Nipper’s Top Ten Thanksgiving Tunes

Thanksgiving is a time for sharing and Nippertown loves sharing music. What better way than to list our ten favorite songs that remind us of giving thanks for what we have.

“Thanksgiving Prayer” by Johnny Cash

With lyrics like, “I’m grateful for the laughter of children, The sun and the wind and the rain, The color of blue in your sweet eyes, The sight of a high “ballin” train” it’s an easy choice to make the list. The title doesn’t hurt its cause either.

“I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful For” by Bing Crosby

This jazz classic sung by Bing Crosby in his movie “Holiday Inn” (1942) was written by the legendary Irving Berlin. Put them together and add lyrics like, ” I’ve got eyes to see with, Ears to hear with, Arms to hug with, Lips to kiss with, Someone to adore”… who could ask for more?

“Thanksgiving Day” by Ray Davies

One of the great songwriters, Ray Davies strayed from “Lola” or “A Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy” long enough to give us not one, but two, great holiday songs. While I’m sure The Figgs version of his song “Father Christmas” will be a shoe-in for Nipper’s Christmas playlist. Thanksgiving will be a little brighter with Ray’s melancholy voice and natural swavey.

“Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter’s lyrics speak louder than any commentary ever could. It starts off with “Grateful for each hand we hold, Gathered round this table. From far and near we travel home, Blessed that we are able.” and continues on to cover everyone, “Father, mother, daughter, son, Neighbor, friend, and friendless; All together everyone, Let grateful days be endless.” Just perfection.

“Thank You” by Dido

I’m not sure how you can have a list without at least one “Thank You” song, and while Led Zeppelin might be my favorite band on any given day Dido’s “Thank You” gives me pause every time I hear it. We all have rough days and it’s reassuring to have a reminder that “it’s not so bad, it’s not so bad.”

“Autumn in New York” by Billie Holiday

While Billie is probably singing about New York City, it doesn’t matter because her words ring true for Upstate New York as well. “Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting?” The leaves have all changed, it’s getting colder, but on a nice sunny fall day, there is no place I’d rather be.

“Macy’s Day Parade” by Green Day

Green Day’s “Macy’s Day Parade” starts out cynical, but what else would expect from the punk rockers? But in the end Billie Joe comes around and offers up these final words, “And I’m thinking ’bout, A brand new hope, The one I’ve never known, ‘Cause now I know, It’s all that I wanted.”

“Home” by Phillip Phillips

It’s been a year of great loses, not only did the Nippertown music family lose Greg in April, I personally lost my mom in May. The holidays can feel mighty lonely at times, but this sentimental pick proves that as long as your family and friends are beside you, home is wherever you want to make it.

“Give Thanks and Praise” by Bob Marley

You know the music’s good when, no matter how you are feeling, everything just feels alright upon hearing the song. Much love and respect to the mystic, the legend, the king of reggae.

“The Thanksgiving Filter” by Drive-By Truckers

Thanksgiving is a time family gets together, and let’s be honest, we love our family but we sure as hell didn’t pick them. It was fate and fate can have a sense of humor. Growing up in a small town with a large family we had our share of characters. The backdoor seemed to be revolving on Thanksgiving and uncles and aunts, cousins I’d only see a couple of times a year, nosey neighbors, and sometimes a friend of a friend of a friend would pop in to make a plate. All were welcome, to come, and to go. I don’t live 300 miles from where I grew up, but just far enough that the lyrics, “Blessed be my family 300 miles away” makes me appreciate them that much more.

There are so many more than could be added to this list. Picking only ten and trying to cover a wide variety of genres and eras isn’t easy. So, please feel free to leave a comment about your favorite Thanksgiving Song. I’m just thankful you come to Nippertown and are a part of our music family.