Her first album, Abbey Lincoln's Affair, A Story of a Girl in Love was released in 1956. Also that year Lincoln starred in the film The Girl Can't Help It, for which she famously wore a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe.
Lincoln sang on the 1960s landmark jazz civil rights recording, We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite in 1960 by jazz musician and Lincolns husband from 1962-1970, Max Roach. Especially since this album, Abbey Lincoln was connected to the political fight against racism in the United States.
She co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy and received a 1969 Golden Globe nomination for her appearance in the film. She also starred in the 1990 Spike Lee movie Mo' Better Blues.
In 2003, she received the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award.
Lincoln died on August 14, 2010 in Manhattan at the age of 80. Although no official cause of death was given, Lincoln had suffered deteriorating health following open heart surgery in 2007. She passed away in a Manhattan nursing home.
God Bless The Child
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Them that's not shall lose
So the Bible said and it still is news
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
Yes, the strong gets more
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
Money, you've got lots of friends
Crowding round the door
When you're gone, spending ends
They don't come no more
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself
But don't take too much
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
(Repeat)
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
He just worry 'bout nothin'
Cause he's got his own
Yes he's got his own
The song "God Bless The Child" by Abbey Lincoln is a powerful statement on the value of independence and self-sufficiency. At the core of the lyrics is the idea that those who have the means to support themselves will continue to prosper, while those who do not will be left to struggle. This truth is reinforced by a biblical reference in the first line of the song, "Them that's got shall have / Them that's not shall lose," which highlights the inherent inequality of life.
The lyrics go on to describe how having money brings with it a host of "friends" who are only interested in what they can get from you. But once the money is gone, they disappear as well. This is contrasted with the idea that having one's own resources, whether that be money or something else, means that one does not have to rely on anyone else. This independence is celebrated in the chorus, which repeats the refrain "But God bless the child that's got his own / That's got his own."
The song is a commentary on the need for self-sufficiency and the importance of valuing oneself and one's own resources. It is a reminder that the world can be a harsh and unforgiving place, but one can find strength in oneself and the resources that they have. The song offers hope that even in the face of adversity, one can continue to thrive and find success by relying only on themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall have
Those who already have, will continue to have more
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have, will continue to lose more
So the Bible said and it still is news
This is an age-old truth that still holds up today
Mama may have, Papa may have
Your parents may have money and resources
But God bless the child that's got his own
But it is a blessing to have your own resources and not have to rely on others
That's got his own
To have your own resources and be self-sufficient
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who are already strong and powerful will continue to gain even more
While the weak ones fade
Those who are weak and powerless will continue to lose more and fade away
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Having nothing in your pockets will not get you far in life
Money, you've got lots of friends
People will flock to you if you have money
Crowding round the door
They will be literally knocking on your door
When you're gone, spending ends
When you no longer have money to spend, your so-called 'friends' will disappear too
They don't come no more
They will no longer come around
Rich relations give
Even if you have rich relatives, they may not give you much
Crust of bread and such
They may only give you small things like a piece of bread
You can help yourself
You can rely on yourself and your own resources
But don't take too much
But don't become greedy and take advantage of others
He just worry 'bout nothin'
The person who has his own resources does not have to worry about anything
Cause he's got his own
Because he has his own resources to rely on
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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