10 Country Songs to Add to Your Thanksgiving Day Playlist

On Thursday (Nov. 23), thousands of gatherings will bring together families and friends to enjoy a day of fellowship and food. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 73% of U.S. adults say family time is one of the most important aspects of their life.

When it comes to the foods spread out on Thanksgiving Day tables across the country, according to the National Turkey Federation, 88 percent of Americans consume turkey for Thanksgiving each year. Meanwhile, Campbell’s second annual “State of the Sides” report ranks mashed potatoes, stuffing/dressing, mac and cheese as the country’s favorite side dishes, while the report also notes that nearly six out of 10 people plan to attend a “friendsgiving” gathering. Some families settle in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, while others might opt for exercise by running a Turkey Trot. Still others might use the day to volunteer in the community.

Regardless, one essential at any Thanksgiving Day celebration is a top-tier soundtrack. Though country music has a long history of sad songs, murder songs, and cheating songs, it also has a sturdy history of songs embedded with themes of hope, joy, positivity and the importance of family. Songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Martina McBride, Sawyer Brown and more country artists are perfect to keep the feelings of gratitude going.

Whether the songs explicitly mention Thanksgiving, or just offer up lyrics about gratefulness in general, here, we look at our top 10 picks for country songs about gratefulness that are a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving playlist.