As many gather around the table and reflect on what they’re grateful for once a year, some songs of love, family, friendship, unity, and the little things in life turn on a more gracious light year-round.
Dionne Warwick gathered friends Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder for her 1985 communal hit “That’s What Friends Are For,” penned by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, Queen spoke adoringly of relationships in “You’re My Best Friend” and the Andrew Gold’s Golden Girls theme song all covered the spirit of friendship. Even The Beastie Boys were feeling thankful on their 1992 Check Your Head track “Gratitude,” while Louis Armstrong held a deep admiration for the earth and unity in his 1967 classic “What a Wonderful World,” written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss.
Videos by American Songwriter
Here are 15 songs that can help spark a greater sense of gratitude and encourage some musical moments of gratefulness for the big things, the little things, and everything in between long after Thanksgiving.
“Thank you” / Led Zeppelin
“What a Wonderful World” / Louis Armstrong
“That’s What Friends Are For” / Dionne Warwick
“In My Life” / The Beatles
“Your Song” / Elton John
“Thank You Friends” / Big Star
“Day”/ The Kinks
“Gratitude” / The Beastie Boys
“Blessings” / Chance the Rapper
“A Moment Like This” / Kelly Clarkson
“Kind and Generous” / Natalie Merchant
“You’re My Best Friend” / Queen
“Thank You For Being a Friend” (Theme Song of The Golden Girls) / Andrew Bird
“Wind Beneath My Wings” / Bette Midler
“Beautiful Day” / U2
Most Viewed
-
English rock and pop group The Hollies perform the song 'Sorry Suzanne' on the set of the BBC Television pop music television show Top Of The Pops at Lime Grove Studios in London on 27th March 1969. Members of the band are, from left, Tony Hicks, Bobby Elliott, Allan Clarke, Terry Sylvester and Bernie Calvert. (Photo by Ivan Keeman/Redferns) -
Paul Revere & The Raiders Perform American pop group Paul Revere & the Raiders perform in matching outfits, probably on a television studio set, mid 1960s. The band includes Mark Lindsay (third left) as the vocalist and Paul Revere (right) on keyboards. (Photo by Authenticated News/Getty Images) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Dottie West Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
Portrait of American country music singer and songwriter Tim Malchak at Farm Aid in Ames, Iowa, April 24, 1993. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Bobby RYDELL (Photo by Richi Howell/Redferns) -
Thirty-nine years ago today, Randy Travis was at the top of the country chart with an award-winning hit inspired by a child learning to pray.
