Story Songs: Thanksgiving Song

Mary Chapin Carpenter's thoughtful "Thanksgiving Song" reminds us that the holiday is one for showing gratitude for things we often overlook and take for granted in our lives -- family, friends, neighbors, and even the friendless.

The song is from her Christmas album, "Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas," released in 2008.

Carpenter's words paint a picture of people sitting at the dinner table, giving thanks for the simple blessings that make for a fulfilling and satisfying life.

It's one of the busiest times of the year, in terms of travel, when people travel near and far to express their gratitude.

The opening verse:

"Grateful for each hand we hold

Gathered round this table

From far and near we travel home

Blessed that we are able."

She expresses thanks for shelter, light through the windows and being able to "come in away from the sorrow."

"Father, mother, daughter, son

Neighbor, friend and friendless; 

All together everyone in the gift of loving kindness."

And then she writes:

"Grateful for what's understood,

And all that is forgiven

We try so hard to be good,

To lead a life worth living."

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Carpenter, one of the most insightful songwriters in America, helps us reflect on the true meaning of this wonderful day. Her sensibilities and social consciousness are evident in many of her compositions. She's one of my favorite singer/songwriters.

Needless to say, many people in the United States do not have the means to celebrate the holiday. Here are some facts about hunger in the U.S. to help put a few blessings in perspective.

The History Channel has a videos about the Thanksgiving. 

I've also included an editorial from the Delaware County Daily Times -- We Share Many Blessings This Holiday Week.


"Thanksgiving Song" lyrics

And click here for some Thanksgiving quotes to consider throughout the year. 

Happy Thanksgiving....

Story Songs: He Thinks He'll Keep Her

American baby boomers probably remember  the Geritol commericals from the 1970s where a man compliments his seemingly tireless wife by saying, "My wife...I think I'll keep her." 


For those who don't recall the product, it was multi-vitamin supplement that supposedly boosted energy in seven days -- or your money back.

The commercial inspired singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter, teamed with Don Schlitz, to write "He Thinks He'll Keep Her." To the talented songstress, the commercial was condescending toward women.  

The song recounts the years of a woman's marriage:

"She does the car-pool, she PTAs
Doctors and dentists, she drives all day
When she was twenty-nine she delivered number three
And every Christmas card showed a perfect family
Everything runs right on time, years of practice and design
Spit and polish till it shines. He thinks he'll keep her"

But after 15 years of marriage, the wife had enough of the arrangement:

"When she was thirty-six she met him at their door
She said I'm sorry, I don't love you anymore"

And then she apparently leaves him--not for pay but for self-dignity:

"For fifteen years she had a job and not one raise in pay
Now she's in the typing pool at minimum wage"

The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1993. It appeared on her Come On Come album and was nominated for Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

I find the the phrase "I think I'll keep her/him" interesting because it can be viewed in different ways. I've heard it as an endearing compliment because the person it is being directed to is a very compassionate and caring mate instead of an abusive or deadbeat partner. And it can be interpreted a viewing the other person as a chattel.


But I can appreciate the feminist viewpoint that the song embraces. No doubt, the woman in the song feels she is being taken for granted.

For those who aren't familiar with old Geritol commercials, you might enjoy this clip from the 1950s.

There's an excellent interview with Mary Chapin Carpenter in D.C.'s  MetroWeekly. She's always been one of my favorite artists.

"He Thinks He'll Keep Her" lyrics


And two cool videos: