Be Thankful for What You Got
William DeVaughn
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac Gangsta whitewalls TV antennas in the back You may not have a car at all But remember brothers and sisters You can still stand tall Just be thankful for what you've got Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac Diamond in the back, sunroof top Diggin' the scene With a gangsta lean Gangsta whitewalls TV antennas in the back You may not have a car at all But remember brothers and sisters You can still stand tall Just be thankful for what you've got Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac Gangsta whitewalls TV antennas in the back You may not have a car at all But remember brothers and sisters You can still stand tall Diamond in the back, sunroof top Diggin the scene With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh Diamond in the back, sunroof top Diggin the scene With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh Diamond in the back, sunroof top Diggin' the scene With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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Written by: William DeVaughan
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Be Thankful for What You Got" is largely categorized under the R&B and Soul genre of music but also has elements of funk.
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Chart SuccessThe song, released in 1974, peaked at number 1 on the US Billboard R&B charts and held a number 4 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Diamond in the BackThe song is often mistakenly referred to as "Diamond in the Back" because of the popular lyric in the song, "Diamond in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene with a gangster lean."
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Self-FinancedDeVaughn paid $900 of his own money to fund the recording of the song. He was not signed to a major label when he first recorded it.
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One Hit WonderDespite this song's massive success, William DeVaughn was seen as a one-hit-wonder. None of his later releases replicated the success of this track.
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Song MeaningDeVaughn's song praises contentment and gratitude, promoting a message of appreciating what one has rather than envying others.
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CoversThe song has been covered by many artists including Massive Attack, and Yo La Tengo. This speaks to its enduring popularity and influence.
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Other VersionsWilliam DeVaughn released another version of this song in 1980, which did not achieve the same level of commercial success.
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Star-MakerThe song was produced by Philadelphia-based producer, John Davis, who was also known for his work with the O'Jays and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
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Change of CareerPrior to his musical success, DeVaughn was a drafting technician for the government in Washington, D.C. After "Be Thankful for What You Got" went gold, he decided to pursue his music career full-time.
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Signature Song"Be Thankful for What You Got" remains William DeVaughn's signature song, widely recognized more than four decades after its original release.
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ImitationThe catchy groove and strong message led to the song being sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, including Ice Cube and Ludacris.
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Citation
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"Be Thankful for What You Got Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/8030854/William+DeVaughn/Be+Thankful+for+What+You+Got>.
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