Add These Thanksgiving Songs to Your Turkey Day Playlist
Thanksgiving is a joyful time to gather with friends and family. Let your November playlist reflect that mood! Play this music when you're in the kitchen serving up your best Thanksgiving recipes, and then keep it going while the family gathers for the meal, all the way until the Thanksgiving pies are served. If you're beginning to feel somewhat anxious in the kitchen as you prep all of the dishes, read these Thanksgiving quotes or put on our Thanksgiving playlist to give you peaceful ambience and help you unwind.
This list of Thanksgiving songs is filled with some of our favorite country artists, including Johnny Cash, Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and Martina McBride. Not a fan of the classic country songs? James Brown and Natalie Cole made the list too! You'll enjoy these tunes about food, family, and gratitude—because that's what Thanksgiving is all about! When things start to get crazy on Turkey Day, simply press play and enjoy singing and dancing along to these songs with your friends and family.
Thanksgiving Songs
"Thanksgiving Song," Adam Sandler
"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
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
... so is the Thanksgiving tune from the musical Holiday Inn.
"Thanksgiving Song," Mary Chapin Carpenter
No other song sums up the reason for the season quite like this one.
"Country Bumpkin," Cal Smith
Okay, okay, so this one isn't technically about Thanksgiving, but it does contain the word pumpkin.
"Young Pilgrim," The Shins
Any song that references pilgrims automatically has a place on this playlist.
Thanksgiving Songs About Food
"Stretchy Pants" Carrie Underwood
This funny anthem by Carrie Underwood will have everyone ready for the big meal.
"Wild Honey Pie," The Beatles
A catchy song you'll for sure be singing while kneading you grandmother's famous pie crust recipe.
"Cooking Up Something Good," Marc DeMarco
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
Gobble down to this fun number from 1973's Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid soundtrack.
"(Do the) Mashed Potatoes," James Brown
The classic Thanksgiving side dish deserves a shout-out too!
"Sweet Potato Pie," Ray Charles
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
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
"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
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
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
Throw on this tune to get everybody at the dinner table grooving.
"Thankful," Kelly Clarkson
Everyone on your guest list loves Kelly Clarkson, we promise.
"Thank God I'm a Country Boy," John Denver
If anyone asks you what you're thankful for this year, queue up this catchy song.
"Thankful," Celine Dion
Celine's got soul, and this melody touches our souls every time.
"Thanking the Good Lord," Merle Haggard
Take a cue from the country star and look up.
"Blessed," Martina McBride
The singer counts her blessings in this 2001 hit.
"I'm Alive," Willie Nelson
Life and health are two of the greatest gifts of all, as Willie Nelson croons.
"Thank You," Keith Urban
We love the lyrics, "I thank you for my heart, I thank you for my life."
"I Could Not Ask for More," Sara Evans
The title does not apply to second helpings—we could always ask for more Thanksgiving food.
"A Moment Like This," Kelly Clarkson
Yet another Kelly Clarkson song that reminds us how lucky we are.
"Lucky Man," Montgomery Gentry
In the wake of Troy Gentry's death, this song is even more meaningful.
"But for the Grace of God," Keith Urban
"I'd be lost, but for the grace of God," Keith Urban sings.
"Thankful For," Adam Sanders
Wake up feeling grateful, just like this song starts.
"Give Thanks and Praises," Bob Marley
Bob Marley is always an upbeat addition to any playlist.
"Thank You," Led Zeppelin
No playlist is complete without the legendary Led Zeppelin.
Thanksgiving Songs About Family and Home
"We Are Family," Sister Sledge
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
The Fixer Upper theme song contains a sweet message about the importance of home.
"Coat of Many Colors," Dolly Parton
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
It may appear on their Christmas Collection album, but the Carpenters song suits Thanksgiving just as well.
"Tennessee," Johnny Cash
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
Possibly the most iconic song about autumn ever.
"Autumn Leaves," Eva Cassidy
Put this one on your playlist in honor of those who you may be missing this time of year.
"Harvest Moon," Neil Young
Neil Young's romantic words will have everyone feeling the love.
"Sweet Seasons," Carole King
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
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
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
Get people of all ages singing, clapping, and stomping.
"It's Thanksgiving," Nicole Westbrook
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
The song from Broadway's Promises, Promises goes over best with a younger crowd. Plus, it's a perfect segue into Christmas songs.
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