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45 Best Thanksgiving Songs That'll Get You in the Holiday Spirit

These tunes are all about gathering 'round and feeling grateful.

By Nora Knoepflmacher
preview for Does Turkey Make You Sleepy?

There's a lot to be grateful for around the holidays. The hearty Thanksgiving meal that you get to eat with family and friends is an obvious reason, but a great one nonetheless. Though, we can't forget about the annual Thanksgiving activities and holiday games that help us make core memories every year. But something else we're especially thankful for is this hefty list of Thanksgiving songs that help us get in the holiday spirit! Just like Thanksgiving jokes, the best Thanksgiving music can help lighten the mood and alleviate the stress of the big day. Plus, who doesn't love embarrassing their kids with some cool mom dance moves?!

There will definitely be a song on this list for you, no matter what you're into. And we can assure you that playing these tunes in the kitchen while you cook and get the house ready will leave you feeling more refreshed than ever. (And some of them will work for your next family dance party!) Basically, just like a good Thanksgiving dinner, there's something for everyone. With artists like Dolly Parton and Bing Crosby, and genres ranging from country and pop to jazz and R&B, you're bound to find a Thanksgiving song to which you'll want to sing along. (Just don't do it with your mouth full of turkey!)

1

Stretchy Pants

Stretchy Pants
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Stretchy Pants

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It's no secret that we're gonna eat come Thanksgiving, and eat good at that! So, Carrie Underwood is reminding us to throw on our "stretchy pants" as we prepare to have seconds, thirds, and... multiple servings of our favorite meals this year.

2

Give Thanks & Praises

Give Thanks & Praises
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Give Thanks & Praises

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A Bob Marley song can match any occasion, but this one is especially perfect for Thanksgiving. Put this on as part of your soundtrack during your holiday meal, and the mood will be set just right.

3

Thank You Friends

Thank You Friends
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Thank You Friends

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Is this your new BFF anthem?! Having a solid group of friends is one of life's biggest blessings, so go ahead and dedicate this to them this holiday.

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4

Pass The Peas

Pass The Peas
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Pass The Peas

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The name of this song is a saying we know all too well come Thanksgiving. Its' soulful melody and jazzy trumpet is what makes up the entire song. Very few words, but lots of warm feelings come out of this track by The J.B.'s.

5

Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon
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Harvest Moon

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A sweet song about young love during the harvest season. Neil Young's tune is a nostalgic one that'll make you melt the second you hit play.

6

Thank You

Thank You
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Thank You

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Being thankful around the November holiday is a common feeling, but Dido's song really puts into perspective as to why we should take a moment to reflect on all that we have. It's no question why it's on this list!

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7

I Want to Thank You

I Want to Thank You
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I Want to Thank You

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Otis Redding is thankful for a lot, including his exes! Singing about them and the lesson's he's learned about love is the only way he knows how to mend a broken heart.

8

Thanksgiving (Live)

Thanksgiving (Live)
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Thanksgiving (Live)

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This one might seem straight forward, but sometimes, that's what we need! If Christmas songs are jolly, then this Thanksgiving tune is straight up gratifying!

9

Thanksgiving Theme

Thanksgiving Theme
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Thanksgiving Theme

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We all have a soft spot for Charlie Brown and the many movies in the franchise. So it goes without saying that this holiday tune is great for kids, but could also have any adult feeling nostalgic.

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10

Everybody Eats When They Come to My House

Everybody Eats When They Come to My House
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Everybody Eats When They Come to My House

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A catchy song about being grateful and full during Thanksgiving is right on brand. Though. anyone hosting the holiday festivities will feel an extra sense of pride listening to this.

11

This Land Is Your Land

This Land Is Your Land
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This Land Is Your Land

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A hit that everyone knows the words to, even if you don't remember where you learned them from. Peter. Paul, and Mary's rendition of this staple ballad is just what we needed this time around.

12

Cooking Up Something Good

Cooking Up Something Good
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Cooking Up Something Good

If you know you're going to spend lots of time with the apron on ahead of the holidays, then we suggest adding this song to your playlist as you get to work! It'll have you feeling motivated to whip up those meals with love and care.

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13

'Tis Autumn

'Tis Autumn
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'Tis Autumn

Nat King Cole swooned us over with her iconic "la-di-da, di-da-di-dum" sung in her soothing voice. We'd be lying if we said we didn't belt this out from time to time.

14

I Thank You

I Thank You
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I Thank You

If you're a fan of soul music, you'll love this track. It's got the perfect, Thanksgiving-ready vibe.

15

(What A) Wonderful World

(What A) Wonderful World
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(What A) Wonderful World

This simple, classic song has stood the test of time for a reason! Give it a listen as you whip up mashed potatoes to remind yourself what the holiday's really about.

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16

I Could Not Ask For More

I Could Not Ask For More
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I Could Not Ask For More

Here's an on-theme song—and all of your guests will know the words, too!

17

It Don't Have to Change

It Don't Have to Change
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It Don't Have to Change

"Oh, do you remember when the family was everything?" These nostalgia-inducing lyrics will have you wiping away happy tears (and tapping your feet!).

18

Meanwhile Back At Mama's

Meanwhile Back At Mama's
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Meanwhile Back At Mama's

If you're longing to be home with family this November, you'll want to press play on this Tim McGraw classic. Featuring Faith Hill, it's a tearjerker with a beautiful melody.

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19

Coat Of Many Colors

Coat Of Many Colors
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Coat Of Many Colors

We can always count on Dolly Parton songs to get us in the spirit. This classic tune inspired by the star's childhood is all about gratitude and showing love to family—a perfect choice for Thanksgiving.

20

Thankful

Thankful
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Thankful

What better way to celebrate Turkey Day than with this former American Idol star? Sing along to this ballad about gratitude as you whip up pumpkin puree in the kitchen.

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