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....

Save Thanksgiving Day

I believe family and friends should be at the heart of the Thanksgiving holiday.

It's a day we reflect on things we are thankful and the blessings we have received. And it's a day to show thanks to others for being in our lives. 

It concerns me that some stores are open today, getting a head start on "Black Friday" sales. I think it's wrong. 

A couple of days ago I signed an online petition not to shop today. If you want to sign, click here. I'm not sure how much good it will do but at least you can voice your concern about others having to man stockrooms, retail departments and cash registers instead of celebrating this day like millions of others.

ABC-TV also had a story about some chains not going along with the gradual trend that some term as "gray Thursday." They are keeping their doors closed. Hooray for them!

I think the best way to get the message to retailers is for folks to simply have a Thanksgiving Day boycott. If it's not worth their time to keep the lights on, then perhaps they'll turn off the lights and let their employees be with their families and loved ones.

I don't understand why people can't wait until Friday to find those great "bargains" at the big box stores. And we all know that there will be wonderful buys on products leading right up to Christmas day.

So let's keep this a traditional holiday for everyone. Stay at home and watch the parades and football on TV. Sit around the table or living room and talk to family. If you want to go out, volunteer to work at a soup kitchen or similar place to help those who don't have a blessings you have. Spend time with the children and grandchildren, shooting hoops, passing a football, or whatever you like to do outdoors. Or simply take a nap, you deserve it!

Just stay away from the stores! And remember these stores on Black Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Until the next time...