Today is Thanksgiving Day here in the United States, so what better classic song of the day than “Be Thankful for What You Got” by William DeVaughn. This song slow jam was released in March of 1974, sold more than 2 million copies in the U.S. alone, and hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on Billboard’s R&B chart.
“Be Thankful for What You Got,” originally titled “A Cadillac Don’t Come Easy,” was written by Mr. DeVaughn, a former government worker and part-time singer. The track was recorded at Philadelphia’s Omega Sound studios and featured several members of the Philly MFSB group, including guitarist Norman Harris, bassist Rusty Jackman, vibraphonist Vince Montana, drummer Earl Young, and conga player Larry Washington. The sound was influenced by Curtis Mayfield’s early ’70s soul hits, just kind of a laid back, cool and funky groove.
What I remember most about “Be Thankful for What You Got” are the lyrics. The idea of driving a Cadillac with a TV antenna in the back was something else back in 1974. I also had no conception at the time what a “gangsta lean” was. (It describes the way a driver holds the steering wheel with his left hand while leaning to his right toward the passenger seat, usually bobbing his head. You’ll know it when you see it.)
As the lyrics say, it’s not about getting what you want, it’s about appreciating what you got—the perfect message for Thanksgiving:
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
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody—and truly be thankful for what you got.
