Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that allows you to slow down and enjoy valuable quality time with your friends and family and, of course, eat lots of good food. Though sometimes Turkey Day gets lost or forgotten in the holiday sandwich being between Halloween and Christmas. We’re sure you can think of tons of Christmas songs off the top of your head, and no doubt have your favorites, but what about Thanksgiving songs? While there may not be as many songs specifically about Thanksgiving, there are plenty that fit the theme.
We've rounded up some of our favorites and put them into a playlist, so you'll have the perfect soundtrack while decorating the dinner table, making stuffing and too many casseroles or helping the kids make all the hand turkeys and seasonal crafts you can handle. Of course, many of us jump straight to the Christmas music as soon as November 1 hits. But, for those that hold out on Christmas until Thanksgiving is over or who just want a little background music the whole family will enjoy on the day of, we've got you covered.
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Famous Thanksgiving Songs
"Thanksgiving Song," Adam Sandler
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"Turkey for me, turkey for you. Let's eat turkey in a big brown shoe." This 1992 SNL classic by Adam Sandler is a must-listen on Thanksgiving.
"Thanksgiving Day," Ray Davies
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The lyrics in this song will have you feeling grateful. We especially love the line, "Thanks for our health. Thanks for our hearth."
"I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For," Bing Crosby
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... so is the Thanksgiving tune from the musical Holiday Inn.
"Thanksgiving Song," Mary Chapin Carpenter
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No other song sums up the reason for the season quite like this one.
"Country Bumpkin," Cal Smith
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Okay, okay, so this one isn't technically about Thanksgiving, but it does contain the word pumpkin.
"Young Pilgrim," The Shins
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Any song that references pilgrims automatically has a place on this playlist.
"Gobble Gobble," Matthew West
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Though this song is on a Christmas album, it is definitely about Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Songs About Food
"Stretchy Pants" Carrie Underwood
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This funny anthem by Carrie Underwood will have everyone ready for the big meal.
"Wild Honey Pie," The Beatles
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A catchy song you'll for sure be singing while kneading you grandmother's famous pie crust recipe.
"Cooking Up Something Good," Marc DeMarco
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Turn this one all the way up as you're preparing Thanksgiving dinner. It's a mellow track that'll take off a little bit of the stress.
"Turkey Chase," Bob Dylan
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Gobble down to this fun number from 1973's Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid soundtrack.
"(Do the) Mashed Potatoes," James Brown
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The classic Thanksgiving side dish deserves a shout-out too!
"Sweet Potato Pie," Ray Charles
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And for dessert, a song that sounds as sweet as Grandma's sweet potato pie recipe tastes.
Thanksgiving Songs About Gratitude
"It's a Great Day to Be Alive," Travis Tritt
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Travis Tritt's 2000 hit reminds you to appreciate the good times with lyrics like, "And it's a great day to be alive/I know the sun's still shining/When I close my eyes."
"Be Thankful," Natalie King
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"You may be in a big city or drivin' down a country lane" (for your family's Thanksgiving dinner). This peppy song is a great reminder to always be thankful!
"Thanksgiving Prayer," Johnny Cash
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Let Johnny say grace this year. This track is also known as "I'm Thanking the Lord He Made You."
"Be Thankful for What You Got," William DeVaughn
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This track will remind you to count your blessings. After all, there's someone who would be grateful to have what you do.
"I Want to Thank You," Otis Redding
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Throw on this tune to get everybody at the dinner table grooving.
"Thankful," Kelly Clarkson
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Everyone on your guest list loves Kelly Clarkson, we promise.
"Thank God I'm a Country Boy," John Denver
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If anyone asks you what you're thankful for this year, queue up this catchy song.
"Thankful," Celine Dion
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Celine's got soul, and this melody touches our souls every time.
"Thanking the Good Lord," Merle Haggard
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Take a cue from the country star and look up.
"Blessed," Martina McBride
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The singer counts her blessings in this 2001 hit.
"I'm Alive," Willie Nelson
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Life and health are two of the greatest gifts of all, as Willie Nelson croons.
"Thank You," Keith Urban
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We love the lyrics, "I thank you for my heart, I thank you for my life."
"I Could Not Ask for More," Sara Evans
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The title does not apply to second helpings—we could always ask for more Thanksgiving food.
"A Moment Like This," Kelly Clarkson
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Yet another Kelly Clarkson song that reminds us how lucky we are.
"Lucky Man," Montgomery Gentry
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In the wake of Troy Gentry's death, this song is even more meaningful.
"But for the Grace of God," Keith Urban
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"I'd be lost, but for the grace of God," Keith Urban sings.
"Thankful For," Adam Sanders
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Wake up feeling grateful, just like this song starts.
"Give Thanks and Praises," Bob Marley
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Bob Marley is always an upbeat addition to any playlist.
"Thank You," Led Zeppelin
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No playlist is complete without the legendary Led Zeppelin.
Thanksgiving Songs About Family and Home
"We Are Family," Sister Sledge
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Everyone will be moving and grooving to this track. In fact, it might be the only type of moving you do all day!
"Home," Johnnyswim
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The Fixer Upper theme song contains a sweet message about the importance of home.
"Coat of Many Colors," Dolly Parton
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Dolly Parton turned a real-life experience about being proud and thankful for what you have into a heartwarming hit.
"(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays," Carpenters
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It may appear on their Christmas Collection album, but the Carpenters song suits Thanksgiving just as well.
"Tennessee," Johnny Cash
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The Man in Black belts out a simple song about building a life in Tennessee (and homemade apple pie gets a mention).
Thanksgiving Songs About Fall
"Autumn in New York," Billie Holiday
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Possibly the most iconic song about autumn ever.
"Autumn Leaves," Eva Cassidy
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Put this one on your playlist in honor of those who you may be missing this time of year.
"Harvest Moon," Neil Young
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Neil Young's romantic words will have everyone feeling the love.
"Sweet Seasons," Carole King
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When Carole King sings of "sweet seasons," she means so much more than winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Thanksgiving Songs for Kids
"Thankful," The Juicebox Jukebox
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Your kids will be singing along to this song, which helps them remember everything they have to be thankful for, in no time.
"Five Little Turkeys," The Learning Station
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Don't forget to include a few Thanksgiving songs for children. Preschoolers and kindergarteners will appreciate this pick.
"If You're Thankful and You Know It," The Kiboomers
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Get people of all ages singing, clapping, and stomping.
"It's Thanksgiving," Nicole Westbrook
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Older elementary and middle school kids can get down to this poppy number about the holiday.
"Turkey Lurkey Time," Megan Sikora, Mayumi Miguel, Cameron Adams
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The song from Broadway's Promises, Promises goes over best with a younger crowd. Plus, it's a perfect segue into Christmas songs.
