Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but sometimes, even the youngest among us can forget to say “thank you.” This catchy song from Yancy Ministries reminds kids to be thankful for everything, just like the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus.
Lyrics
Here are the lyrics to “Don’t Be a Turkey”:
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Be thankful in your heart for everything
Don’t be a turkey just say thanksDon’t be a turkey just say thanksDon’t be a turkey just say thanksBe thankful in your heart for everything
Ten men with diseases
Came one day to Jesus
He healed them and then told them
Go to the priest and show them
All ten walked away
But only one came back to say
Oh thank You, thank You,
thank You Lord Jesus
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Be thankful in your heart for everything
Don’t be a turkey just say thanksDon’t be a turkey just say thanksDon’t be a turkey just say thanksBe thankful in your heart for everything
Many people still today
Don’t remember what to say
When Jesus answers prayer
And shows us how much He cares
So every single day
Don’t you forget to say
Oh thank You, thank You,
thank You Lord Jesus
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Be thankful in your heart for everything
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Don’t be a turkey just say thanks
Be thankful in your heart for everything
Be thankful in your heart for everything
Be thankful in your heart for everything
Story
The song is based on the biblical story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus heals ten men of leprosy, a terrible skin disease. But only one of the men returns to thank Jesus.
The song uses the story of the ten lepers to teach kids about the importance of gratitude. Even when things are tough, we should always remember to be thankful for everything we have.
Download
The song is available for download from WorshipHouse Kids. The download includes two files: a full version and an instrumental version. The full version includes the lyrics, while the instrumental version can be used for sing-alongs or as background music.
Use in the Classroom
“Don’t Be a Turkey” is a great song to use in the classroom during the Thanksgiving season. It can be used to teach kids about the importance of gratitude and to reinforce the message of the story of the ten lepers.
The song is also a lot of fun to sing and dance to. It’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:
- The story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
- Thanksgiving activities for kids
- Thanksgiving songs for kids