Halloween and Christmas both have music dedicated to their respective holidays, but where is the holiday cheer for Thanksgiving? Luckily, the Miami Hurricane has curated 12 songs to add to your Thanksgiving playlists for the holiday season, so sing your heart out.
From The Miami Hurricane to you, we wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!
“Home” – Phillip Phillips
This song has a strong homey feel that is very Thanksgiving appropriate. “Home” is the perfect track for a plane ride back home and even better if you are spending the holidays apart. The line “Just know you’re not alone / ‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home” says it all.
“Thank You for the Music” – ABBA
A classic song about being thankful for music itself! What’s a better addition to a Thanksgiving playlist and you can listen to the Mamma Mia version if that’s more your style. It says “I’m so grateful and proud, / All I want is to sing it out loud” so sing it out loud this Thanksgiving!
“Thank You, Next” – Ariana Grande
Being thankful for what did not work out can only make space for new and improved things, right? With lyrics like “One taught me love, One taught me patience / and one taught me pain,” Grande knows that we grow with every relationship or situationship, and that is something to be truly grateful for.
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
A deeply happy and appreciative song that always warms my heart for the holiday season, Armstrong’s song — featuring his classic, smooth voice — is one to be grateful for and a great addition to a Thanksgiving playlist.
“My Favorite Things” – Pentatonix
Pentatonix always reminds me of the holidays, mostly Christmas and this is the perfect transition song with both Thanksgiving and Christmas vibes. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, we all have things to be grateful for: Pentatonix makes this clear in the line, “When I’m feeling sad / I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad.”
“Welcome Home, Son” – Radical Face
A feel-good composition, everything about this song screams the holidays, fall and Thanksgiving to me. The chorus drop is so inviting; it feels exactly like walking into a Thanksgiving feast surrounded by loved ones.
“Flowers in Your Hair” – The Lumineers
The Lumineers are such a classic autumn vibe band and their smooth, happy feel meshes perfectly with Thanksgiving. For the same vibe, make sure to listen to their songs “Ho Hey,” “Ophelia” and “Sleep on The Floor.”
“Thank You” – Dido
A powerful song, if you are in the mood for being thankful for one special person in your life, since everything is not so bad as long as you are near them. As a plus, Dido’s voice is amazing and the song is a hit.
“I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful For” – Bing Crosby
The title says it all. Play this song and get into the gratitude spirit — we all have so much to be grateful for, even the little things we sometimes forget. As Crosby sings, we can all be grateful for “Eyes to see with. Ears to hear with. Arms to hug with. Lips to kiss with. Someone to adore.”
“Yellow” – Coldplay
For some reason, this song makes me feel so thankful and full I could burst. Though it is indeed a love song, the line “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you” is a beautiful message to sing around Thanksgiving time, whether you are far away from home or right next to loved ones.
“A Moment Like This” – Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson always comes through with strong and inspiring songs. What if I told you it was all meant to be? This song looks at gratitude in a specific moment — one that changes your life forever and that people spend a lifetime waiting for — while encouraging you to do the same.
“Grateful” – Rita Ora
This song is about being grateful for tough times. Yes, you heard that right. If you are going through a rough season during the holidays, this song sees it as a stepping stone for something better, a time to learn and thrive.
“Thank You” – Boyz II Men
This song is about being grateful for loved ones that “never turned away” when “times got rough.” This holiday season, reflect on those around you that are there for you in the good times and bad.
“We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
Around the holidays, people are reminded about the importance of friends and family. Whether you were born into your family or hand-picked your circle at UM, this song will remind you to appreciate the community around you.
“<3” – Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny closes out his “YHLQMDLG” album with this acoustic track. The pull-at-your-heartstrings song opens by thanking those who have been with him from the start. Be sure to reach out to your day ones this holiday season.
“Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
No song makes you want to pull loved ones tight like this classic. Heartwarming and easy for everyone to sing along to, it is a reminder to be most thankful for those who stay with us through it all. While this is a holiday for sitting around the table, King’s message still rings true.