Five Thanksgiving Songs

Thanksgiving songs have been apart of American culture for a long time. Not as celebrated as Christmas songs, Thanksgiving songs are just as important to the holiday. Holidays have always had a way of bringing people together. Thanksgiving music provokes feelings of love and family, making the moments that you share with your loved ones much more special. The wondrous festival of Thanksgiving is commemorated to give thanks and appreciation for all you’ve been blessed with throughout the year. Originally created as a religious and sacred festival, Thanksgiving has now evolved into a national holiday. Though the festival has become a more joyful and fun occasion, it still has some of the traditional antiquities it began with like song and dance. This article will discuss the most celebrated songs of the season as well as their origin and creator.

Every Day Is Thanksgiving

This song is a fan favorite for many reasons, but mostly for its creative lyrics that resonate feelings of holiday joy in all it’s listeners. The inspiration for the song is to education. The authors(Karen Rupprecht and Pam Minor) believe that through music and song one can be both entertained and inspired to learn.

O God, Beneath Thy Guiding Hand

This is a song that is used to celebrate the presence of God in all that matters. To keep the holiness of the spirit alive, this soulful hymn was created. The song was originally sketched in 1833 by the famous American preacher and writer Leonard Beacon. The song in part, was created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of New Haven, Connecticut.

Faith Of Our Fathers

This is a melodious hymn, that is sung in both homes and churches throughout the country. Composed originally by Frederick W. Faber in 1849 the hymn was created in memory of the cathloic martyrs from the time of the establishment of the Church of England by Henry VIII. The song was also sung at the funeral of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today however, it is sung more as a Thanksgiving song to the tunes of St. Catherine by Henri F Hemy.

Lone Pilgrim

This Thanksgiving song is enriched with legends and symbolism that are inspired by the journey of the pilgrims who sailed to America in 1621. Also called the Mayflower Survivor Song, this song celebrates courage and the will to survive. The lyrics of “Lone Pilgrim” are written by Bob Dylan, but its origin and claims to authorship are many.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

This song was written by Henry Alford in 1844, this song has long been considered a favorite of the holiday. Traditionally, sung to the tune of St. George’s Windsor by George Job Elvey. This harmonious song makes a great entry into your Thanksgiving song. This song will impress both The Lord and everyone else in the mood of celebrating the harvest season.

Over the River and Through the Wood

This is a happy family song by Lydia Maria Child. Written originally as a poem celebrating her trips to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for Thanksgiving. Most of us can related to it in some sense. I remember walking through the orchard adjacent to our home on our way to my Aunt and Uncle’s house where 15 or 20 cousins and other relatives would always gather for Thanksgiving.

Although the Thanksgiving holiday has many songs and hymns, the songs selected have a sentimental and traditional value. In spite of the food and festivities, one should always be mindful of the spirit of the holiday. Each day is a blessing and should be celebrated in gratefulness to God. Thanksgiving music will always be a big part of our tradition and country.

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