God Bless the Child
Al Jarreau/George Benson 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 song "God Bless the Child" speaks about the value and independence that comes from having one's own means and assets, whether it be wealth, knowledge, or personal strength. The lyrics reflect on the harsh reality of life where the rich get richer, while the poor remain stuck in their impoverished state, unable to rise to a better station. The song uses religious imagery and language, referring to the Bible and God's blessings, to emphasize the importance of having one's own resources, rather than relying on others for support.
The lyrics highlight how having money can make life easier, bringing friends and family members closer, but at the same time it can also bring about greed and envy, leading people to become self-centered and overly possessive. The last verse, "He just worry 'bout nothin', Cause he's got his own," depicts the peace of mind that one experiences when they have their own, and don't have to worry about relying on anyone else for their basic needs.
"God Bless the Child" was originally written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939, and later covered by various artists, including Al Jarreau, George Benson, and Jill Scott. It is considered one of Holiday's signature songs and is widely recognized as a jazz classic. The song has been featured in many films, including Goodfellas, The Color Purple, and American Gangster, and is often played at funerals and memorials.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have wealth and possession will continue to accumulate more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have wealth and possession will continue to lose what they already have.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This concept has been stated in the Bible and still holds true today.
Mama may have, Papa may have
One's parents may possess wealth and provide for their children.
But God bless the child that's got his own
However, a child who possesses their own wealth and independence is truly fortunate and blessed.
Yes, the strong gets more
The wealthy and powerful continue to accumulate more wealth and power.
While the weak ones fade
Those without wealth or power struggle to maintain their position and often fall behind.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Having no wealth or possessions puts one at a disadvantage in society.
Money, you've got lots of friends
Wealth attracts many people who are eager to benefit from it.
Crowding round the door
These people will eagerly surround a wealthy person, hoping to benefit from their money.
When you're gone, spending ends
Once a wealthy person dies or runs out of money, the people who benefited from their wealth will no longer be around.
They don't come no more
These people will not stick around once the money is gone.
Rich relations give
One's wealthy family may give them some help.
Crust of bread and such
This help may only be minimal, such as a small amount of food.
You can help yourself
One can rely on themselves to improve their situation.
But don't take too much
However, one should be careful not to become greedy or take advantage of others in the pursuit of wealth.
He just worry 'bout nothin'
The child with their own wealth and independence does not have to worry about losing it or relying on others for support.
Cause he's got his own
They have their own wealth and independence to rely on.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind