As we gather with family, dig into home cooking made with love, and watch some football games, we also take in the scene around us and feel grateful for all that we have. Whether this sounds like your Thanksgiving festivities or not, there are always things in life to be thankful for.
In the past, we’ve shared songs specifically about the Thanksgiving holiday, and we’ve also shared songs that our team specifically are thankful for. But being thankful doesn’t have to be confined to the holiday, and there are tons of songs out there that display gratitude. So, whether you’re in the US celebrating Thanksgiving or you’re elsewhere looking for songs to uplift you and share your gratitude with the world, we have the ultimate playlist for you! Check it out!
“A Moment Like This” - Kelly Clarkson
After winning the very first season of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson had a lot to be thankful for, and this song captures her gratitude and can be shared by many.
DJ Khaled feat. Lil Wayne & Jeremih, "Thankful"
If you’re looking for something upbeat to share in the thankfulness, throw on this DJ Khaled song that all’s about thanking life for the hardships that taught them lessons along the way that led to the happy lives they currently have. If you want some bonus wholesomeness, check out the music video which features Khaled’s children.
Violeta Parra, "Gracias a la Vida" (1966)
This playlist wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t have some older songs included. This song from 1966 is sung by a Chilean folk singer-songwriter Violeta Parra who wrote one of the most emotional thank you songs on this playlist. Since it came out, it’s been covered by all kinds of artists including Joan Baez to Kacey Musgraves. You don’t have to know Spanish to understand the feelings of gratitude this song emits.
Keith Urban, “Thank You”
This country song is all about being grateful for a person in your life that makes you your best self. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a partner, this song expresses that gratitude.
Celine Dion, “Thankful”
When you’ve come out on the other side of a difficult moment, and you’re grateful just to be alive, this is the song to play.
The Backstreet Boys - “Larger Than Life”
There’s nothing like the confidence that someone will be there for you when you need them. This song by The Backstreet Boys captures that gratitude.
Earth, Wind & Fire, “Gratitude”
You can throw this song on when you need your own personal thank you or if you’d like to show gratitude to someone else who needs to hear it.
Alanis Morissette, “Thank U” (1998)
Feeling thankful by listening to this Morissette tune. It’s all about being grateful to everything- the world, yourself, and everything in between worth loving about the universe.
Led Zeppelin, “Thank You”
Elements of this make it a little more like a love song, but it’s a love song thanking someone for helping them be the person they are today. Throw this on if you’ve got someone special in your life.
Louis Armstrong, “What a Wonderful World”
While this classic may never verbally throw out any Thank Yous, it most definitely captures a beautiful gratitude for the world and all that’s in it worth smiling about.
Sly & The Family Stone - “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”
What’s more reason to be thankful than someone allowing you to be yourself, and by doing so you find happiness and success? Fans of Scooby Doo 2 will recognize this song if they weren’t familiar already.
Chance the Rapper, “Blessings”
When you look at your life and see how far you’ve come or that your hard work has paid off, throw on this Chance the Rapper song. It’s all about celebrating the many blessings he’s experienced in his journey from an underground rapper to a big success who broke into the mainstream on his own terms.
Diana Ross - “Thank You”
This Motown groovy tune is another great one to throw on to thank someone who was supportive and helped you somewhere along the way.
The Beatles - "Thank You Girl"
In this track, The Beatles thank all the women in their lives who have helped and inspired them along the way in their careers.
Good Charlotte - “Thank You Mom”
To all the great moms out there who deserve a million thank yous and more, this Good Charlottle track is perfect.
LANY - “if this is the last time”
Throw on this LANY song when you’re missing your parents or feeling thankful for all they’ve done for you.
The Amity Affliction - “Bondi St. Blues”
While The Amity Affliction songs tend to focus on mental health struggles and aren’t always the most uplifting, “Bondi St. Blues” is an exception, one which thanks a friend who helped in a very difficult, suffocating time. Throw this song on when you’re grateful for a friend’s support.
The Word Alive - “Thank You”
This is more of a sarcastic thank you, because the song is all about thanking someone for not believing in them, which in turn fueled them to try harder to reach their dreams. This is a song for those who want to send a thank you to any of their haters.
Awolnation - “Woman Woman”
This song serves as the ultimate thank you to all the women in your life that have made you who you are today whether that’s your mom, your sister, you wife, or your friend.
Twenty One Pilots - “Legend”
This one is particularly great if you have an older family member that you’re grateful for how they influenced you. This song was written by the singer, Tyler Joseph, for his grandfather who sadly passed before he could get this song recorded. While a little melancholy, it’s also thankful for having known him at all.
Foster the People - “I Love My Friends”
Throw this song on when you’re feeling thankful for your friends and the fun times you have.
So there, you have it! And if you want it in an actual playlist form, I’ve got great news for you... I’ve already made one! Check it out below and let us know which song about being thankful is your favorite.
Written by Kristen Petronio
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