Billie Holiday had a difficult childhood. Much information once not considered true was confirmed in the book Billie Holiday by Stuart Nicholson in 1995. Holiday's autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues, which was first published in 1956, is sketchy when it comes to details about her early life, but has been confirmed by the Nicholson research.
Her professional pseudonym was taken from Billie Dove, an actress she admired, and Clarence Holiday, her probable father. At the outset of her career, she spelled her last name Halliday, which was the birth-surname of her father, but eventually changed it to Holiday, his performing name.
Her distinct delivery made Billie Holiday's performances instantly recognizable throughout her career. A master of improvisation, Billie's well-trained ear more than compensated for her lack of music education performance really was.
In 1972, Diana Ross portrayed Holiday in the film Lady Sings the Blues, which is loosely based on the 1956 autobiography of the same name. The film earned Ross a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She also has been portrayed by Ernestine Jackson in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill and by Paula Jai Parker in a Season 7 episode of Touched by an Angel entitled "God Bless the Child," the title deriving from a song that she had written and sung.
In 1987, Billie Holiday was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1993, R&B singer Miki Howard released an album dedicated to Holiday titled Miki Sings Billie: A Tribute To Billie Holiday. The United States Postal Service introduced a Billie Holiday postage stamp in 1994, she ranked #6 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Rock n' Roll in 1999, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Over the years, there have been many tributes to Billie Holiday, including "The Day Lady Died," a 1959 poem by Frank O'Hara, and "Angel of Harlem," a 1988 release by the group U2. A 1953 Holiday concert in New York is a key feature of the 2009 Arthur Phillips novel The Song is You.
On May 31, 1959, Holiday was taken to Metropolitan Hospital in New York suffering from liver and heart disease. Police officers were stationed at the door to her room. She was arrested for drug possession as she lay dying, and her hospital room was raided by authorities. Holiday remained under police guard at the hospital until she died from cirrhosis of the liver (the result of several years of substance abuse) on July 17, 1959. In the final years of her life, she had been progressively swindled out of her earnings, and she died with $0.70 in the bank and $750 (a tabloid fee) on her person. Her funeral mass was held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in New York City.
Critic John Bush wrote that she "changed the art of American pop vocals forever."She co-wrote only a few songs, but several of them have become jazz standards, notably "God Bless the Child," "Don't Explain," "Fine and Mellow," and "Lady Sings the Blues." She also became famous for singing jazz standards including "Easy Living," "Good Morning Heartache," and "Strange Fruit."
God Bless The Child
Billie Holiday and Her Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(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 © CARLIN AMERICA INC, O/B/O CAPASSO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
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.