The debut Massive Attack album Blue Lines was released in 1991, with the single "Unfinished Sympathy" reaching the charts and later being voted the 63rd greatest song of all time in a poll by NME. 1998's Mezzanine (containing the top 10 single "Teardrop") and 2003's 100th Window charted in the UK at number one. Both Blue Lines and Mezzanine feature in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The group has won numerous music awards throughout their career, including a Brit Award—winning Best British Dance Act, two MTV Europe Music Awards and two Q Awards. They have released five studio albums that have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Throughout their history, Massive Attack have been supporters and activists for political, human rights and environmental causes.
be thankful for what u've got
Massive Attack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Gangster whitewalls T.V 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 great big Cadillac
With a gangster lean gangster whitewalls
T.V 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 a gangster lean ooh ooh ooh
Though you may not drive a great 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 a gangster lean
[Chorus: x 3]
The lyrics of Massive Attack's "Be Thankful for What You've Got" emphasize the importance of gratitude and perspective. The song encourages listeners to appreciate what they have, even if it may not be much in comparison to what others have. The reference to a "great big Cadillac" with "gangster whitewalls" and a "TV antenna in the back" serves as a symbol of material wealth and status. However, the singer reminds us that not everyone has access to or the need for such luxuries. The message of the song is to find contentment with what you have and to stand tall, regardless of your circumstances.
Furthermore, the reference to "diamonds in the back, sunroof top" adds to the theme of materialism and status. The gangster lean highlights the idea of thinking highly of oneself and exuding confidence, even without material possessions. The repetition of the chorus serves as a reminder to be thankful for what you have, instead of constantly striving for more.
Interestingly, the song features a sample of William DeVaughn's 1974 song "Be Thankful for What You've Got," which also emphasizes the importance of gratitude. Massive Attack's version was released in 1991 and reached number 30 on the UK Singles Chart.
Line by Line Meaning
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Even if you don't have a luxurious car like a Cadillac
Gangster whitewalls T.V antenna in the back
With all the flashy extras like whitewall tires and a T.V. antenna
You may not have a car at all
Even if you don't own a car
But just remember brothers and sisters
But don't forget, my fellow humans
You can still stand tall
You can still feel proud and confident
Just be thankful for what you've got
Just appreciate what you do have
Diamonds in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene
Even if someone else has a fancy car, enjoy your own simple pleasures
With a gangster lean gangster whitewalls
You can still have style and coolness, even without the flashy accessories
T.V antenna in the back
Or other expensive add-ons
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Even if you don't have the most extravagant possessions
You may not have a car at all
Even if you don't have a car
Diamonds in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene
Even if someone else has a luxurious car
With a gangster lean ooh ooh ooh
You can still have a swagger and confidence
Just be thankful for what you've got
Just focus on the good things you do have
[Chorus: x 3]
Repeat the message of being grateful for what you have
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: WILLIAM DEVAUGHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mariavirginiaokovic9064
✨Lyrics✨
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Gangster whitewalls T.V 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 great big Cadillac
Diamonds in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene
With a gangster lean gangster whitewalls
T.V 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 a gangster lean ooh ooh ooh
Though you may not drive a great 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 a gangster lean
ooh ooh ooh
✨💗✨
@CarolynSchulz
As a driving instructor, I used to play this song on the awkward drive home after a student failed their road test. I doubt any of the students ever bothered to discern the lyrics, but I thought they were fitting.
@xXxdiscipelsxXx
:'D 👍👍👍👍👍
@FarewellmyFriend.
HAHA genius
@k-leb4671
The driving instructor drives the students back home? That's really weird. In Queensland, you make your own way to and from the department for transport when you do your test. If you succeed and get your P plates, you get to drive yourself home. Otherwise, better hope someone is waiting around to help you out.
@CarolynSchulz
@@k-leb4671 parents would pay for lesson packages and that could mean that the instructor would pick them up, do a pre lesson, drop them off for their exam (they would use the instructor’s car), and then drive them home. Parents didn’t even have to take time off work.
@dominik13579
That has to be super awkward wtf mate lol
@charlenejordan9585
One of the best cover versions of a song that Ive ever heard
@Falconcat63
Dead on!
@jeffkempster1818
Absolutely agree
@caiobernardo9111
Who did the original?