Three Perfect Songs for Thanksgiving

Country music about family, abundance, and faith can round out the holiday’s family festivities.

Saying grace before carving the turkey at Thanksgiving dinner, 1942, by Marjory Collins. Library of Congress. Public Domain

During the fall season, Christmas music can be heard at retail stores across America months before the holiday arrives. Christmas-themed music is popular, with no shortage of options, from classics like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” to favorites like Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” According to data gathered by Cloud Cover Music, the average holiday music enthusiast listens to “65 hours and 24 minutes of holiday music each year ... the equivalent of two days, 17 hours, and 24 minutes of listening.”

While Christmas is known for its music, one of its neighboring holidays, Thanksgiving, has its own cornucopia of musical options celebrating the scrumptious occasion. Thanksgiving is known for its turkey and pumpkin pie, but music can add the perfect ingredient to round out any holiday.

Country music pairs well with Thanksgiving celebrations. Common themes from the genre center around a gratitude for life, love of family, and a focus on traditions, including the holidays. Featuring songs by classic country artists and contemporary voices of the genre, these three country songs (and some honorable mentions) go well with the fall holiday’s family festivities.

A ‘Thanksgiving Prayer’

We’ve come to the time in the season When family and friends gather near To offer a prayer of Thanksgiving For blessings we’ve known through the year

In 1994, country great Johnny Cash made another guest appearance on the popular primetime drama “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” The show was a mainstay of 1990s’ television and starred Jane Seymour as Michaela Quinn. Nicknamed “Dr. Mike,” Quinn played a doctor in post-Civil War America who moves to a Western frontier town in Colorado Springs to help care for the community.

A circa early 1990s' photograph of Johnny Cash from the 2005 compilation album "Johnny Cash – The Legend Of Johnny Cash." Internet Archive. Public Domain

Cash played the character Kid Cole in four episodes, and his wife, June Carter Cash, also played his better half on the show, starred alongside him as Sister Ruth.

Cole’s story was that of a sickly outlaw-turned-sheriff, and he and Sister Ruth were often on the run from his past. But a poignant scene from Season 3 in an episode titled “Thanksgiving,” revealed a softer side to Cash’s character. In a quiet, dimly lit room, he serenaded Sister Ruth as well as Quinn and her love interest, Sully, with a special song, “Thanksgiving Prayer.” The gentle, folksy ballad celebrates life’s many blessings, from a loving marriage and family to life’s simple pleasures.

The show’s producer, Josef Anderson, wrote the song specifically for the show. Cash never released an official commercial recording of the heartfelt tune, but video clips are available of his guest appearance, making his live performance on set even more special.

‘Blessed’

In October 2001, powerhouse country vocalist Martina McBride released her fifth No. 1 single, “Blessed,” featured on her “Greatest Hits” album. The country singer’s vocal delivery turned the upbeat tune into an anthem. She used the lyrics to praise all the blessings in her life, from her husband, John McBride, to her children at that time Delaney and Emma, to sun-filled mornings and the beauty of the world. John, Delaney, and Emma even made appearances in the single’s music video, but Ava was born a few years after filming.

Songwriters Brett James, Troy Verges, and Hillary Lindsey teamed up to pen the song. Verges said “Blessed” was born from wanting to go in a different direction regarding the tried-and-true subject of love.

“‘Blessed' is a love song, but it’s not a romantic love song. Part of it is, but it’s about celebrating life,” he shared in an interview excerpt featured on music site Songfacts.

Cover of Martina McBride's 2001 "Greatest Hits" album, featuring "Blessed." Legacy Recordings

Several years after McBride’s chart-topping single debuted, country music site The Boot asked artists about their Thanksgiving traditions and what the holiday means to them. McBride’s answer showed she continues to live the words of her music long after they’ve been released.

She shared with the news outlet that she’s thankful for “having daughters and a wonderful husband, and that relationship that has grown and matured and deepened and strengthened over the years, and I feel, to use the word, blessed to have that.”

‘Thanking the Good Lord’

“Let the power that made you/ Help me to prosper and be fair in all things that I do.”

Merle Haggard’s legacy is that of a great storyteller in country music. His signature songs include country staples like “Mama Tried” and his 1983 Grammy-award winning hit, “That’s the Way Love Goes.” But his 1987 album, “Chill Factor,” includes a treasured Haggard tune that never made it to radio, though it still ranks as a favorite among some fans of country music.

Promotional studio portrait of American country singer and songwriter Merle Haggard, circa 1970. Frederic Lewis/Getty Images

“While Haggard released several singles off of ‘Chill Factor,’ the track ‘Thanking the Good Lord’ was not one of them. Therefore, it’s sort of a hidden gem in his catalog that only a few fans know about,” shared Country Rebel.

“Thanking the Good Lord” is a sunny and reflective number that plays about halfway through The Hag’s mid-1980s record. The country crooner sings about his faith and the love of God, and how that great love is shaping his life in positive ways.

“This is a great country song full of gratitude that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. … It is short and sweet, coming in at just over two minutes. However, Haggard uses his time wisely on this cut,” music publication American Songwriter noted of the tender tune.

“The pieces are all falling together,” Haggard sings in the opening line. Then, continues: “The picture is coming in view/ When I thought the end was upon me/ I found my purpose in you.”

Other popular country tunes to include in Thanksgiving celebrations are Dolly Parton’s essential country hit, “Coat of Many Colors,” celebrating humble beginnings as blessings in disguise, and Keith Urban’s intimate track, “But for the Grace of God,” which honors loving relationships as divine gifts. These all make great additions to a festive atmosphere as families and friends count their blessings and give thanks for another holiday season together.

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