God Bless The Child
Blood/Sweat/Tears 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, and papa may have
God bless' the child,
That's got his own
That's got his own
While the weak ones fade
Empty pockets don't
Ever make the grade
As mama may have
And papa may have
God bless' the child
That's got his own
That's got his own.
And when you got money,
You got a lots of friends
Crowdin' 'round your door
When the money's gone
And all you're spendin' ends
They won't be 'round any more
No, no, no more
And rich relations
May give you
A crust of bread and such
You can help yourself
But don't take too much
Mama may have
And your papa may have
But God bless' the child
That's got his own
That's got his own
God bless' the child who can stand up and say
I've got my own
Ev'ry child's, got to have his own!
The song’s lyrics express a theme of self-reliance and independence, with a sub-theme of the independence of children from their parents. The first verse describes the harsh reality for those who are not born into wealth or privilege, and the second verse contrasts this with the advantages enjoyed by those who already have material success. The repeated refrain of “God bless the child that’s got his own” reinforces the idea that having one’s own resources is a blessing, as it brings independence and freedom from the whims of others.
The third verse touches on the relationship between wealth and friendship, suggesting that people are only interested in being friends when there is something to gain. The fourth verse discusses the false security that can come from relying on wealthier family members or friends for support, and highlights the importance of self-sufficiency. Overall, the song’s lyrics offer a commentary on American society and its focus on individual success and self-reliance.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got, shall get
Those who already have wealth and resources will receive even more.
Them that's not, shall lose
Those who lack wealth and resources will experience further losses.
So the Bible said, and it still is news
These principles of inequality have been long-recognized and are still prevalent today.
Mama may have, and papa may have
One's parents may have financial means, but that does not guarantee financial success for their children.
God bless' the child,
That's got his own
That's got his own
Those who possess their own resources and are financially self-sufficient have reason to be thankful and blessed.
Yes the strong seem to get more
The powerful and wealthy are able to accumulate even more resources and advantages.
While the weak ones fade
Those who lack resources and support are likely to struggle and suffer setbacks.
Empty pockets don't
Ever make the grade
Lack of financial resources can be a significant barrier to success and progress in life.
And when you got money,
You got a lots of friends
Crowdin' 'round your door
Financial success can quickly attract many social connections and supporters.
When the money's gone
And all you're spendin' ends
They won't be 'round any more
No, no, no more
However, these social connections tend to disappear once one's financial resources are depleted.
And rich relations
May give you
A crust of bread and such
You can help yourself
But don't take too much
Even wealthy family members may only offer minimal support and resources, and it is important to be mindful and conservative with those resources to maintain financial stability.
God bless' the child
That's got his own
That's got his own
Once again, those who possess their own resources and financial stability are deserving of gratitude and blessings.
God bless' the child who can stand up and say
I've got my own
Ev'ry child's, got to have his own!
Financial self-sufficiency is a valuable and worthy characteristic, and it is important for all individuals to strive towards this goal.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@neil2647
Can't believe I'm going to be 70 yrs. old and this music and so much from this era are still a part of me. So much has changed, but this kind of music was the best. Period.
@patrickcraig6032
With you there,I bought this in 1970,still great!!!
@andrearitchie6464
Same here. Very remarkable! Music lives on forever, that's for sure!
@billkaemmerling3658
Seems like this song just came out last week! What a rush!
@elfowl6873
I'm 73, as you are now, according to your last post. Wonderful memories from back then, right? love the song too!!!
@montgomerydenzer8805
Amazing WE made this far
@markmullikin3663
This band is so under rated, I am so blown away every time I listen to them, wonderful orchestration, I had this album in quadrafonic, I get chills when I hear it
@ChristineGaukroger
I concur. . But with hindsight so many bands/singers were underrated
@alanneubert9230
Oh no, this group was never underrated when we listen to it In school
@bonniebetters225
This was dad's life song. Rest in peace poppa. Love you. You got your own in Heaven now with the Lord. Well done.