Song Spotlight: “Thanksgiving Prayer” by Johnny Cash
Unless you’re an ardent fan of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, you might not be familiar with “Thanksgiving Prayer.” Performed by country music star Johnny Cash, this song was featured on the episode “Thanksgiving” that aired on November 19, 1994. The song is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the simple blessings in life, such as family, friends, and the beauty of nature.
Johnny appeared in the episode as Kid Cole, a recurring role he played from 1993 to 1997. His real-life wife June Carter Cash joined him as “Sister Ruth.” The song begins with a call to gather and offer thanks to the Creator for the blessings of the year.
“I’m grateful for the laughter of children. The sun and the wind and the rain. The color of blue in your sweet eyes. The sight of a high ballin’ train. The moonrise over a prairie. Old love that you’ve made new. This year, when I count my blessings, I’m thanking the Lord He made you.”
The song ends with a reminder that there will be no sorrow or tears after we die. Kid Cole thanks the Lord for making his sweetheart, played to perfection by June Carter Cash. While The Man in Black was a prolific songwriter, this song cannot be attributed to his pen. Josef Anderson, the producer of Dr. Quinn Medicine Women, actually wrote “Thanksgiving Prayer” specifically for this episode. “I was honored that Johnny Cash performed my song on Dr. Quinn,” Mr. Anderson stated. “He also asked my permission to perform the song in his holiday show in Nashville, which of course I granted.”
This Thanksgiving, take a page from Johnny’s book and take the time to appreciate all the good things in your life. From the gift of laughter to sunshine to the love of our friends and family, we all have a thousand reasons to be thankful!
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Originally published November 06, 2024
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