Why It Matters

Okay, lots of things say “thank you” better than a song, not the least of which is simply saying thank you, but can you think of a better Thanksgiving playlist than songs of gratitude? Thank you, I didn’t think so.

I know you have a lot to be thankful for today, from your family being together to your football team winning to your Aunt Mabel forgetting to bring her famous ambrosia salad that looks like tuna cat food, so pull up a headphone and let’s do this thing.

“Gratitude,” Beastie Boys. The Beasties might seem like an unconventional choice as our Thanksgiving playlist opener, but many historians believe that when asking someone to pass the potatoes Miles Standish was fond of saying, “Kick it over here, baby pop.”

“I Thank You,” Sam and Dave. You might be a fan of ZZ Top’s cover of this Sam and Dave classic. I am, too, but this clip is tastier than a fresh sugar pumpkin pie.

“Thank You,” Led Zeppelin. Great ‘thank you’ song, or greatest ‘thank you’ song? Discuss.

“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” Sly and the Family Stone. Classic cut, and a classic clip from Soul Train.

“Thank You,” Dido. The definitive Gen Y gratitude song, unless your name is Stan.

“Thanks for the Memory,” Bob Hope and Shirley Ross. Few songs are as associated with one performer as the legendary Bob Hope and this signature tune, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

“Thank U,” Alanis Morisette. One from the ’90s. Bust out your Doc Martens!

“Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” John Denver. We can’t close this out without a nod to the country music fans.

There you have it: eight songs about thanks and gratitude. I’m thankful that there are hundreds more, so let’s hear some of your favorites. I’m listening.