“Thankful” by Josh Groban

Basing a song around a concept like being appreciative for the non-material things in life is nothing new. And such, in a very-general way, can be taken as the thesis sentiment of  Josh Groban’s “Thankful”. But there is a whole lot more going on in this song, so it may be best if we take a linear approach in highlighting the main points being relayed.

Verse 1

In the first verse, Josh speaks out against the common practice of being so engrossed with our own personal issues, that we fail to “see the joy that surrounds us”. And in the process of doing so, in a roundabout way, he also posits that the solution to such a mind-frame is to be more preoccupied with giving rather than receiving.

Chorus of “Thankful”

The passage that immediately follows is the chorus. Here, it is implied that besides being a song of thankfulness, this piece is also intended to promote faith. Or put differently, as relayed earlier, it isn’t such that the vocalist is encouraging us listeners to just forget about our personal problems as if they don’t exist. Rather, what he is espousing is more along the lines of praying that such matters will be resolved and actually believing that such will come to pass. 

According to him, it is that type of disposition which will then make one freer in terms of assisting others.

It can be ascertained that such a notion is more akin to the actual thesis sentiment of this piece. Many of us, if we were told that we should be agents of positive change because “there’s so much to be thankful for”, such an assertion reads sort of like an illogical or inconsiderate argument, because it doesn’t take into account the resources we have to begin with. 

But this vocalist is clearly someone who has solid hope for the future. Therefore, he’s not inclined to let current circumstances, as unfavorable as they may be, discourage him from doing what he feels is right, which is helping others.

Verse 2 and Bridge

As indicated in the second verse, such altruistic urges are also prompted by Josh being able to perceive that “there’s so much sorrow” in the world. Then, to be honest, he proceeds to get a bit esoteric, singing that “each of us must find our truth”. But all lyrics considered, said search would obviously entail becoming more empathetic and compassionate in the process.

Then a bit later on, in what appears to be the bridge of the song, Groban recognizes that sometimes, it is “differences” which prevent us from being more giving. And during this part of the argument he once again gets a bit obscure, for lack of a better word. 

But in Josh’s defense, some of the things he’s trying to say aren’t necessarily the easiest to put into words, especially in terms of rendering them in a piece meant for mainstream consumption. But what he is concluding in this passage, most simply put, is that our similarities as human beings supersede our differences. Thus, the latter shouldn’t be used as an excuse to not be more giving.

Josh Groban

Josh Groban is not a name you hear regularly as far as popular singers go, but he has experienced massive success nonetheless. For instance, Groban was the top-selling musician in all of the United States during 2007. And it was also during that year, on October 9^th, that “Thankful” came out, through Reprise Records, as part of his Christmas album “Noël”.

“Noël” is in fact the only studio album Josh Groban released during 2007. It topped the Billboard 200, as did a couple of his other LPs. But unlike any of the others it also managed to be certified septuple-platinum by the RIAA. 

Apparently none of the songs from this project were issued as singles, but quite a few still managed to chart, though “Thankful” wasn’t one of them. 

Did Josh Groban write “Thankful”?

Josh receives no writing credits on “Thankful”, which basically means he played no role in its writing. This song was written by industry vets David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager and Richard Page, with Foster also serving as its producer.

Thankful Fans

A fan’s heart was broken and sad upon the death of his uncle, someone that he was close to. And “Thankful” has reminded him that despite the sadness in his life, there are many things to be thankful for. With that, he holds dear to his heart the memories they once shared and carry it with him whenever he faces difficulty in his life.

Another story shared by a fan evolved around her husband’s health. He was in a critical condition with leukaemia when she found this album, “Noel”. As the doctors worked tirelessly on her husband’s case, she sought comfort in this track as it took a special place in her heart. They now are on their way to celebrate their 50^th anniversary in January 2023.

All in all, this uplifting track has made many fans agree with Josh that it’s up to us to be the change and there’s so much to be thankful for.