In 1969, Ray Benson and Lucky Oceans (Reuben Gosfield) co-founded Asleep at the Wheel in Paw Paw, West Virginia, and soon after they found themselves opening for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna in Washington, DC.[1] A year later, they moved to East Oakland, California at the invitation of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. After being mentioned in Rolling Stone magazine by Van Morrison, they landed a record deal with United Artists. In 1973, their debut album, Comin' Right At Ya was released by United Artists. At the request of Willie Nelson, they left Oakland for Austin in 1974.
Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have been presented numerous awards throughout their career. Most recently, the 16th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Award for the making of "A Ride With Bob", recognition by Mayor Kirk Watson of Austin, Texas, and the Darrel K. Royal Music Patron Award by The Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association. In 2007, The Austin Chronicle recognized Asleep at the Wheel for Band of the Year, Best Country Band, and into their Hall of Fame. Benson was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2002, was given The Texas Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, and recognized as an Outstanding Producer by the National Academy of Recording Arts in 1988. He has also been given numerous Citations of Achievement by Broadcast Music, Inc. for his work in the country music field. Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have been one of the strongest names in Country Music for the last forty years.
God Bless the Child
Asleep At The Wheel 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
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 Asleep at the Wheel's song, 'God Bless the Child', speaks about the nature of wealth and the societal implications that come with it. The songwriter draws inspiration from the Bible, where the phrase 'Them that's got shall get, them that's not shall lose' is mentioned. The songwriter sets this phrase to music and uses it as the premise for the song as he explores the harsh reality of the world.
The songwriter goes on to assert that the strong get stronger and the weak fade away. The vulnerable are left with empty pockets and can never make the grade, highlighting the inherent disparity created by wealth. The song also portrays the fickle nature of friendship that is associated with affluence, where one's acquaintances flock around them when they have riches, but abandon them when they have nothing left.
However, despite all the implications of societal hierarchies, the songwriter ends on a positive note, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency. The singer repeats the phrase 'God bless the child that's got his own' three times, stressing the value of having something that is wholly yours. The child who possesses autonomy over his resources can live without worry as he is free from the limitations that come with the distribution of wealth.
Overall, the lyrics of Asleep at the Wheel's 'God Bless the Child' assert that the world is often unkind to those who do not have much. The songwriter provides a message of encouragement to those who aspire to gain financial independence as they begin to create and hold onto something that is only theirs.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who are already wealthy will continue to accumulate more wealth.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who are poor will continue to suffer and struggle.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This message of inequality and unfairness has been written in religious texts for centuries and still holds true today.
Mama may have, papa may have
Parents may have wealth and resources to share.
But God bless the child that's got his own
However, there is great value in self-sufficiency and independence.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who are already powerful will continue to gain strength and advantage.
While the weak ones fade
Those who are already marginalized and disadvantaged are more likely to face setbacks and failures.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Lack of financial resources can prevent people from achieving success and recognition.
Money, you've got lots of friends
People will be drawn to those who have wealth and resources.
Crowding round the door
Others will seek to take advantage of these resources and the power they bring.
When you're gone, spending ends
Once your financial resources are depleted or gone, so too are the friends and acquaintances who relied on them.
They don't come no more
Those who benefited from the wealth will not stick around once it has been depleted.
Rich relations give
Even family members who are wealthy may only offer a small token of assistance.
Crust of bread and such
This assistance may only be a small amount, and not sufficient for long-term success.
You can help yourself
However, it is important to take steps to become self-sufficient and independent.
But don't take too much
While it is important to work towards independence, it is not right to take advantage of others in the process.
He just worry 'bout nothin'
A person who is self-sufficient has the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can rely on themselves.
Cause he's got his own
This independence and self-sufficiency allows them to move forward in life with confidence and stability.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
The issue with search on Firefox is now resolved.
Ben - Moderator
Sorry about that Eddie - we will resolve this very soon. In the meantime you should still be able to paste a search into the search box. I'll update you here.
Eddie
With the new setup my firefox browser will not allow typing in the search area.