“AMEN SONGS”: Thank U (Alanis Morissette)

January 15, 2025

Cantor Eyal Bitton highlights a song that connects with this year’s Congregation Neveh Shalom theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing.”


The song “Thank U” by Alanis Morissette offers a deeply resonant message about the transformative power of gratitude. In a world where we often focus on what we lack, Morissette’s lyrics remind us of the profound spiritual truth that recognizing life’s blessings—both the joyous and the painful—is the foundation of a meaningful life. Gratitude is not merely an emotion; it is a moral and spiritual obligation. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge that we are not entitled to all we receive. This perspective not only elevates us but also encourages us to elevate others, fulfilling the theme of “Amen – Be a Blessing.”

Morissette’s insight is especially poignant because it extends gratitude even to adversity. Challenges, while difficult, can lead to growth, wisdom, and resilience. When we embrace this idea, gratitude transforms from a passive response to life into an active force for good. In expressing thanks, we bless those around us, inspiring them to adopt the same perspective of appreciation and hope.

In relation to the parasha Shemot, just as the Israelites learn to see God’s hand in their liberation, we can see this song as a reminder to be thankful for our journey, including its trials, as they shape our resilience and faith. This song invites us to bless others by sharing our stories of transformation and gratitude, mirroring the themes of hope and renewal in Shemot.

Thank U

How ’bout getting off these antibiotics
How ’bout stopping eating when I’m full up
How ’bout them transparent dangling carrots
How ’bout that ever elusive ‘could of’

Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you frailty
Thank you consequence
Thank you thank you silence

How ’bout me not blaming you for everything
How ’bout me enjoying the moment for once
How ’bout how good it feels to finally forgive you
How ’bout grieving it all one at a time

Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you frailty
Thank you consequence
Thank you thank you silence

The moment I let go of it was the moment
I got more than I could handle
The moment I jumped off of it
Was the moment I touched down

How ’bout no longer being masochistic
How ’bout remembering your divinity
How ’bout unabashedly bawling your eyes out
How ’bout not equating death with stopping

Thank you India
Thank you providence
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you nothingness
Thank you clarity
Thank you thank you silence