India.Arie, Give Thanks | Thankful Songs

For the 3rd Thankful Song , we highlight the ultra-thankful “Give Thanks” by Grammy-winning R&B artist, India.Arie. 

“Give thanks / …Give thanks, for all that is.” Indeed, India.Arie, indeed! Before we dig into this inspirational standout, let me remind you the premise of Thankful Songs ! On Thankful Songs , we highlight songs in which the musician (or musicians) show gratitude about something or towards someone.  This idea came from the fact that in November, here in the United States of America, many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.  So, what better way than to celebrate than select some awesome songs that exhibit gratitude? Our third entry comes from Arie and her spiritual “Give Thanks,” which hails from her 2017 album, SongVersation: Medicine.

“Give Thanks” is a perfect example of depth in spite of a lack of depth. India. Arie approaches “Give Thanks” more like a Contemporary Christian (CCM) song, with repeated lyrics on the verse.  Yes, Arie is a R&B artist but “Give Thanks” doesn’t necessarily feel like a R&B record.  Worth noting, SongVersation: Medicine was nominated for a Grammy in the New Age Album category. This record specifically certainly has such a vibe.

There are few lyrics throughout the course of “Give Thanks,” yet, her messaging is prudent and ultimately, transcendent. In addition to giving thanks, Arie also “gives praise” and repeats the words “selah,” “ase”, “hallelujah,” and “namaste” on the repetitive verses.  At the end, she brings together those spare lyrics, successfully capping things off.

“There will never be another day just like this
So, let’s give praise now
We give praise, and ase
Say love, namaste
We give praise, for all that is.”

Also appears on :

10 Songs Incorporating Thanksgiving Words

11 Thankful Songs to Show Gratitude For

India.Arie • SongVersation: Medicine •  BMG Rights Management • 2017

[: BMG Rights Management]