Fortune Cookie Friday: Give a Little Bit

Everyone seems to be a little…tense lately. I am sure there are multiple reasons for all the short tempers: politics, weather, getting up earlier for school. I can quickly get a little hot under the collar, but I try my best to turn the other cheek.

One thing I found that curbs my cranky attitude is showing a little kindness. I’m not saying we have to shower our enemies with love—although we should “love thy enemy,” but it’s difficult to hate someone when we are doing something nice for them.

After reading today’s fortune, a particular song popped into my head. Roger Hodgson from the band Supertramp wrote the lyrics to “Give A Little Bit” back around 1970. Inspired by The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love,” it took him a few years to introduce his song to the band.

“Give A Little Bit” – Supertramp (1977)

Oh, yeah
Alright
Here we go again
Hey hey, whoa no, da na, hey hey, yeah

Give a little bit
Give a little bit of your love to me
Give a little bit
I’ll give a little bit of my love to you
There’s so much that we need to share
So send a smile and show you care
(Alright)

I’ll give a little bit
I’ll give a little bit of my life for you
So give a little bit
Give a little bit of your time to me
See the man with the lonely eyes
Oh, take his hand, you’ll be surprised

Oh, take it
Ah, yeah
Come along
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Give a little bit
Give a little bit of your love to me
I’ll give a little bit of my life for you
Now’s the time that we need to share
So find yourself, we’re on our way back home

Oh, going home
Don’t you need, don’t you need to feel at home
Oh yeah, we gotta sing
Oh yeah, you gotta get a feeling
Oh, yeah, come along too
Whoo!

You can come along too, yeah
Come-a, come-a, come-a, come along

Cha, cha, cha oh, yeah
Oh, yeah, come along too
Yeah, come along too, yeah
Sing Betty Lou
Come along too
What a long ride
Come a long way
Oh, sing it tonight
Oh, yeah

In a March 1, 2012 interview with Dan MacIntosh (Songfacts), Hodgson said, “That song has really taken on a life of its own, and I think it’s even more relevant today than when I wrote it…The song is basically saying: just show you care.”

The group would use the song as a show closer after unifying the audience during their concerts. When the audience heard the intro to “Give A Little Bit,” they were ever eager to sing along with smiles on their faces.

That feeling of unity can be compelling. Because human beings are social creatures, we want to feel needed and accepted, and when we feel alone or on our own, it can hurt. In those times, reaching out to others can help.

Asking for help in times of need is useful, but so is giving it. We don’t have to give a huge monetary donation either. Some spare change, a helpful hand, or even a pleasant smile is all that’s required to bring unity. It only takes a little bit of ourselves to mean a lot to others.

So, as you go about your day, take a moment to share a little time, compassion, or love with someone you see, and make their day that little bit brighter.

Song lyrics source: LyricFind, Songwriters: Richard Davies / Roger Hodgson, Give a Little Bit lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group