Walter was the brother of gospel singer Edwin Hawkins and Lynette Hawkins-Stephens. While married to Tramaine Hawkins, the couple had two children: a son, Walter "Jamie" Hawkins, Jr. (Myiia "Sunny" Hawkins) and a daughter, Trystan Hawkins with one granddaughter, Jahve Hawkins and one grandson, Jamie Daniel Hawkins.
Hawkins started his career with his brothers' hit song "Oh Happy Day" with The Edwin Hawkins Singers which became one of the first gospel songs to crossover onto mainstream charts.
Walter left the group in the early '70s to establish the Love Center Church in Oakland, CA. He and his Love Center Choir had considerable success with his Love Alive series, which collectively sold over a million copies from the '70s through the '90s
Be Grateful
Walter Hawkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Be grateful)
God has not promised me sunshine
That's not the way it's going to be
But a little rain (a little rain)
Mixed with god's sunshine
A little pain (a little pain)Makes me appreciate the good times
(Be grateful) grateful
(Be grateful) grateful
God desires to feel your longing
Every pain that you feel
He feels them just like you (just like you)
But he can't afford to let you feel only good (only good)
Then you can appreciate the good times
(Be grateful) grateful
(Be grateful) be grateful
Because there's someone else who's worse off than you
Be grateful (be grateful)
Because there's someone else who'd love to be in your shoes
Be grateful (be grateful)
Oh yeah!
My god said he'd never, never foresake you!
Be grateful (be grateful)oh yeah!
God said he would, he would never, never forsake you!
Be grateful (be grateful)oh yeah!
Be grateful hallelujah!
Oh! be grateful
The lord is the light!
Be grateful (be grateful)yeah, yeah
Be grateful
For everything you got!
Be grateful (be grateful)yeah, yeah
Be grateful (be grateful)
Be grateful (be grateful)
For it will be alright!
The opening lyrics of Walter Hawkins's "Be Grateful" reminds us that God has not promised us a life without rain, sadness or pain. In fact, life can be unfair and difficult at times. However, the singer explains that the combination of rain and sunshine helps him appreciate the good times even more. Similarly, a little pain helps people to recognize the value of happiness, good health, and the joy that life can bring.
The second verse of the song encourages people to believe and trust in God, who knows and feels their every pain. Although God wants us to be happy, sometimes it is necessary to experience pain and difficulty to be able to better appreciate the good times. The chorus then reminds listeners to be grateful for what they have and not to compare themselves unfairly to others whose situations may be worse.
In general, the song is meant to inspire people to be hopeful, thankful and to trust that God has a purpose for their lives, even in difficult times. The lyrics and melody blend well to create a soulful, uplifting, and optimistic song, suited for gospel and inspirational music fans alike.
Line by Line Meaning
(Be grateful)
The chorus reminds the listener to live a life of gratitude
God has not promised me sunshine
Life will not always be easy and filled with happiness
That's not the way it's going to be
Suffering and pain are a part of life's journey
But a little rain (a little rain)
Sometimes difficulties (represented by 'rain') arise
Mixed with god's sunshine
But God's blessings (represented by 'sunshine') are still present
A little pain (a little pain)
Pain is not always negative, it can help us appreciate the good times
Makes me appreciate the good times
Difficulties can help us value the good times more
God desires to feel your longing
God wants us to open up to Him and share our sorrows
Every pain that you feel
God sees and feels our pain
He feels them just like you (just like you)
God empathizes and understands our pain
But he can't afford to let you feel only good (only good)
God can't shield us from all the bad things in life
Then you can appreciate the good times
Experiencing pain can help us see the value of the good times
Because there's someone else who's worse off than you
We should be thankful for what we have as others have it worse
Because there's someone else who'd love to be in your shoes
We should be grateful for what we have as others may want it
My god said he'd never, never foresake you!
God will never abandon us
Be grateful (be grateful)oh yeah!
The chorus is repeated to remind us to be thankful
The lord is the light!
God illuminates our path and guides us
For everything you got!
We should be thankful for all that we have
For it will be alright!
Even though life is tough, things will eventually get better
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: WALTER HAWKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@typrsn1
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thess. 5:18)
@diannal.5180
@@candisjones2757 ?
@diannal.5180
@@candisjones2757 I don't understand what you're writing!!!!
@cecilialittmon722
Amen In everything give Thanks....
@jennevamadison3803
I love this song.
@jacquelineallen8577
Yes Amen Spirit And Truth...
@rfrolicarts
This song is an antidote for anxiety. A wise woman once told me "Fear and gratitude can't exist in the body at the same time." Thank you. This song gives me peace.
@typrsn1
You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
@anointed2023
Beautiful! And sooo true. Thank you for your comment.
@marshallevoltzministries9240
I agree with you!