Be Thankful For What You've Got - William DeVaughn

[@DJGRoc]

Finally someone has the right song! This is William De Vaughn's "Be Thankful for What You've Got!" This ain't Curtis Mayfield, & it isn't called "Diamond in the Back!" ✌🏼

[@pebblessladebedrockinc.9506]

I just found out it's not Curtis Mayfield's song!!😮

[@Jay-pc8gg]

*You got

[@DJGRoc]

@@pebblessladebedrockinc.9506 I dunno who started that lie, but it's deeply rooted. 😕

[@jcynical652]

I'm pissed off now! All these years, I saw this song as Curtis Mayfield's. Somebody lied to us and got some explainin to do 😂😂😡

[@ggforeigner]

Thank you. 👍

[@ThomasGerard-kh5ib]

I'm 69 year old white boy.Im thankful I'm not homeless anymore

[@sweetapplepie70]

Amen bless u ❤️🧸❤️🙏🧸🙏🏾🧸🙏❤️❤️

[@dchy1957]

Glad you're happy about it, you probably came a long way.

[@micperez819]

This is one of those songs that you never get tired of hearing

[@deloreswillis9224]

Amen 4 real now!!!!!!!!!

[@DortheaMcNulty-j4o]

Yep very nice song

[@SammyVideoPlex]

My favorite era the 70's I wish I could have been an adult. Brothers & sisters we can still stand tall.

[@Oldeagle66]

Yes, it was great back then. Best times of my life.

[@octofish]

Timeless classic. Memories of living in the hood in the 70s as a young boy. Greatness. Those times, memories and people. This brings it all right back.

[@jacknjill3000]

Me too and my childhood in the hood. Looking back now, I miss those days hanging everyday with friends and going through growing changes together.

[@andiestewart7423]

@eman67rpforum27Amen! Hood people were nice to us kids as long as we lived in their hood😂 Never experienced any other “gangsters” until later in life ❤️

[@Aucht52]

For years I thought this was Curtis Mayfield! Back in the '70's (we in the UK) had no idea who the singers were, it was the music at the clubs. Best days back then. Man we had so much fun, carefree and dancing to this & all the others on a Friday & Sat.

[@diarradunlap9337]

​@Aucht52 Curtis Mayfield DID cover this song.

[@celebratingtheclassicswithearl]

Exactly the same 100%❤🎼

[@mistahkleen1630]

Man as someone that grew up in the Bronx in the 70s, this brings back a lot of memories

[@dchy1957]

I know it's real in the Bronx, I never been. But I grew ups in the Housing Projects where O.J. Simpson lived once. It was still the Civil Rights movement. A few years later this song was out and hearing it brings back memories. 💗

[@SlimSlashie]

Brother sings the same 6 lines over and over, and it's STILL better than most songs of this current generation. F'n brilliant.

[@tlwalker8751]

💯🔥Truth

[@THEINFAMOUS1011]

I never noticed this until now😂😂😂😂😂

[@sinslap_]

REAL TALK !

[@mattiefee]

When you write 6 perfect lines... Why not turn it into 18 lines 🔥🔥🔥

[@SlimSlashie]

@@mattiefee Exactly. This song is so smooth it could go on another 5 minutes.

[@armandoamador8490]

Classic tune from the 70's. They don't make music like this anymore.

[@melvaadams8060]

I''m truly thankful for William DeVaughn, a real King from our East Capitol Street Village.He inspired us all to think different about life. God bless you William. We Love you!!

[@dailaffin9066]

Still listening in 2025 ❤

[@DeeHarper-o5x]

Right on

[@niltamims4541]

Me too. Great memories. January 10th 2025

[@KingUkno]

4sure

[@KingUkno]

Or 4sho😊

[@TheLallykat]

Forever

[@raymondmalcuit8361]

This Song Went To Number 4 On The Billboard Hot-100 Chart In 1974.

[@moladhdodhia164]

And I was only 16 and a Motown girl but all the guys were into heavy metal.

[@chrisbennett6260]

@@moladhdodhia164 your ears were obviousily robust

[@GreenEm-t5u]

My dad always played this not in the caddy but the impala RIP POPS😢

[@aceartdepot6198]

I was born in the wrong era the 90s was great but the 70s and 80s is what built our couture

[@gregmiller9710]

oh it WAS great, but now you'd be as ole as we are....enjoy your time and the 70's music! :)

[@aceartdepot6198]

@@gregmiller9710 😂😂😂 touché my friend, im 100% sure it was awesome & unforgettable. I just wish the humanity and integrity was still intact that you guys laid down.

[@leewilliams4570]

You r so right ❤

[@KennethDawson-zv8rn]

Complete victory!

[@tonybells131]

Born 1952, grew up and partied in the 60s and 70s ! Wouldn't trade those years for anything.

[@peterlewis6324]

Timeless it sounds more beautiful with age.

[@breonnadevaughn332]

Merry Christmas to me and mine DeVaughn Family! Amen blesssings to me and mine. Nat King Cole King of Christmas I’m standing tall!

[@joannehines7806]

Ever thankful to Father God for EVERYTHING!!! This song comes to mind when I become pessimistic about what I do not have!! God's reminder to me to be thankful for the MOST IMPORTANT THINGS: love, family, loved ones, food to eat, a warm home to live in, bills paid, good health & healthy, strong family, kids prospering & achieving, etc.! ✝

[@robertveltri8576]

amen

[@scottfraser7118]

For Sure😘

[@BoB-Dobbs_leaning-left]

Indeed, but be aware that he is not listening. The universe is what it is and always has been. You have no freewill, you are who you are, just try and be better

[@ruthcutler1345]

At work watching the snow fall, feeling at peace ❤

[@sibkiss2009]

We used to play this on the car radio and enjoy cruising

[@minib2200]

Wow this was my hood in the late 70's was born in 1973

[@arnelevans6779]

My sister was born in 1973

[@Savvynlady]

This scene captured the essence of 70s NYC well

[@raya8633]

Growing up in the 70’s in ela barrio this was our culture in the hood thanks to our African American brothers for the gift of MoTown music!!!

[@luispagan4758]

60 years old, from Melrose Projects. Yes this was a great time to be alive.

[@KennethDawson-zv8rn]

The real!

[@robertdowling9937]

rember from back i the day listening 20024😍

[@washingtondc9290]

William DeVaughn, Was born and raised in Southeast Washington DC in East Capitol dwellings housing projects

[@pedrantigirl]

We had the best music❤❤❤❤❤

[@jerrybest3404]

It's only since late last year that I discovered this song, from a LFDH video with Rumer. I love this song! From that, I discovered where the song came from. I play it almost every day. We should all be thankful every day, at least here in America. I know I am. As a poor senior citizen, I'm still rich compared to many, around the world. I love my country, always have, always will. I'm not arrogant or prideful; I just appreciate what I have and where I live. Is that success? I think so

[@mmscuf]

Wisely spoken, Sir!

[@sonicgrub]

Brings back loving memories of camping with family and friends in '74 and '75. Cutoffs and 0 SPF tan lotion. Sunburn and vinegar. Hot links and rich potato salad with deviled eggs. Dad drinking Tuborg and Olympia beer. Rum and coke and VO and 7. Good times

[@bobbygriz5648]

Totally relate ❤🎤🎶👍🙏

[@jonathandoelander6130]

Good times.

[@ArmandaWarren]

Who listening 2024

[@jmeson6104]

Me!!!

[@travisjohnson6545]

Grown Folks Music

[@ovathere93]

I am bruh.

[@mcalles2518]

😢 Who is the best and only but you?

[@motalisa1]

Love this. Memories ❤

[@petetj333]

Captures the nostalgia of a time and place that some of us-even with hardship-were lucky enough to experience. Gold beyond words.

[@Cheeks1l]

If it wasn’t for 70’s music the 80’s & 90’s era of hip hop and R&b music wouldn’t exist.

[@biglosersowhat]

Nice Vibes, Great Song. William DeVaughn wrote this. It was first called "A Cadillac Don't Come Easy." Then rewritten and changed to "Be Thankful For What You Got."

[@TemisanAdoki]

This song always reminds me to be thankful for what I got.

[@AndreBrightBey]

This song has always been attributed to Curtis Mayfield and in all actuality this is who actually wrote and sang this song. #JUST FOR THE RECORD

[@kittenbrown2484]

Please give Mr. William Devaughn his flowers!!!💯

[@ericwarncke]

Produced by JOHN "THE MONSTER" DAVIS

[@DonWilliams-h4z]

No he didn't! Curtis Mayfield had nothing to do with this classic! Seriously!!!!

[@martywilliams2860]

This song was NOT written by Curtis Mayfield. It was written and sung by William Devaughn.

[@marylougeorge9890]

Happy Thanksgiving from Michigan y’all!❤❤❤

[@gloriamarquez3020]

A Puerto Rican living in west Los Angeles at 14 family of 7 kids ..Crip gang low riders ...Chicano's inlow riders ..I was 14 ..gigi m.

[@Roxy54J]

You should listen to Pepe Marques rendition 🩷🩷😎 fabulous

[@starsapphirelee5714]

I think of this so often. Times have changed so badly, and nobody is thankful for what is important. Now it's all about making $$$ on the internet, selling their souls.

[@nicklegg61]

Just class ,and you know it.

[@alex-E7WHU]

How dafuq did I get to 60 yrs old and just heard this in 2024..? Brilliant song ❤️

[@nadinecamille]

You were probably only 10 when this song came out

[@krestaleonard2128]

Whaaaaaaat!😮

[@djairalert422]

you and me both I'm 48 and been djing since I was 6 🔥

[@JoeTi88]

I'm 36, came from a non English speaking country and just heard this song last week, thought I was a bit late to fall in love to this song but seems I'm not alone. Literally like of digging a piece of gold, sir !

[@ANDYURRY]

62 yrs here, very familiar with CM version but this rocks ...!!!!

[@breonnadevaughn332]

Just be thankful 😌 what you got.

[@ghariiscool]

this song has gotten me through rough times. Man, the power of music

[@albertchin1050]

A song with a positive message. Yes, indeed.

[@jacquelinerogers2997]

This reminds me of Chitown, my hometown in the 70's

[@christopherallen9580]

Brings me back to PG county Maryland in the early 70s. Wish I could go back.

[@douglasscherer940]

Wow ! Fascinating to hear ole William DeVaughn kinda got shanked by pop culture. A buddy texted these lyrics and I've been looking on Spotify for an hour Curtis songs looking for that ..."gangster lean"...No dice. You see I bought a Dunlop Cry Baby used wah wah pedal at Straight Music here in Austin having some fun with Curtis and Jimmi songs. Now I pay homage to William DeVaughn as well! Oooh oooh 'cause I'm thankful for what I got.

[@davidwilliams8860]

My uncle played this at the cookout 4th of July

[@christiandm1041]

Really cool 😎.... memories from yesteryear

[@nicklegg61]

Just class.no more said.

[@jimmooter]

Be thankful we got this far.♥️

[@morrisparrish76]

Right up there with “why can’t we live together”!

[@corrindion]

Fantastic soulful song! Simple instrumentation but a ton of soul and groove! Doesn’t get any better!

[@maryturner8953]

70's When I was in high school, this was the jam!

[@whatever736]

Message in the music.

[@alexwood2219]

Powerful song powerful lyrics . I remember my mum playing this didn’t understand the words back then but as a grown man I get it what a song . And I love the images seeing how people looked before my time , and to me they looked a lot more healthier than today everyone slim, beautiful skin, hair glowing wow .

[@juancarloscarrillo5094]

I still remember the day I bought the record. Timeless music. Timeless memories. Thank you.

[@PhlesheBone]

'94 baby raised on this greatness!

[@EntertainMe463]

as a 10 year old white girl, i didnt understand gangsta-lean 😂 but I loved this song! This is my be thankful song every Thanksgiving ❤

[@jenniecosio3654]

Yes be thankful for what you got 🙏😁

[@dlklug]

Usually, pontification within music makes me bristle with disbelief, yet the message of this song is truthful and on point.

[@johnlewisofficial]

The music and the pics…man I wish I could’ve experienced those days….

[@andiestewart7423]

Man! My jam! I was 5 living with my cool parents! My aunts and uncles came over with my cousins and we played outside and life was sooooo good! Thank you for the memories ❤️❤️❤️

[@stevesteve8180]

it reminds us to apricate life, your kids, family. don't worry about what your neighbors got

[@CurtisWhitehead-wn5bs]

I know it's hard sometimes good people. But Trust and Believe. You have at least one thing to be Thankful for EVERYDAY. 💯💖✌🏼

[@benitarobinson7524]

The greatest music Era ever 60s and the 70s nothing will ever come close ❤❤❤🥰🥰🥰🤩🤩🤩

[@dawnwilliams4893]

This reminds me of my brother George Jr.Miss u much 💙💙💯😇😇😇🙏🙏🙏RIP..

[@Pain-FreePosture]

Makes me long for the 70's. What a great time that was.

[@roserichko9452]

CLASSIC I THINK A LOT OF US THAT KNOWS THIS SONG HAS A BAD ASS MEMORIES HANGIN IN THE HOOD BLASTED JAMMING TO THIS>>>>LOVEEEEEEEE THIS

[@jacknjill3000]

You and the speakers put out in the widows and the whole block can hear and feel the energy. 🎶🎶🎶

[@rhondafountain648]

Yes indeed, glad to see the correct info re artist & name of the song. I know many thought it was Curtis Mayfield's song

[@roz805]

This still holds 🥰

[@heatherlane5886]

Just be thankful for what you've got.enough said.🌹💖

[@brianjames2192]

A TRUE TIMELESS MASTERPIECE THE EARTH 🌎 HAS MUSIC 🎵 FOR THOSE WHO LISTEN 👂 THE MESSAGE IS ALWAYS IN THE MUSIC

[@carlosm527]

Just maybe the greatest pop song ever recorded -- I you don't feel this soul well then your dead

[@kevindare3113]

Another great song

[@LarryGonzalez00]

Happy Thanksgiving Brothers & Sisters.

[@tonygohagan2766]

Thanks to William DeVaughn and all the DJ's who wove this into the Social Fabric of the very, very many communities they played it in; (usually as the last song of the night, in the 70's here in the UK) exhorting us, encouraging us, uplifting, inspiring and blessing us with a reminder to give thanks, and to hold on steady to our shared hopes, and faith, despite all of our earthly sorrows. This Song reinforced our humanity b'cos it pointed us to the heavenly realm, and to He who loves us all. - And that's what makes us beautiful!

[@YolandaSimmons]

I love love this song

[@hapexamendar1093]

Wow... you want to FEEL the connection to the past? This song is it!

[@clurkroberts2650]

This song reaches people’s soul… god it’s soooo cool, it hurts.

[@caribman10]

I saw the first real Pimpmobile in New York City in 1971. It was a black-on-white '67 Cadillac Eldorado; wide whitewalls (stock hubcaps), fake front fender spares (made, not bought), and a padded landau top with the rear window opening reshaped into....a diamond shape.

[@fredconforti190]

Nice - and my childhood sports hero “Clyde” represented - NYC ‘70’s

[@MrMannface]

Me too. Good memories

[@ronaldbell3788]

Danny, you did an excellent job with the images you used to drive home the powerful message of this timeless song.🙂

[@DannyLinden]

Thank you Ronald for watching and commenting!

[@ronaldbell3788]

@@DannyLinden you are certainly welcome and have a great weekend, Danny.🙂

[@PlanetAriom]

This song is just so 🔥

[@PieterJSam]

Glad to be born in 1970🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@dennismurillodennis3079]

Some day this song should be in a hymnal. Real church music.

[@luispagan4758]

Finally the original,

[@EdithGaffney-d5u]

People arguing with me about it ole school tell U tube to correct it please

[@richardplume3212]

In us all smile

[@mrlopez-pz7pu]

Yasss......NY was still NY in tha Sebneez!

[@ericwarncke]

This was the first song produced by the legendary John Davis. Such a hit, they started calling him the "Monster". Rest in peace my friend 🙏

[@williamcfatheree7289]

William c. Fatheree . William devaughn and mfsb you just can't lose with that groove

[@yellowmistystardust]

I love everything about this video….thank you!

[@carltonstephenstewart247]

Being thankful, living thankful..... Thank you father God!!

[@hotdrumchick]

AMEN!!

[@kellyf5004]

One of the Best videos I ever saw! Man do I miss those days

[@pammiller942]

I love this song Diamond in the Back sunroof top digging the scene with a Gangsta Lean I don't drive no Cadillac I drive a Toyota but it it don't cost them that much money it's paid off I love❤❤❤

[@WAHMom1111]

Thank you for the great video and wonderful memories

[@jacknjill3000]

Even tho the video is NYC, this song and video reminds me of growing up in San Francisco in the 70s and 80s. Miss those days and great time to grow up in and helped make you who you are today. ❤️

[@DannyLinden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Undercoverbrotherfromanother]

@@DannyLinden the clip was perfect for a perfect song. It took be right back to the '70s. I grew up in Detroit not NYC but the pics and editing were on point! THX.

[@DannyLinden]

Thank you so much for listening! @@Undercoverbrotherfromanother

[@Undercoverbrotherfromanother]

@@DannyLinden Thank you! You had some badass car pics in the vid. My eye sight is not what it used to be. I am only 58 and can still hit the tragets at 300 yards but cannot read a pill bottle. LOL. No offense inteneded if I am wrong, only super jealous, is that you in the thumbnail pic?

[@DavidBlue1998]

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

[@gerardfenn3988]

Thanks For Posting This. It's NYC History For Sure.

[@KennethDawson-zv8rn]

Complete victory!

[@LindaJackson-e3u]

GM edagdwg God bless this man for sharing this special truth life is sooooo real.pay attention to what you do to get what other people have that thank God for what we need love THIS special story of life Linda j.peace

[@rosettaiovine7231]

Never heard this song and I love now I was 1973 .. great song i appreciate it now .. am just turn 50😮😅 am very thanksful ! Ty ox

[@richbrake9910]

Glad you finally heard it. It's so good.

[@dannyboyd9462]

In 1974 My Parents Drove Cadillacs. B4 This Joint I Never Heard Of A Gangsta Leen.

[@DonnyNoMarie]

In the 70s and 80s, owning a Cadillac was a big deal.

[@rodJtip]

A wonderful song from my youth. Video editing is excellent.

[@vibzesandroark5047]

This is a masterpiece, love it so much 💖

[@matthewfoley252]

wow