God Bless The Child
Billie Holiday Her Orchestra 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 don't worry 'bout nothin'
'Cause he's got his own
The song God Bless the Child is a powerful and evocative ballad that speaks to the pain and struggle of poverty and inequality. The opening lines, "Them that's got shall have, them that's not shall lose, so the Bible said and it still is news," sets the stage for a discussion about the ways in which wealth and opportunity are unfairly distributed in society. The song goes on to describe how those with money often have more resources at their disposal, while those without are left to struggle and suffer. However, the song also acknowledges the strength and resilience of those who are able to make it on their own, proclaiming "God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own" as a refrain throughout the piece.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall have
Those who already possess things will continue to receive more
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have anything will continue to lose more
So the Bible said and it still is news
This saying has been around for a long time, and still holds true today
Mama may have, Papa may have
The child's parents may have material possessions
But God bless the child that's got his own
But it is a blessing for a child to have their own possessions
Yes, the strong gets more
The rich and powerful continue to gain more wealth and influence
While the weak ones fade
The poor and powerless continue to struggle and suffer
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Being poor will never be enough to succeed in life
Money, you've got lots of friends
People are only interested in you when you have money
Crowding round the door
They will flock to you and try to get close to you
When you're gone, spending ends
When you run out of money, people will stop caring about you
They don't come no more
Those so-called friends will disappear
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may provide minimal assistance
Crust of bread and such
Enough to barely survive
You can help yourself
You must be self-sufficient
But don't take too much
But be careful not to become greedy
He just don't worry 'bout nothin'
The one who has their own possessions does not have to worry about anything
'Cause he's got his own
Because they have their own possessions
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dametaylortyler4975
My fav version was of this masterpiece. I grew up listening to this. Rip Lady
@privateeyety5735
Love this song. When I was little my mom would carry me around while listening to this song. And she would always play it when I had to get a shot so I'd be less nervous. Makes me think of home.
Also thanks for the history lesson in the details.
@1234pouvez
Love it! This was the first recorded version of the song , I heard in the Double Album "The Billie Holiday Story" .The album was a Christmas present from my Parents. I still have the album. I love her Beautiful interpretation backed by The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra and Choir.
@nicks9776
I have that album on CD! It’s one of my favourite CDs. I think this version is beautiful! This is Heaven to me is easily one of my most favourite songs!
@nicks9776
I mean as well.
@nairdallewop
Beautiful song!
@patritablackston2064
A masterpiece.!!!!
@yanacox5321
Amen
@shanewright2772
Compared to the 1941 version, this is a sick travesty. Even Lady Day sounds like she knows it's a stinker.
@AustinCasey
Shane Wright I disagree intensely. I remember growing up my father disliked this version too and expressed his displeasure. I loved it (and the original) but preferred this version. The harmonies are rich and there’s good dynamics. The arrangement is tasteful and supports Billie well. Other than that it isn’t “stripped down” I don’t know what other musical complaints one can have about this record.