The best backdrop to a delicious feast are some totally awesome Thanksgiving songs. It’s no secret that music can make you feel a range of emotions, from joy to sadness to intensity and everything in between. So as you begin to ease into the holiday mindset, enjoy Thanksgiving music. It’s time to crank up the music and add a little groove to your holiday mood.
In honor of giving thanks this season, we’re giving you some of our favorite Thanksgiving songs.
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Andrew Gold • Thank You For Being A Friend (the Golden Girls theme song)
Two words: Golden. Girls. Many of us grew up knowing and loving the four memorable ladies Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sophia (Sophia was our most favorite) on this hit show. And the theme song was almost as famous as the stars themselves. Anytime we hear this song we can’t help but smile, it’s unavoidable. Try it; we dare you to try.
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The Talking Heads • Thank You For Sending Me An Angel
This gratitude song seems to hint at a lovely message to someone special your life, right? But spoiler alert: the “angel” that lead singer David Byrne is singing about is actually — wait for it — himself. Yup, he’s singing about himself. He is being thankful for himself. Can you say narcissistic? But who cares? The song is awesome
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Bob Dylan • Shelter From The Storm
One of the more sentimental Thanksgiving sons on the list, Bob Dylan created this beautiful song about not knowing what you have until it’s gone. It’s lovely to listen to, the words are powerful, and it’s a reminder to appreciate the joy around you while you can. Plus, Dylan’s voice is just SO cool — there’s no one else quite like him.
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Adam Sandler • The Thanksgiving Song
Ooooobviously this song had to make our list of Thanksgiving music. Back in the 90s Adam Sandler was the king of comedic melodies, cranking out hits like The Chanukah Song and Lunch Lady Land. But our favorite was always The Thanksgiving Song, also referred to as the song about turkey because…well…it’s a song about turkey. It’s sure to add a little giggle to your day as you gobble your meal.
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Natalie Merchant • Kind and Generous
You know those times when you’ve wanted to thank someone but you weren’t quite sure how to put your gratitude into words? Good news, Natalie Merchant says it all and she says it perfectly. Her song about being thankful was a staple on our CD rotation in the 90s, and it’s still beautiful to listen to.
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Kelly Clarkson • Thankful
In her first studio album after winning the first American Idol, Clarkson proves she’s got what it takes to be a pop superstar by combining a beautiful voice with depth and soul. Her song Thankful is the perfect mix of a catchy tune and a meaningful message, reminding us that it is important to let our loved ones know we appreciate them.
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Bob Marley • Thank You Lord
Basically anything Bob Marley sings seems to give off vibes of happiness, joy, spirituality and appreciation. In this song he thanks the lord for everything he has learned, everything he has been given and for giving him a reason to sing. A beautiful message with a reggae twist — this song is officially being played on repeat in our house.
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Alanis Morissette • Thank U
Call us crazy, but we think that anything Alanis touches turns to gold. Her voice is so unique and her songs range from angry (You Oughta Know) to thankful (Thank U). Through it all her emotive voice shines through, but this time with a bit more gratitude and joy compared to her earlier tracks.
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Dido • Thank You
Dido’s voice is haunting, and always has been. We love her heartfelt single Thank You, which she apparently wrote for her then boyfriend (they split soon after). The song talks about a series of really crappy experiences that, as it turns out, aren’t so crappy after all because someone you love brightened your day. It’s about perspective and recognizing what brings you joy in life. Definitely one of the best Thanksgiving songs.
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The Beatles • Thank You Girl
How could we have a Thanksgiving music list without featuring The Beatles? That just seems mad. And this song is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving playlist, since it was written as a thank you to their female fans everywhere. It was meant to be a genuine thank you and to show their appreciation for their fans’ support and love.