God Bless the Child
Al Jarreau/George Benson/Jill Scott Lyrics
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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
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
The lyrics of the song "God Bless the Child" are about the idea that those who have wealth and status in society will always have an easier time than those who do not. The song begins with a realization that those who have will continue to gain and those who do not have will continue to lose. This idea is based on a passage in the Bible that says, "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." The song uses this idea to critique the way society is structured, where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have things will receive more
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have things will lose what little they have
So the Bible said and it still is news
These concepts are not new and have been discussed in religious texts
Mama may have, Papa may have
One's parents may have wealth or possessions
But God bless the child that's got his own
However, those who have earned and acquired their own wealth and possessions are truly blessed
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who are already strong and wealthy will continue to gain more strength and wealth
While the weak ones fade
Those who are weak or poor will continue to struggle and fall further behind
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Having no money or resources will prevent one from succeeding
Money, you've got lots of friends
Having money attracts people who want to benefit from it
Crowding round the door
These people will be eager to be near the wealthy person
When you're gone, spending ends
However, when the wealthy person is no longer able to spend money, these friends will disappear
They don't come no more
These 'friends' will not stick around when the money is gone
Rich relations give crust of bread and such
Even family members who are wealthy will only offer minimal help to those who are not
You can help yourself
It is possible to work hard and create one's own success
But don't take too much
However, one should be careful not to become greedy or turn away from others in need
He just worry 'bout nothin'
Those who have their own wealth do not have to worry as much about their financial situation
Cause he's got his own
Because they have earned and created their own wealth
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind