"Thank You" by Sly and the Family Stone had different lyrics than some people were singing

Sly Stone le3ft his mark on the world

Sly Stone, the lead singer of the iconic rock/funk group Sly and the Family Stone passed away at age 82, according to a statement released by his familyon June 9 (2025).

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone," a statement shared with USA TODAY on June 9 reads. "After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family.

One of his many hit songs was Thank You. The words that follow, may have been misunderstood by some for the past seven decades.

Mice elf or myself?

One of the group's biggest hits was a song titled Thank You. When I was eleven years old, I saw a 45 rpm of this tune at the house of my great aunt Gladys. When I read the record label, I was stunned. I had been singing "I want to thank you for letting me be myself again but that was not what I was looking at.

The label said Thank you Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin. This hit was on Billboard's top 100 for five weeks. The title is an intentional mondegreen or sensational spelling for "thank you for letting me be myself again." I wondered how many others were singing "myself" instead of "mice elf?" Ironically, you can find the song listed both ways.

Slu Stone began singing in the church

Sly Stone was born Sylvester Stewart on March 15, 1943 in Denton, Texas. As children, he and his brother Freddie and sisters Rose and Loretta formed "the Stewart Four" who sang gospel music in church.

He was identified as a musical prodigy. By the time he was seven, he had already become proficient on the keyboards, and by the age of eleven, he had mastered the guitar, bass, and drums as well. While still in high school, Sylvester had settled primarily on the guitar and joined a number of high school bands.

The path to The Family Stone

In 1966, Sly performed with his band, Sly and the Stoners, which featured Cynthia Robinson on trumpet. At the same time, his brother Freddie played with his band, Freddie and the Stone Souls, alongside Greg Errico and Jerry Martini.

One night, the brothers were in a kitchen, where they decided to merge their bands. Larry Graham, who had studied music and had experience working with various groups, was invited to join them.

By 1967, this multiracial band had made a strong impression throughout the Bay Area. They captivated audiences with their unique sound and performances. As Sly and the Family Stone, they had their first hit that year with 'Dance to the Music". Rose Stone joined the band in 1968.

Thank you and other hits

Their next hit was "Everyday People" and by the summer of 1969, Sly and the Family Stone had become one of the biggest names in the music industry. They released two more top five singles, "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," which was on the reverse side of "Everybody Is a Star."

Sylvester Stewart made the world a better place with his dance music, but he endured trials in his life. Years ago, I saw him on an episode of one of those Behind the Scenes or Where Are They Now television shows. and he mentioned he had endured homelessness. His family said he died after a long battle with COPD and other illnesses.