Come, Ye Thankful People

Henry Alford's hymn, "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" has long been used by churches during Thanksgiving season. I always thought it was a beautiful tune, but never used it much in my worship planning, because once you get past the first 5 words, the lyrics are not about giving thanks but about harvest! That's because Alford wrote it for village harvest festivals in England where he pastored in the 19th century. I'm constantly on the lookout for songs about thanks and gratitude to God, so I decided to expand Alford's opening line and write a hymn about being thankful. If you're familiar with the Bible, you'll definitely hear echoes of Psalms 23 and 100. Nothing fancy about my arranging here, but I hope you'll listen and be grateful with me! COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE Words: Henry Alford, 1844; Brian Janssen, 2025 Music: George Job Elvey, 1858, Arr. Brian Janssen 2025 VERSE 1 Come, ye thankful people, come Come recount what God has done Every blessing we have known Has His love and kindness shown Grace and goodness from above Flow from God’s abounding love Lift your grateful song as one Come, ye thankful people, come VERSE 2 Come, ye thankful people, praise God who shepherds all our ways Give Him thanks who meets our needs Who by quiet waters leads Who sustains amidst our foes With a cup that overflows Goodness follows all our days Come, ye thankful people, praise VERSE 3 Come, ye thankful people, sing Praise our good and gracious King Enter now thanksgiving’s gates Gather to His courts with praise Who has reason more than we To rejoice and thankful be? Songs of grateful joy we bring Come, ye thankful people, sing! TAG Lift your grateful song as one Come, ye thankful people, come