“Good for Nothing,” a leftover track from 1984’s Chicago 17, was actually good for something. Instead, it found a home on USA For Africa’s We Are the World charity project, which was highlighted by the famously recorded various-artists title track.
Turns out, the last-released Chicago track featuring Peter Cetera fit the album perfectly. Like many of the other all-star songs submitted for We Are the World, “Good for Nothing” was about helping out others, love and unity, so it fit the overall theme.
Sung by Robert Lamm with background vocals by Cetera, “Good for Nothing” takes the point of view of a man who gave his time, money and effort to people who needed it, but wasn’t appreciated in return. The song, written by Lamm, Chicago producer David Foster and Richard Marx, then poses an intriguing question: “Why can’t I just let it be?” Does that mean he can’t accept that people might not thank him, or that he shouldn’t help others if he gets no appreciation in return?
Ultimately, that mystery doesn’t take away from Chicago’s larger message: My understanding of the lyrics is that helping someone is always important: We should give to others and not expect anything in return.
Beyond that positive thought, “Good for Nothing” is very well played. I love the keyboard sounds at the beginning, and the guitar too. I also love that this track has a pop feel to it. Lamm and Cetera’s voices blended very well together, bolstering a lyric that really made you think.
“Good for Nothing” is a great song with a great message, but yet still sad – since this marks the end of Peter Cetera’s celebrated tenure in Chicago.
