What the heck? Wasn't Halloween, like, yesterday? Why do I already hear Christmas music? IT'S NOT EVEN THANKSGIVING YET!!!
Never fear, stranger. Although I would be a liar if I didn't claim to have already enjoyed Pentatonix's inexplicably-early Christmas album, the seasonal dosage of Mariah Carey, or various Christmas-special themes, I am a firm believer of giving each holiday its proper care and attention.
So I took the liberty of whipping together a playlist in honor of Thanksgiving. In it I pull songs from every genre, each having to do with a different aspect of thankfulness this season. It is certainly my dream that each of you will pick your favorite of these songs and sing it to one of your unsuspecting family members (call it a "thanksgiving-gram" - heck, if you filmed it I would absolutely put it right on this blog). As always, you can grab my Spotify Playlist or you can get the Youtube Playlist, or just click on each song's album cover below.
So without further ado, here is...
Never fear, stranger. Although I would be a liar if I didn't claim to have already enjoyed Pentatonix's inexplicably-early Christmas album, the seasonal dosage of Mariah Carey, or various Christmas-special themes, I am a firm believer of giving each holiday its proper care and attention.
So I took the liberty of whipping together a playlist in honor of Thanksgiving. In it I pull songs from every genre, each having to do with a different aspect of thankfulness this season. It is certainly my dream that each of you will pick your favorite of these songs and sing it to one of your unsuspecting family members (call it a "thanksgiving-gram" - heck, if you filmed it I would absolutely put it right on this blog). As always, you can grab my Spotify Playlist or you can get the Youtube Playlist, or just click on each song's album cover below.
So without further ado, here is...
Nathan's [top 10] Songs Loosely About being
thankful for stuff
...the criteria's tough, the competition fierce.
10. Julie Andrews -
"My Favorite Things"
When saddening or frightening things threaten to stop us from reaching happiness, we are told to remind ourselves of the things we do have. Andrews' timeless classic from The Sound of Music has served as a happy ditty and defense against nightmares for generations. It's hard to argue with her kind of logic.
9. Drive-By Truckers -
"The Thanksgiving Filter"
Families can sometimes be a real burden. In the Drive-By Truckers' distinctly melancholy perspective of Thanksgiving, we see the family for what it really is - dysfunctional, chaotic, and a constant annoyance. However, despite all this, we love 'em anyways. Enjoy this southern rock tale.
8. The Radio Dept. -
"A Token Of Gratitude"
In broken relationships, we sometimes find that we have nothing left to offer other than a "thank you" and "goodbye." The Radio Dept.'s dream pop track attempts to do the first without risking the second. In the song's final lines, Johan Duncanson leaves behind a sincere thanks - and nothing more.
7. Bon Jovi -
"Thank You For Loving Me"
The people closest to us are the ones we tend to take for granted the most. Rock-ballad king Bon Jovi knows this feeling - though it's "hard for me to say the things I want to say sometimes," he can surely think of another way to express his thanks: with an incredible guitar solo.
6. Dido -
"Thank You"
Thanks can also be lost in the day-to-day life, when repetition cause us to lose sight of what we have. Dido's grey days are brought to life by her love, whom she thanks with this track (later to be looped behind Eminem's "Stan," for those of you who are curious).
5. Earth wind & Fire -
"Gratitude"
Giving thanks is not just recognizing gifts in the past - it helps us to have high hopes for the future! Earth Wind & Fire's upbeat funk tells us that we can look towards a better tomorrow, another reason to celebrate today.
4. Bob Marley -
"Give Thanks And Praises"
Taking credit and criticism for everything can hurt our ability to find true satisfaction in the state of the world. Bob Marley's reggae flair lulls us back by re-teaching us how to dedicate our works and pleasures to the source of our inspiration, giving thanks along the way.
3. Boyz II Men -
"Thank You"
It's hard to reject a thank-you set to the tune of the soulful and harmonic Boyz II Men, no matter how late it may be. As the Boyz "wake up" and give thanks to their in-specific audience, they give us a fun beat for us to sing as we pretend to be half as cool.
2. Louis Armstrong -
"What A Wonderful World"
This classic would undoubtedly make the list. Optimism is not enough to describe this view of the world. It's an appreciation for beauty, no matter how short-lived it may be. Sit back and relax - let Armstrong take you for a stroll through his neighborhood.
1. Jonny Lang -
"THANKFUl"
Topping out our list is the 2006 gospel/blues hit from this North Dakota native. As he pours through a classic American narrative of ambition, greed, poverty, and depression, he steps back to appreciate his life and the source of his joy. Seriously - enjoy this guy's pipes.
Hope you discovered a new song here that makes you smile this week. If you did, let me know! Song suggestions to add? Send 'em my way!
Bonus Round:
Nicole Westbrook -
"It's Thanksgiving"
Gotta be grateful, can’t be hateful. / Mash potatoes on my – on my table.
I got ribs smelling up my neighbor’s cribs. (alright)
Can’t deny, Havin’ good times / We’d be laughing till we cry
I got ribs smelling up my neighbor’s cribs. (alright)
Can’t deny, Havin’ good times / We’d be laughing till we cry
I'm sorry guys, but this IS the official song of Thanksgiving. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Oh - and if you you're thinking this sounds a lot like another overly-autotuned song from a prepubescent girl about a certain day people celebrate, it's because they were produced by the same company. Man, I knew there was something fishy about that "New Years'" bit...
Bonus Round 2:
Oliver! -
"Food, Glorious Food"
I'm sure I haven't met a single college student that wouldn't profit from knowing this great song. Enjoy the 1969 musical production Oliver! and it's mouth-watering number.
And finally...
And finally...
Bonus Round 3:
Johnny Cash -
"Thanksgiving Prayer"
"To join hands and thank the creator
And now when Thanksgiving is due
This year when I count my blessings
I'm thanking the Lord He made you."
And now when Thanksgiving is due
This year when I count my blessings
I'm thanking the Lord He made you."
And finally, I leave you with a lesser-known heartwarmer from old Johnny Cash himself. Whether you're in Texas for Thanksgiving or elsewhere in this great big world, I think that perhaps Cash teaches us the best way to enjoy this special time of the year.
Enjoy your time with family, friends, pets, and your old record collections. Maybe this playlist will help you get started. :)
Enjoy your time with family, friends, pets, and your old record collections. Maybe this playlist will help you get started. :)
| Nathan is a Junior Business Fellow at Baylor studying Economics, Educational Psychology, and History. He loves making friends with students who wish to explore Baylor and make it their home. His Facebook page is a hub for practical and philosophical insights designed to help students enjoy their college experience. Sharing this article would go a long way in helping his work gain viewership. |