Yes, Virginia, there is music for Thanksgiving.
When my parents bought their dining room furniture in the 1960s, the store gave them a framed print of The First Thanksgiving 1621 by American painter, Jean Leon Gerome Ferris. It hung proudly in my home and I studied it often over the years, especially on Thanksgiving. Art historians consider it an idealized alternative version of history. Still, as a little boy, I saw the generosity to and thankfulness for the Wampanoag and the release from the brutality of the first winters on the shores of the New World.
I quickly came to love Thanksgiving, and thanks to—pun intended—my church’s effervescent and inspiring organist and choirmaster, Stephen J. Ortlip, I quickly grew to love music, including Thanksgiving hymns, songs, and music of all kinds.
That’s why, in 1998, I was so excited to be a minuscule part of the record “Grateful Hearts,” created by CCM superstar songwriter Tony Wood and producer Kevin Stokes. I created a version for FamilyLife to be the accompaniment to our product, ThanksLiving Treasures. I finally had a soundtrack for the truly American holiday featuring musical styles and artists I loved. Since then, I’ve been adding songs to the ten on “Grateful Hearts” to make a playlist for the season.
So before the onslaught of the thousands of recordings and the countless hours of radio airplay of Christmas favorites, let us cue up these songs to help us celebrate our day of giving thanks. Trust me, these tracks are great for the heart, remind us of the object of our thankfulness, and help us obey the Pauline admonition:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit.
I’ve grouped my favorite Thanksgiving Music into categories. You can add the entire playlist to your favorite music app. Just choose Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Spotify. (Also, UTR has created their own playlist with not-so-familiar tracks. It’s full of new jewels.)
Thanksgiving Bangers
You’ve got to get up and get moving on Thanksgiving morning to make sure that all of the food preparations come to their tasty conclusions and are hot (or appropriately cold) when everyone gathers around your table. These tracks are guaranteed to have your toes tapping, your apron dancing, and your hands closing cabinet doors to the beat.
1. “Good Morning (feat. TobyMac),” by Mandisa
This infectious tune will sound familiar to “Good Morning America” viewers. The morning news and infotainment program featured the song for months thanks to Robin Roberts’ friendship with Mandisa. You’ll find yourself smiling as you turn on the lights, preheat the oven, and start putting your ingredients and utensils mise en place. “Good Morning” also works for those who get up early for a Turkey Trot Road Race.
2. “Good God Almighty,” recorded by Crowder
Wooly bearded and gravelly voiced Crowder shows up twice in our list. “Good God Almighty” was a #1 hit on Christian Radio and peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2021. He turned a quasi-violation of the third commandment into a God-glorifying foot-stomper.
3. “Gratitude,” by Earth, Wind & Fire
The guys who made September 21st part of the cultural zeitgeist find an honored place on this list for the third Thursday of November. While I wish the guys had added more horns and Hammond B3 organ, you’ll feel this bass line of this “holy sound” all the way into your gizzards.
4. “G.O.O.D. (feat. Zachardi Cortez & Cory Henry)”, by Anthony Hall
Speaking of Hammond B3 organ and keyboards in general, funk maestro Cory Henry makes a wonderful and rich guest appearance on this great jazz-meets-R&B track he co-wrote with emerging New Orleans’ artist Anthony Hall (who leads worship in Houston when he’s not performing his own work).
5. “Big House,” by Audio Adrenaline
While a song about the New Heaven and the New Earth, Mark Stuart and company may very well have had a Thanksgiving celebration in mind when they wrote, “Big, big house with lots and lots of food. A big, big yard where we can play football.” Take a moment around your table and allow your meal to foreshadow what heaven will be like. For some of you, it will be a foretaste. For others, you will long for a much different heaven than your table. Remember, God loves you and is working in your life.
The Essentials
6. “From Shore to Shore,” by Guy Penrod
Inspired by the faith-filled and heavily documented research of Peter Marshall and David Manuel in The Light and the Glory, “From Shore to Shore” opens with the Mayflower and then shifts to the map of the U.S. You’ll hit repeat on this moving anthem of thankfulness. Part of the “Grateful Hearts” record.
7. “The Thanksgiving Song,” by Ben Rector
I’ll let Ben introduce his own work: “It’s weird to me that there’s an entire genre that is just Christmas music, and you can bring up an entire palette of sounds around this one holiday. I love Christmas, but everybody in America, for the most part, celebrates Thanksgiving, and there’s no music around that.”
8. “The Thanksgiving Song,” by Adam Sandler
What started as a skit 30 years ago on “Saturday Night Live” is now a must-listen-to ditty for November. Caution: If you’ve got small ears around, you might want to hit skip. If not, you might have to explain that V.D. doesn’t stand for “variety of desserts.”
9. “Thanksgiving Theme,” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Thanksgiving hasn’t been the same since Charlie Brown celebrated the first “Friendsgiving” with Snoopy, Linus, Franklin, Peppermint Patty, and the rest of the Peanuts in 1973. This is Vince Guaraldi’s contribution to our collective Novembers. While not as iconic as “Linus and Lucy,” it will perk up the cranberry sauce. I’ve included George Winston’s tribute to Guaraldi in the playlist.
11. “Gobble, Gobble,” by Matthew West
I just don’t know how the songwriter who brought us “The Motions” and co-wrote “Look What You’ve Done” with Tasha Layton had the audacity to create this jiggly Jell-o of a song.
Songs about the Food
The bounty of the flock, heard, field, and vine have been central to our Thanksgiving celebrations since the first Thanksgiving. Some of these songs stretch the boundaries of this playlist, but I think you’ll agree they deserve a spin and will contribute to your celebration. And it’s okay. You can sing along with your mouth full of your, um, recipe testing.
12. “U Name It Holiday Anthem (feat. Shirley Caeser & DJ Battlecat),” by Snoop Dogg
Snoop’s anthem samples Shirley Caeser’s musical sermon. You’ve got to watch the entire thing and not give up because she serves dessert at 5:30. That few seconds inspired this track. If Shirley doesn’t preheat your oven, your natural gas is disconnected. And Snoop’s reflection on the holiday will hit home. And it’s a banger of its own.
13. “(Do the) Mashed Potatoes,” by James Brown
The Godfather of Soul grew up in South Carolina and Georgia, where they know that mashed potatoes don’t come from a box. This 12-bar blues instrumental will get you shufflin’ through your kitchen.
14. “Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie,” by Jay & The Techniques
This fruity snack hit #6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1968 making it the debut single for this pop group. They went on to have a few hits that sold more than a million.
15. “Cowboy Ham and Eggs,” by The Sweetback Sisters
I don’t know what you eat for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning, but this song is the closest to the Sausage Muffins or Company French Toast we might eat in our house. And every playlist needs a little Western Swing harmony.
16. “Turkey Chase,” by Bob Dylan
My friend Gregg and I have talked about Bob Dylan much over the years, but this will be the first track that has ever made one of my playlists… and it’s an instrumental. If you know, you know. This is an instrumental from his first movie soundtrack. It’s fantastic music, but I’ll admit I’ve never seen the movie.
17. “Biscuits,” by Kacey Musgraves
Thanksgiving: Encouraging family psychotherapy since 1621.
Kacey tells everyone to “mind your own biscuits.” Perhaps someone in earshot of this song needs to get this message in your family.
18. “Vegetables,” by the Beach Boys
It is not quite “Little Saint Nick,” but it is as necessary to this playlist as green bean casserole and carrots.
19. “Everybody Eats When They Come to My House,” by Cab Calloway
Hi-de-hi-de-hi-di-hi! I had trouble deciding between this song and “Good Sauce from the Gravy Bowl.” I love the open table and generous undercurrent of this song.
20. “Eat It,” by Weird Al Yankovic
At some point today, you may have to beg, cajole, make airplane noises, and perhaps even discipline a child to get him or her to eat vegetables. This song is for you so you can smile through it all.
21. “What’s Inside,” Sara Bareilles
Sara’s first foray on Broadway brings us this reflection. As you bake your pies this holiday, remember that there is more than “sugar, butter, and flour” inside them… and more inside you than others may know. You are loved beyond belief.
The Hymns
The traditional American hymnal has an entire section of ancient and more contemporary texts dedicated to giving thanks. If you grew up in a hymn-singing church, these were broken out once a year. I’ve chosen my favorite versions. Feel free to substitute yours.
22. “We Gather Together to Ask the Lord’s Blessing,” recorded by Celtic Spirits (orr. 1626)
A hymn with a Dutch text set to a Dutch folk tune translated to English by Theodore Baker, this beloved hymn celebrates the freedom of The Netherlands from Spanish oppression. For years, the Dutch had been embracing Calvinism and were ever at odds with the Catholicism of Spain. They struggled for political—and religious—independence and finally reached a truce in 1609. The hymn emerges from the rich soil of the Reformed tradition at the high period of Dutch art… Rembrandt, Vermeer, and others.
23. “Come Ye Thankful People Come,” recorded by Babbie Mason (orr. 1868)
Babbie’s arrangement on “Grateful Hearts” is as soulful as the lyrics are profound. You’ll want this version on repeat.
Hymn writer Henry Alford grew up in troubled times to study at Trinity College and became an Anglican priest. He drew his inspiration from Matthew 12, where Jesus presents the parable of the sower, and drew visual inspiration from harvest festivals in England called “Harvest Home.” He set his poem to the tune and meter of “St. George’s Windson.”
24. “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” recorded by Steven Curtis Chapman with his brother and father (orr. 1923)
This American hymn by Thomas Chisholm, a Methodist ministry from Kentucky, grew — not out of joy and abundance, but out of trials. Intelligent, good-looking, and successful, Chisholm married the woman of his dreams and became a Methodist minister. Then his health declined. He couldn’t pastor anymore. Without his income, his medical bills piled up, and he faced a life unlike anything he’d ever dreamed. He began writing hymns. He clung to Jesus and found a new career as a life insurance salesman.
Since the hymn was born in Kentucky, I selected three good ole Kentucky boys to sing it for us. Feel free to add your favorite arrangement. For me, it wouldn’t be a playlist without a Steven Curtis Chapman contribution.
25. “How Great Thou Art (feat. Jennifer Hudson),” by Pentatonix (orr. 1885)
In 1885, Carl Boberg, a Swedish editor and future politician, got caught in a thunder and lightning storm. After riding out the storm in shelter wherever he could find it, he made it home as the world was refreshing itself. He opened the windows of his home and was greeted by the vision of a clear sky, the birds’ song, the peal of church bells, and a stirring in his soul. He penned the words to a poem, “O Store Gud,” which was published in a newspaper. Someone set it to a Swedish folk tune. It was translated into German, Russian, and other languages, and then finally made it to American shores in 1925.
It didn’t find my ears until the 1980s after my Uncle Steve’s tragic death. I was out of the country and returned home to a horror story and the news that his funeral had even taken place. To me as a boy, Steve was big with an even bigger laugh, creative and skilled beyond belief, full of faith, and my “funcle.” I heard that there were two songs sung at his funeral: “How Great Thou Art,” and “It is Well with My Soul.” I’m sure I had heard them, but they weren’t the regulars at our church as they might have been at yours. I learned them on the guitar and borrowed my dad’s car for the day. I drove to the cemetery and worshiped at his graveside, singing both hymns. I’ve come to love both of them like so many of you, but I can’t help but think of Uncle Steve every time I hear them or sing them in church.
Pentatonix has become a Christmas music staple, and I love Jennifer Hudson’s voice. Again, feel free to choose your favorite recording of this beloved hymn.
26. “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Sufjan Stevens (orr. 1758)
This heartfelt prayer has so many powerful lines that stop me cold.
“Tune my heart to sing Thy grace”
As someone who tries to play guitar, I feel this line in my bones. Oh, if my soul could be in tune.
“Jesus sought me when a stranger wand’ring from the fold of God”
Robert Robinson, the writer of this hymn, “wand’red” from the fold late in his life. Then, as providence is often apt to produce an irony, he rode in a stagecoach with a woman. She was growing in her faith and spoke to Robinson. She had heard a hymn which she couldn’t hear enough of. This hymn. She didn’t know she was speaking to the writer. He finally admitted his conversion but tried to steer the conversation to any other topic. She kept coming back to the hymn. He finally exclaimed, “Madam, I am the poor, unhappy man who composed that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then.” I feel the weight of his words every time I sing that line.
“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it.”
Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth chose this hymn for the theme to her radio program and I’ve heard her speak of this hymn many times. She once commented, “I can remember as a young girl looking at older Christians and thinking, Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful to get to that place where you’d just be mature in the faith and you would just kind of coast spiritually. I don’t know where I got that idea, but it was a lie women believe. It was really not true. Now as I am an older believer, I’m reminded daily that no matter how long you’ve known the Lord, how much you love Him, how much mercy you’ve received, that our hearts are still at times prone to wander.”
I included Sufjan Stevens’ version because my friend Chris Hauser turned me onto his music.
27. “Count Your Blessings,” by Guy Penrod
The church sign read, “You can be rich today. Just count your blessings.”
28. “Morning Has Broken,” by Cat Stevens
My introduction to this hymn was on the radio, not the hymnal. I’ll never forget discovering Cat mispronounced the line “God’s re-creation of the new day.” as “God’s recreation.” I think there’s still a sermon in there, though.
29. “This is My Father’s World,” Fernando Ortega (orr. 1901)
One of my mom’s favorite hymns became one of mine as well. A couple of years ago, my youngest daughter and I attended a presentation in a planetarium. I lay back and saw the stars, constellations, and planets and couldn’t help but hear this hymn.
30. “For the Beauty of the Earth,” by BarlowGirl (orr. 1864)
Like so many hymns that use their first line for their title, this hymn is about so much more than just the earth. Read the lyrics and marvel at all the things to be thankful for. (I couldn’t decide between versions, so I threw in Sara Groves’ rendition as well.)
32. “All Creatures of Our God and King,” by Anthem Lights (orr. 1225)
These poetic lyrics by St. Francis of Assisi were written shortly before his death.
33. “Now Thank We All Our God,” Jim Brickman (orr. 1636)
Have you been through a tough year? Lean into this song. The author, Martin Rinkart, lived through the Thirty Years’ War. His walled city was surrounded. Famine and illness led to so many deaths, he was preaching 50 funerals a day as the only minister left. The war ended, and the siege against his city relented. He wrote this hymn for the celebration service that followed.
Songs about Family and Friends
The people around the table are infinitely more important than the food at the center or the football game on in the other room. Here are a few songs that celebrate our human connection and the memories surrounding the passage of time.
34. “Over the River and Through the Woods,” recorded by The Northmen
Originally a Thanksgiving poem, once set to music, many have changed the lyrics to reflect Christmas. This is the only recording I have found with the Thanksgiving lyrics.
35. “Heart of Thanksgiving,” by Kevin Stokes
I love this groove and the lyrics will transport you to the children’s table at your grandparents’.
36. “Around This Table,” by Charles Billingsley
At family gatherings, I choke and tear up when I have the privilege to ask God’s blessing for the meal. And I often forget to pray for the food. This song is the perfect explanation of everything I’m feeling when we’re holding hands around the table.
37. “Thanks Giver,” by Crowder
Crowder moves from Thanksgiving in verse one to Christmas in verse two, but he nails the drive home. If you want to get all the feels, cue this up on your next trip when you are three minutes from your childhood home.
38. “Celebrate Me Home,” by Kenny Loggins
When Loggins and Bob James wrote this song, Kenny was missing home. The producer, Phil Ramone, added, “Home for the holidays” thinking of Christmas. I love the song so much, I just play it from Thanksgiving through New Year’s for all the holidays.
39. “Twenty Years Ago,” by Kenny Rogers
The year this song came out, my dad and I were driving from Atlanta to northwest Alabama where he grew up. Without warning, he exited off I-65 and gave me a tour of Falkville, Alabama where he first coached after finishing his time in the Army. I can’t hear this song without hearing my dad’s voice on the tour.
Thanksgiving can be a reminder of all we’ve lost, too. This song gives thanks for those things. We can change the lyrics, literally, to “Fifty Years Ago.”
40. “Seasons of Love,” by the Original Motion Picture Cast
I had never heard any of the music from “Rent” before the lights went down in the theatre and the trailer for the movie version rolled. Genius. The cast in a single line with vertical spots illuminating each one. I could’ve used a few minutes after the trailer to catch my breath before the next ad ran. I loved the movie I saw that night (“Deja Vu”) but all I could talk about the next Monday at work was the song. Listen at full volume.
41. “If These Walls Could Speak,” by Amy Grant
Some have named Amy Grant the queen of Christmas music. While she doesn’t have an outright Thanksgiving song, this beautifully framed cover of Jimmy Webb’s ode to memories feels right among a list about giving thanks for family and friends. I’ve included Webb’s own recorded version for good measure. It’s a song so good you can listen to it twice.
Amy was my favorite artist of my teens and remains among the handful of artists I listen to on a regular basis. I wake up every “Black Friday” and blast her entire first Christmas record—from start to finish—to welcome the Christmas music season which rightfully begins on the day after Thanksgiving.
43. “For Good,” by Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel
Who is your grain of sand that helped you become a priceless and beautiful pearl? We all have one… or more. Sing along to this amazing song from “Wicked” and give thanks for them today.
44. “First Family,” by Rich Mullins
This slice of Americana courtesy of the musical ragamuffin makes the list for two reasons: family and food. If you close your eyes, you can see the Indiana farm and barn as Rich sings.
45. “I Remember,” by Kathy Troccoli
I’m at that age where the list of those who have gone on to their eternal rest continues to grow in size and is stained by tears. While this song is about more than just those who’ve died, the setting, instrumentation, and Kathy’s voice remind me of a cold but clear fall day in a cemetery. And like the Teacher, I believe:
It is better to go to a house of mourning
Than to go to a house of feasting,
Because that is the end of every person,
And the living takes it to heart.
Ecclesiastes 7:2, NASB
46. “11:22 P.M. (The Last Goodbye),” by Sandi Patty
If you’ve run the marathon of family and food and hosted at your home, you know that moment at the end of the day when the sugared-up toddlers are finally asleep, the dishes are done, the house is quiet, and you can finally breathe. This song is a prayer for that moment. And I urge you to listen tonight at whatever time your race is done. (I wish I could find the version sung by Brenda Schulte, but it’s not on any of the services.)
The List of What We’re Thankful For
Whether you hand a Thanksgiving tree on the back of your front door, place five kernels of dried corn on every plate, leave notecards and pens at every setting, or just ask the question, “What are you thankful for this year?”, we all have the lists. These songs remind us of the good, the hard, the funny, and the absurd that we give thanks for every year.
47. “World of Wonder,” by Bonnie Keen
You may not know her name, but she’s sung on thousands of records you know well. Before a successful career as a member of the group First Call, Bonnie was then (and is now) one of the most sought-after background vocalists in Nashville, singing on demos and studio recordings of songs of every genre. This song is a great compliment to the other songs about nature on the list.
48. “Things I’m Thankful For,” by JJ Heller
It’s a grown-up “I’m thankful for” list.
49. “What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong
I first heard this song on the soundtrack to “Good Morning Vietnam.” There’s no one who sings it better than Sachmo.
50. “The Goodness (featuring Blessing Offer),” by TobyMac
I met Blessing through a co-worker at Achilles International before his career popped. I’m so excited for him. He just exudes thankfulness. It comes naturally. (And TobyMac is the real deal.)
51. “This Good Day,” by Fernando Ortega
I remember hearing an interview with Fernando about this song. His record company told him he needed an upbeat radio hit and kept pushing him until this song came out. (Kind of like what they did to Rich Mullins.) As great as the studio recording that did become a hit is, this live version is effervescent.
52. “Unanswered Prayers,” as recorded by Tonight I’m Garth Brooks
To me, this song is to Thanksgiving what Dan Fogleberg’s “Ole Lang Syne” is to Christmas.
53. “How Could I Ask for More,” by Cindy Morgan
This song stopped every radio programmer in his or her tracks. Everyone knew it was going to be a hit. Nobody knew how to put it in rotation. A cold vocal open. The plaintive voice. But they all found a way and the song found its way into our hearts. I’ve included a remake by Cindy Morgan, who invited Andrew Peterson to join her.
The Object of Our Thanks
We give thanks to the God of all creation, the Lover of our souls, and our Redeemer. These songs are good year-round, but for me, take on special meaning this time of year.
54. “Give Thanks,” by Maranatha Praise Band
Before praise and worship music became a genre, we sang “choruses.”
55. “Gratitude,” by Brandon Lake
When the writers sat down together, they asked the question: what could we bring a king? Maybe you have more to give than you think you do.
Huh. Sounds like the Thanskgiving version of “The Little Drummer Boy.”
56. “Goodness of God,” by Jenn Johnson
The worship song of the last decade I can’t get all the way through without tears.
57. “My Tribute,” by Andraé Crouch
May our chorus forever and always be Adraé’s.
58. “Thankful Heart,” by Petra
During the summer of 1988, I invested eight weeks in a short-term missions opportunity in Seoul, South Korea. The missionaries who led us taught us three big lessons: the attributes of God, the gospel, and gratitude. I remember coming home and listening to records again. This song became an anthem of sorts for me that has helped me cultivate a heart of gratitude since.
59. “Thank You,” by Ben Rector
About as straightforward a message as one can write.
The Rest of the List
These recordings don’t easily fall into the categories listed above but can’t be left off the list any more than sweet potatoes can be left off the table.
60. “Thanksgiving,” by George Winston
The opening track to his 1982 Christmas reflection, “December.” When Dawn introduced me to his work in 1987, I had no idea how much his music would become the soundtrack of my life. This song always reminds me of the chill of the night when you walk family and friends to the car and linger outside because you don’t want it to end. You wave as they drive away. And then all you’re left with is your loneliness, the cold, and the memories.
61. “Thanks a Million,” by Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra
Never can get enough Sachmo. Especially after all of those hours spent with Mr. Hodges learning jazz at the feet of a master.
62. “Simple Gifts,” recorded by YoYo Ma and Alison Krauss
This 1848 Shaker melody is as American as Thanksgiving, jazz, and basketball. It’s inspired music by Aaron Copeland and 60s rock stars. This arrangement is sublime.
63. “Be Thankful,” Natalie Cole
There’s a cheekiness to this 1977 disco track. I see you shaking your groove thing.
64. “Every Time You Go Away,” Paul Young
This song is central to the plot of the classic Steve Martin and John Candy film, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” I can’t hear this song without thinking about the scene where Neal Page (Martin) remembers snapshots of his wife, children, home, co-workers, and then Del Griffith (Candy). Our doors should always be open and our tables have an extra placesetting for the lonely. Let’s work on that together.
65. “Counting Every Blessing,” by Rend Collective
This catchy track with its hook will have you tapping your toes while you reflect on your blessings.
66. “I’m So Blessed,” by CAIN
If these siblings can have this much fun making these rich harmonies without any sibling rivalry we can get through a meal of delicious foods in the same way.
67. “The Sower’s Song,” by Andrew Peterson
Many Thanksgiving hymns harken to the ideas of harvest and abundance. They speak of the soil, the planting, and the fruit. Peterson does the same here in his tribute to seeds, plows, and spiritual growth. (We should all read Peterson’s The God of the Garden for a deeper appreciation for thorns, thistles, and the soul.)
68. Don’t You Want to Thank Someone,” by Andrew Peterson
A solid reminder to all of us that reasons to be thankful for us envelop us like the warmest blanket.
69. “I Could Not Ask for More,” by Edwin McCain
Those of us who exchanged vows, wear rings, dance around the bedroom, and slog through the tough days together deserve a song, too. So, here’s a love song for the married couples who have debated where they’ll travel to, who they’ll invite over, or how they’ll please both sets of in-laws. You’ve made it. Slow dance in bare feet after the feast.
70. “Thanksgiving Prayer,” by Joanne Cash
Originally sung by her father Johnny, the Man in Black spoke/sang his rhyme. The song was even used in an episode of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”
71. “Thank You Jesus for the Blood,” by Charity Gayle
The Pilgrims faced starvation, seasickness, death, murder, disease, hopelessness, and poverty to experience the freedom to follow Jesus. We can do no less.
What songs would you add? Leave a comment below.
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