Though you may not drive a big big Cadillac
Gangster whitewalls, TV antenna in the back

You may not have a car at all
But just remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you've got

Though you may not drive a big big Cadillac
(Diamonds in the back, sunroof top diggin' the scene with the gangster lean)
Gangster whitewalls, TV antenna in the back

You may not have a car at all
But just remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you've got

Though you may not drive a big big Cadillac
Gangster whitewalls, TV antenna in the back

You may not have a car at all
But just remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you've got

Diamonds in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene
With the gangster lean, oh, oh, oh
Diamonds in the back
Diamonds in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene
With the gangster lean, oh, oh, oh

Diamonds in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene
With the gangster lean, oh, oh, oh
Diamonds in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene
With the gangster lean, oh, oh, oh


Lyrics submitted by Ice

Be Thankful for What You've Got Lyrics as written by William Devaughan

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Be Thankful For What You've Got song meanings
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7 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    It's written and originally performed by William DeVaughn

    elwyn5150on July 15, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    The lyrics listed are correct -- because Massive Attack did misunderstand the DeVaughn lyric "gangsta lean" and instead sang "gasoline."

    tom2517on February 06, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    If I had a great big 84 Caddie, I'd blast this song all day.

    phatcaton March 07, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I'm pretty sure it's an ironic statement about black poverty in urban areas. No, i didn't think of it first, i read it somewhere.It is a cover of a Curtis Mayfield song, so it's not a big surprise or anything that the song might have a political meaning.

    aniymon July 19, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this song is pure sex

    deeewoohon October 27, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's digging the scene with a gangster lean. It's a really, really sharp car. Back in the 70's, a big car, with a diamond in the back window and a sunroof top was happening, Jack! A big Lincoln or a deuce and a quarter(Electra 225) maybe. A gangster lean is one hand on the steering wheel and an elbow on the console between the two seats. You do not have to drive a car like this have self-worth.

    Chelsieon July 30, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    William Devaughn wrote and sang the song. Whose voice is a likeness to Curtis Mayfield. William Devaughn, emphasize the materialistic world, that is ten fold worse now. Don't chase materialism. Be content with the necessities of life. He is one of Jehovah's Witnesses, which may be the reason why there is the mix up on who wrote and sang, and recorded the song. Having everything that money can buy is not all what it's cracked up to be. As we can see, even more so today.

    Jbrenon January 18, 2024   Link

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