Lyrically Evocative (32)

~ beetleypete

I complain a lot, I know. The weather mostly, but other stuff too.

However, I wouldn’t want anyone to ever think that I am not thankful for what I have. A decent home, mortgage-free. A wife to share my life with, and a wonderful dog to be my companion. Enough money to get by, and even save a (little) bit. Relatively good health, even in the midst of a pandemic crisis.

I am better off than so many other people, and I am thankful for that fact.

With that in mind, I was thinking about this song today. I bought the record a long time ago now, (1974) but it often sneaks into my mind.

And never was it more relevant, than in 2021.

Here are the lyrics. I may know nothing about a ‘Gangsta lean’, but I get William’s intention.

Be Thankful for What You Got
William DeVaughn

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 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 got
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh
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
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: William Devaughn
Be Thankful for What You Got lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management

And here he is, singing his own song. (Not live, the original 7-inch single)

Let’s all remember to be thankful what what we have.

38 thoughts on “Lyrically Evocative (32)”

  3. Well. I was surprised to find this song in your collection, Pete. The lyrics are indeed evocative. Although I have not thought about this song for a while, it is another favorite.

    Liked by 1 person

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      1. Good to know, Pete. I have toyed with the idea about selecting a song for each of the ages/eras of my life. I think it would be a good post, but choosing the music would be challenging. Have you ever attempted anything like that?

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        1. It would be hard, because I liked so many different things at the same time. I could be playing Vintage Jazz like Paul Whiteman, Steely Dan, Van Morrison, and Otis Redding, all in the same evening.
          Best wishes, Pete.

          Liked by 1 person

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  12. I love the song Pete, got it playing loud through my system as I write.

    Found this in the urban dictionary
    Gangsta Lean
    A common driving position in which the driver holds the wheel with his left hand while leaning to his right toward the passenger seat, usually bobbing his head or bumpin’ with the beat. It’s a pretty badass way to drive. This move works best in a Chevy Caprice or any pimp-style car with a 3-person front seat.
    Try it out next time you go to Tesco’s 🤣🤣

    Liked by 3 people

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  15. What a great song, I’m listening to it as I write, very soothing, brings me back to simpler times. I appreciate the reminder to hold some space for gratitude amongst all our other emotions. I am ever so grateful for this life, for those I dearly love, my work, and the spaces I occupy. Warmly, C

    Liked by 1 person

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