Sly and the Family Stone, Thank You… | Thankful Songs 🙏🎶

For the 15th Thankful Song 🙏🎶, we highlight “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” from iconic band Sly and the Family Stone.

“Iwant to thank you falettinme / Be mice elf agin.” One of the most memorable lyrics and song titles of all time 🎙 Sly and the Family Stone. Before we dig into this ‘departure’ of sorts, let me remind you the premise of Thankful Songs 🙏🎶! On Thankful Songs 🙏🎶, we highlight songs in which the musician (or musicians) show gratitude about something or towards someone.  This idea came from the fact that in November, here in the United States of America, many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.  So, what better way than to celebrate than select some awesome songs that exhibit gratitude? Our 15^th entry comes from the iconic funk/soul band with 🎵 “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” from their 1970 💿 Greatest Hits album.

First and foremost, we, the audience should be thankful that the iconic funk/soul collective recorded this no. 1 hit.  Its existence alone is worth giving gratitude.  Musically, one of the biggest innovations cited when mentioning this song is the bass technique by 🎙 Larry Graham, which would go on to influence numerous musicians in various genres. Beyond that, the vocals by 🎙 Sly Stone are nothing short of awesome, infused with ample personality and oozing with soul. Beyond the famed lyrics of the chorus (aforementioned), the lyrics of the verses are quite colorful.

“Lookin’ at the devil
Grinnin’ at his gun
Fingers start shakin’
I begin to run...”

Per a song fact from Songfacts, “Sly Stone wrote…the [song because he] as upset that people were not listening to the messages in his songs… They were an integrated band and tried to spread the message of racial harmony, but Stone thought that message was getting lost. The lyrics are scathing and mostly directed at Sly himself…” Interesting.  One part of song that listeners can’t miss (and should be thankful for too) are the references made to other Sly and the Family Stone hits:

“Dance to the music
All nite long
Everyday people
Sing a simple song.”

🎙 Sly and the Family Stone • 💿 Greatest Hits • 🏷 Epic • 🗓 1970

[📷: Epic]