There are two versions of Be Thankful for What You’ve Got that I love. For some reason, today it’s the Massive Attack one.
The original is William DeVaughn’s soul hit from 1974, Be Thankful for What You Got. I love that one too.
Massive Attack covered it on Blue Lines, their classic first album, in 1991, with Tony Bryan on vocals. For some reason the cover feels like the better fit for today.
Today’s mood is gratitude, and this track sits alongside two ideas I’ve been writing about. My own chapter on celebrating your victories asks you to find the week’s wins before you plan the next one. Franklin’s evening question asks what good you’ve done today. Both look back with kindness.
Press play above and give it a proper listen. The title sums it up. Stop thinking about what you wish you had, and just be thankful for what you’ve already got, right now, in this moment.
