Holy crap on a cracker, how are we already at our FIFTH round of Thanksgiving posts?! Also, how is Thanksgiving already here?! The end of the year is closing in on us ever faster, so whether you'll be partaking in the biggest and heaviest meal of the year this Thursday or not, this is a great time to slow down even for just brief moment and think of all of the blessings we've recieved in 2023 and be thankful for the people in our lives that make them so much better.
I now present 2023's Thanksgiving Playlist. As always, my full Thanksgiving "master" playlist can be found on Apple Music @audioaesthetics.
Sweetest Devotion by Adele (written by A. Adkins, P. Epworth)
Originally featured on Adele's 2015 album 25, this beautiful song hits different for me this year as I go through my second trimester of my first pregnancy. Inspired by her son Angelo, the lyrics about devotion to your family are feeling especially fresh for me persosnally this year, but also keep in theme of being thankful for those you love during this time of year.
With your loving, there ain't nothing that I can't adore/The way I'm running with you, honey, means we can break every law/I find it funny that you're the only one I never looked for/There is something in your loving that tears down my walls/I wasn't ready then, I'm ready now, I’m heading straight for you/You will only be eternally the one that I belong to/The sweetest devotion/Hitting me like an explosion/All of my life, I've been frozen/The sweetest devotion I've known
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You by Dean Martin (written by L. Stock, R. Morgan, J. Cavanagh)
Featured on Martin's 1960 album This Time I'm Swingin'!, this title may seem a little aggressive by 2023's standards, but it's more about the sentiment behind the song. We should all strive for independence and to be able to care for ourselves, there's nothing like the feelings of love and security that come with finding our circle of people that truly cares for us.
You're nobody 'til somebody loves you/You're nobody 'til somebody cares/You may be king, you may possess the world and its gold/But gold won't bring you happiness when you're growing old/The world still is the same, you never change it/As sure as the stars shine above/You're nobody 'til somebody loves you/So find yourself somebody to love
Peace Train by Jann Arden (written by Y. Islam)
Featured on Arden's 2006 album Uncover Me, this Cat Stevens cover is delightful and fun to listen to all year, not just at Thanksgiving. Even when times are tumultuous, it can be freeing to go back and think about the good things we've had happen to us in our lives and be reminded that life may have its ups and downs, but bad times are only temporary.
Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come/And I believe it could be something good has begun/Oh, I've been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one/And I believe it could be some day it's going to come/'Cause out on the edge of darkness/There rides a peace train/Oh, peace train take this country/Come take me home again
How Do I Thank You by Mosaic MSC (written by C. Dennard, O. Castro, M. Goss)
Featured on Mosaic's 2022 album This Is How I Thank The Lord, this beautiful little worship song is a good reminider for us to give thanks no matter what season of life you're currently sitting in. Whether you're on the peak of a mountain feeling somewhat invincible or deep in a valley with no easily visible way out, we are called to give thanks to the Lord regardless because He is infinitely greater than any problem we encounter and any victory we achieve.
How do I thank You/For all of the ways, all of the ways You've come through/How do I thank You/How do I thank You/For all of the doors I’ve walked through/How do I thank You/And how can I say it when no words in any language/Could summarize the love I have for You/I am filled with endless gratitude/But how do I thank You
Thank You by Mozella (written by T. Myers, M. McDonald)
Featured on Mozella's 2010 album Belle Isle, this is a bop of a pop song that's great for either a family or friend gathering for Thanksgiving. The type of love our inner circles give to us is so precious and valuable, and while this holiday is a great excuse to dedicate a whole day to honoring it, it's absolutely something that should be celebrated year-round.
Mixed up and lost, you showed me love at no cost/And when nobody else cared, you were there/Down on my luck, you helped my life get unstuck/And when the world went away, you stayed/Thank you for the good times/Thank you for your love/Thank you for the joy you've given me/Yeah, yeah, thank you
You Send Me by Sam Cooke (written by S. Cooke)
Released as a single in 1957, this classic by the incomprable Sam Cooke gives off perfect Thanksgiving gathering vibes. There's something about music from the '50s and '60s that just seems to fit right in with congregating together around a table with a ton of delicious food in a room full of warmth and love.
Darling, you send me/I know you send me/Darling, you send me/Honest you do, honest you do/Honest you do, whoa/You thrill me/I know you, you, you thrill me/Darling, you, you, you, you thrill me/Honest you do/At first I thought it was infatuation/But wooh, it's lasted so long/Now I find myself wanting/To marry you and take you home, woah
Back Among Friends by Tuns (written by C. Murray, M. Murray, M. O'Neill)
Featured on Tuns's 2016 self-titled album, this is a fun soft rock song that's perfect for anyone going home for the holidays or hosting a local Friendsgiving. "Friends are the family you choose" may have become a cliche phrase, but it's so very true, and being with your people during this special time is rejuvenating and heartwarming for just about everyone.
Oh, to be back among friends/Even when the harmony ends/Even when the summer grows cold/Good times, bad times never get told
If you're celebrating this week, I hope you have a wonderful, fulfilling Thanksgiving with your loved ones on Thursday. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!
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