God Bless The Child
Billie Holiday Lyrics
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(But God bless the child that's got his own)
Them that's got shall get
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
Yes, the strong gets more
While the weak ones fade
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 and 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
(God bless the child, the child that's got his own)
In "God Bless the Child," Billie Holiday sings about the importance of self-sufficiency and the value of having one's own resources. The lyrics suggest that those who have financial stability are often rewarded, while those who struggle to make ends meet are often left behind. Holiday draws from religious and cultural sources, referencing both the Bible and the African-American tradition of celebrating individual achievement.
The song begins with the refrain, "Mama may have, Papa may have, but God bless the child that's got his own." This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the importance of personal independence. Holiday goes on to explain that "them that's got shall get" and "them that's not shall lose," quoting directly from the Bible. She notes that this pattern is a constant, in both ancient times and the present day.
Line by Line Meaning
(Mama may have, Papa may have)
Even if your parents are wealthy
(But God bless the child that's got his own)
God blesses the child who has their own money
Them that's got shall get
Those who have wealth will continue to gain more
Them that's not shall lose
Those who don't have wealth will continuously lose out
So the Bible said and it still is news
This concept has been around for a long time and remains true today
That's got his own
The child who has their own money and resources
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who are already well off will keep gaining more wealth
While the weak ones fade
The poor will continue to fall behind and struggle
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Being poor will never be good enough to succeed
Money, you've got lots of friends
People will only be friendly to you if you have money
Crowding round the door
People will overwhelm you with attention when you have money
When you're gone and spending ends
People will stop caring about you once you run out of money
They don't come no more
People will leave you behind once you lose your wealth
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may offer assistance
Crust of bread and such
They may offer basic necessities, but not much more
You can help yourself
You must rely on yourself to improve your situation
But don't take too much
Don't be greedy or you may lose what you've gained
(God bless the child, the child that's got his own)
God blesses those who are financially independent
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
Them that's got shall have
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
While the weak ones fade
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
They're crowding around your door
But when you're gone and 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
Money you've got lots of friends
They're crowding around your door
But when you're gone and 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
Here just don't worry about nothing cause he's got his own
Yes, he's got his own
@trinityg.2104
Them that's got shall have
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
While the weak ones fade
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
Yes he's got his own
@1010cryptosonny
I don't care what anyone says, This is an angel singing.
@DagDebrini
An angel with a beautiful soulful voice, but with a lot of inner turmoil.
@davidchipps
SHE IS AND DESPITE THE PAIN OF HER LIFE SHE IS THE FIRST PERSON THAT SINGS WIDE IN THE WEST. NOT BECAUSE SHE BORROWS FROM INDIAN CULTURE, BUT BECAUSE SHE IS MODEST AND MIMICKING THE TRUMPET IN BACK OF HER. LETS NOT TALK ABOUT HER DRUG ABUSE. WHO WOULDN'T USE DRUGS WHEN STUCK BETWEEN JAZZ AND A CORRUPT LEGAL SYSTEM
@chestermccoy1843
My Mama used to sing this to us as a lullaby. Didn't realize it at the time, she was teaching us a life lesson.
@shadolson189
Ethereal. Timeless. Gorgeous. Pristine. Billie's voice exists in its own time and space. What a gifted instrument of purity and authenticity.
@cisio64123
Beautiful song about the power and blessings of self reliance and standing on your own. It's even better that Billie co- wrote it and has a real connection to it.
@tupaxamarumakavelishakur
Tupac would quote her lyrics usually at the end of his songs "God Bless The Child That Can Hold His Own".
@ayndowney9401
This is just One of the lessons my mommy taught me. Earn an Education, self Sufficiency, and buy your own Property. 😊😅🎉😂❤This way you are not subjected to some one else's Whimsical Temperaments😊😅🎉😂❤
@wildcountryboyatlarge3829
I really love Billie Holiday's music. Why can't music be like this today. I feel my spirit within me feeling so relaxed to her music. Thanks Billie if you're looking down an reading this post. We All Love You An Really Miss You. : ) You Really Make Me Smile An Feel So Really Good Inside When I Hear Your Music. : )
@aintthatsomeshit2920
Billy Crane What a nice comment. Her music has such an effect on you because there is so much humanity in her voice. Have a nice day.