7 Singers Share Their Favorite Songs About Gratitude
Just in time for Thanksgiving, these soulful singers—each with a new record out this fall—share their favorite musical ways to say thank you.
Aimee Mann
Charmer (Superego)
Elton John, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"
"I'm not sure exactly what's happening in this song, but the gratitude in the narrator's voice is palpable, and the soaring melodies and ethereal harmonies almost tell a story of their own."
Annie Clark (a.k.a. St. Vincent)
Love This Giant, with David Byrne (4AD/Todo Mundo)
Tuck & Patti, "Time After Time"
"This Cyndi Lauper song has never sounded better—it makes you thankful for everybody you've ever loved and everybody who has ever loved you."
Meshell Ndegeocello
Pour Une Âme Souveraine (Naive)
The Talking Heads, "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel"
"An anthem for people trying to go their own way and looking for like minds—which I've needed on my side a time or two."
Ellie Goulding
Halcyon (Universal)
Kate Bush, "This Woman's Work"
"A song that somehow manages to address a woman's struggle in a really beautiful and delicate way. I think we can all be thankful for the sacrifices women make every day."
Beth Orton
Sugaring Season (Anti)
Al Green, "God Is Standing By"
"I love the sentiment that God wants the best for us, that when things don't go as we hope it's because the universe knows better and has other plans. That's humbling—and gratitude starts with humility."
Nelly Furtado
The Spirit Indestructible (Interscope)
Madredeus, "Haja O Que Houver"
"This song—sung in my native Portuguese—expresses gratitude musically, evoking the longings and connections that make us human."
Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power)
Sun (Matador)
Bob Dylan, "Shelter From The Storm"
"Hearing Bob speak about his thankfulness for all the protection you feel from community and camaraderie is inspirational."
Next: 14 inspiring gratitude quotes
From the
November 2012 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
