All Songs Considered A Thanksgiving playlist: songs of joy and gratitude
Nov 25, 2025
Hosts share touching stories and songs of gratitude from listeners, exploring why Thanksgiving is overlooked in holiday music. Highlights include Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss's heartfelt rendition of 'Simple Gifts' and Bill Withers' empowering 'Lean On Me.' The Mountain Goats offer a mantra of hope, while Louis Armstrong's 'What A Wonderful World' reminds us of life's beauty. The conversation spans genres, featuring Nina Simone's reflections on regret and Bob Marley's uplifting 'Three Little Birds' to celebrate joy and community.
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Use Music To Spark Gratitude
- Ask listeners to reflect on songs that give gratitude and perspective during holidays like Thanksgiving.
- Use music prompts to prompt meaningful sharing and connection among friends and family.
Listener Picks Simple Gifts
- Tracy from West Hartford picks the shaker hymn Simple Gifts as a song that grounds her.
- The hosts play Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss' version to honor its warmth and simplicity.
Gratitude Songs Reveal Perspective
- Picking a song you're grateful for often becomes choosing one about perspective and what truly matters.
- Gratitude picks tend to shift from 'a song I love' to 'a song that centers me in hard times.'