Count Your Blessings (song)

There have been at least three songs with these words in their titles. The songs suggest that life is better than one might at first believe, and that by looking at the good things one has received, one can find happiness.

First is the old hymn "Count Your Blessings" by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (http://biblestudycharts.com/HH_Count_Your_Blessings.html) It is a standard part of many hymnals, and is well known in Christian circles.

Lyrics:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

The second is the song "Count Your Blessings" by Richard Morgan & Edith Temple, c.1946. It has been performed by Gene Ammons, Holly Cole, Gracie Fields, Aled Jones, Garrison Kieller, Josef Locke, The Luton Girls Choir, Phillip McCann, among others.

Lyrics:
Count your blessings one by one
When dawn appears and day has just begun
They will light your heart with happiness
Make each hour bright and bring you gladness

Count your blessings one by one
When twilight falls and toil of day is done
And in sweet dreams they'll come again to you
If you will count your blessings each day through

Count your blessings while you may
For we are here but little time to stay
All around are hearts sincere and true
Lovely things abound just waiting for you

Count your blessings while you may
The big or small, whichever comes your way
For then you'll find this world a place of love
If you will count your blessings from above

The third song, "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)", is a popular song written by Irving Berlin for the 1954 movie White Christmas.

The best-known recordings were made by Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby — who both appeared in the film — as well as separate recordings by Eddie Fisher, and the Ray Conniff Singers. Recent recordings include those by Miki Howard, Jars of Clay, and Diana Krall.

Lyrics:
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep
Counting my blessings

When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep
Counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds

If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep
Counting your blessings

It was nominated for an Academy Award as "Best Song" but was defeated by "Three Coins in the Fountain" from the movie of the same name written by Jule Styne and lyricist Sammy Cahn.