler, released in 1993, is a humorous and light-hearted take on Thanksgiving traditions.
This song, from Sandler’s comedy album They’re All Gonna Laugh at You!, became an instant hit for its playful lyrics and comedic delivery.
Sandler composed it to humorously highlight the quirks of Thanksgiving, from turkey dinners to family gatherings.
The song captures the relatable and funny aspects of Thanksgiving, making it a fan favorite for the holiday.
“The Thanksgiving Song” remains a classic, loved for its humor and Sandler’s iconic, entertaining performance.
6. “Almost Thanksgiving Day” by Graham Parker (2004) – Stunning Country Song
About this song:
- Album: Your Country
- Released: 2004
- Artist: Graham Parker
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “Chop up the wood and bale hay. Now that it’s almost Thanksgiving Day.”
“Almost Thanksgiving Day” captures the anticipation and tasks leading up to Thanksgiving, blending nostalgia with practical lyrics.
Graham Parker’s 2004 release on the album Your Country reflects rural traditions, preparing for a day centered on gratitude.
With imagery of autumn chores and gatherings, Parker’s song embodies the essence of Thanksgiving preparations.
This song was written as a tribute to the work and warmth that led to Thanksgiving, evoking scenes of cozy, rustic life.
It resonates with listeners who appreciate the quieter, reflective moments before the holiday’s main event.
7. “I Want to Thank You” by Otis Redding (1965) – Excellent R&B Song About Thanksgiving
About this song:
- Album: The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads
- Released: 1965
- Artist: Otis Redding
- Genre: R&B/Soul, Vocal/Easy Listening
- Key Lyric: “I want to thank you for being so nice now. I want to thank you for giving me my pride.”
In “I Want to Thank You,” Otis Redding delivers a soulful message of gratitude that transcends the typical holiday spirit.
Recorded in 1965, this song expresses deep thanks for kindness and respect, central themes for Thanksgiving reflection.
The album, The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads, captures Redding’s iconic sound, celebrating personal and emotional appreciation.
Redding’s lyrics emphasize the value of simple, heartfelt thanks, resonating with listeners in meaningful, personal ways.
The song’s warmth and sincerity make it an enduring favorite for Thanksgiving and any occasion of gratitude.
8. “Be Thankful” by Natalie Cole (1977) – Wonderful Classic Soul Song
About this song:
- Album: Thankful
- Released: 1977
- Artist: Natalie Cole
- Genre: Classic Soul
- Key Lyric: “You should be thankful of what you got. Yes, you should be thankful of all you got.”
“Be Thankful” by Natalie Cole, from her 1977 album Thankful, highlights the importance of appreciating life’s blessings.
Cole’s lyrics remind listeners that gratitude enriches one’s outlook, fitting perfectly with the Thanksgiving holiday.
Composed during a pivotal time in her career, this song reflects Cole’s soulful style and heartfelt delivery.
The message of thankfulness makes it a timeless track, encouraging people to find contentment in what they have.
“Be Thankful” resonates with those who see Thanksgiving as a chance to reflect on life’s small but significant blessings.
9. “Thank U” by Alanis Morissette (1998) – Ideal Electronic Rock Song About Thanksgiving
About this song:
- Album: Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie
- Released: 1998
- Artist: Alanis Morissette
- Genre: Electronic rock
- Key Lyric: “Thank you India. Thank you terror.”
“Thank U” by Alanis Morissette explores gratitude in an introspective, transformative way, offering a unique take on thankfulness.
Released in 1998 on Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, it reflects Morissette’s journey of self-discovery and appreciation.
The song was inspired by her travels and personal growth, making it an unconventional but powerful Thanksgiving song.
Its lyrics acknowledge even difficult experiences, encouraging listeners to find gratitude in all aspects of life.
“Thank U” serves as a reminder of Thanksgiving’s deeper meaning, extending beyond simple gratitude to embrace acceptance and understanding.
10. “I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For” by Bing Crosby (1942) – Amazing Genre Song
About this song:
- Album: Song Hits from Holiday Inn
- Released: 1942
- Artist: Bing Crosby
- Genre: Vocal/Easy Listening
- Key Lyric: “I’ve got plenty to be thankful for. I haven’t got great big yacht.”
“I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For” by Bing Crosby embodies a simple, heartwarming message of gratitude.
Released in 1942 as part of Song Hits from Holiday Inn, it celebrates Thanksgiving’s spirit with a humble perspective.
The song highlights the beauty of appreciating life’s modest joys, aligning perfectly with the holiday’s themes.
Written during World War II, it resonated deeply with listeners seeking comfort and gratitude amid uncertain times.
Crosby’s warm vocals make it a timeless classic, ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings and moments of reflection.
Conclusion
As your Thanksgiving celebration comes to a close, these Songs About Thanksgiving can help carry the holiday spirit beyond the day.
They bring an added sense of warmth and gratitude, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Music has a way of reminding us of what truly matters, especially when gathered with loved ones around a festive table.
Add these tunes to your playlist, and let the gratitude linger as long as you wish.
With these Songs About Thanksgiving, you can keep the holiday spirit alive year-round.