Since the beginning of time people have been saying thank you in songs. Many of the biblical songs of praise, such as found in the Psalms, have been used as contemporary inspirational songs. A thank-you song doesn’t necessary have to have the words, “thank you”, but can simply express gratitude such as hymns sung at Thanksgiving.
Bob Hope and “Thanks for the Memory”
Although the song, “Thanks for the Memory”, first came out in 1938, it’s usually linked with the late Bob Hope as he would close out his performances with this familiar song. “Thanks for the Memory” was composed by Ralph Rainger with lyrics by Leo Robin and first introduced in the film “The Big Broadcast of 1938″ by Shep Fields and his orchestra.
Thank You Songs of the 1960s
The Beatles’ well known hit, “Thank You Girl”, was originally entitled, “Thank You, Little Girl.” This popular song was written as a response for the many fan letters the Beatles received. The flip side of the record, “From Me to You”, was recorded on March 5, 1963, the same day as “Thank You Girl.”
The song entitled, “Thank You”, written by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page was released in 1969 and was played live at Led Zeppelin concerts.
Thank You Songs of the 21st Century
Thank you songs continued into the 21st century with the hit, “Thank You”, by the Redwalls, which was released in 2005. The Redwalls made up a two-member rock bank that hailed from the Chicago area. Their thank you song told of the devotion of a man to his woman who was always by his side.
Seasonal Thank You Songs
Although giving thanks should be an exercise that’s done year-round, there no more appropriate season for giving thanks than at Thanksgiving. One of the most beloved Thanksgiving songs is “Give Thanks”. This inspirational praise and worship song is one that’s typically sung at Thanksgiving services or around the dining room table on Thanksgiving Day.
“Give Thanks” (Taken from Psalm 107).
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.
And now let the weak say I am strong
Let the poor say I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks
Inspirational Thank You Songs
The church, especially since with the advent of inspirational praise and worship music replacing hymns in many contemporary services, has seen an increase in thank you songs. One particular song, “Thank You for Giving to the Lord” is often sung in church when encouraging Christians to give to missions. This song touches hearts and is effective in church members reaching out to share their resources with missionaries.
“Thank You for Giving to the Lord” by Ray Boltz
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave.
Thank You Songs for Children
Children often learn the social graces of saying “please” and “thank you” through music. One of the first prayers a young child learns is, “Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you God, for everything.” Although this prayer isn’t usually set to music, it can be. Another popular thank you song for children is “Thank You Lord for This New Day”, by W. Canton and the German Choral. In 2000 this children’s song was adapted by Terry Kluytmans.
Most likely music artists will continue to compose song lyrics expressing thanks. Although technology has advanced tremendously, the human heart has not changed and finds much satisfaction in expressing gratitude not just in words, but in music as well.
Originally published on Suite 101.