God Bless The Child
Blood Sweat And Tears Lyrics
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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 lyrics to "God Bless The Child" by Blood Sweat And Tears, are a commentary on the social and economic inequalities that exist in contemporary society. The first stanza of the song reflects the old saying, "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer," implying that the Bible endorses this idea. The second stanza highlights the disparity between those who have access to money and resources and those who do not. The phrase "God bless the child that's got his own" is repeated throughout the song as a refrain - it is a statement of admiration for those who have managed to achieve success and independence despite adversity.
The final stanza of the song draws attention to the fickle nature of human relationships, particularly when money is involved. The lyrics suggest that people are only interested in being your friend when you have something to offer them, but will desert you once you are no longer able to provide them with what they want. The phrase "God bless the child who can stand up and say, I've got my own" is a message of empowerment and self-confidence, encouraging listeners to value their own achievements and abilities above the approval of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got, shall get
Those who already have wealth and privileges are likely to acquire more.
Them that's not, shall lose
Those who lack wealth and opportunities are likely to lose what they have.
So the Bible said, and it still is news
These socioeconomic patterns have persisted throughout history and continue to be relevant today.
Mama may have, and papa may have
Even if one's parents have resources, it does not guarantee success or security for their child.
God bless' the child,
That's got his own
That's got his own
Blessed are those who are able to attain self-sufficiency and financial independence.
Yes the strong seem to get more
The powerful and privileged tend to accumulate even more strength and privilege over time.
While the weak ones fade
Those who lack resources are likely to decline and struggle over time.
Empty pockets don't
Ever make the grade
Lack of wealth and resources limits one's opportunities for success and advancement.
And when you got money,
You got a lots of friends
Crowdin' 'round your door
Those with wealth and resources tend to attract many social connections and superficial relationships.
When the money's gone
And all you're spendin' ends
They won't be 'round any more
No, no, no more
Once one's resources are depleted, so too will be the fair-weather friends who were only around for personal gain.
And rich relations
May give you
A crust of bread and such
You can help yourself
But don't take too much
Even wealthy relatives may be stingy with their resources, and one should be grateful for any help received while still maintaining self-sufficiency and moderation.
God bless' the child
That's got his own
That's got his own
Once again, blessed are those who have achieved financial independence and self-sufficiency.
God bless' the child who can stand up and say
I've got my own
Ev'ry child's, got to have his own!
There is great value in being able to stand on one's own two feet and attain personal success and independence, and every individual should work towards achieving this goal.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, O/B/O CAPASSO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@phillipcharlesashwood1850
Lyrical re-visio .
Thems that needs, shall fail,
Thems that want, shall take,
Like the blind man said,
Better eat the snail,
Papa may have,
Mama may have,
But Self bless the Self that takes/eats/do, its own,
That, takes its own.
@dbrinkm1
I will soon be 77 and first heard this album while a senior at Illinois State university in 1968. I learned to read music. play coronet, trumpet and baritone at age 11. This song present's a superb arrangement [with an epic intro ] with extraordinary musical artistry skills while covering the musical forms of jazz, pop, rock and blues, Vocals by David Clayton Thomas are superb and add a fine fabric of texture that holds it all together. This never grows old...as ordered sound enters the soul and elevates the consciousness of man. "God Bless the child that's got his own" ....db
@timothyoneal4006
I was 11 when this album came out, and it changed me forever. I'd like to think it changed me for the better.
@dbrinkm1
and I too...hope it did !!!
@sfsphil
Slight correction...David Clayton-Thomas
@3lonewolf3
My introduction to blues performed by r&r band...powerful...I was 15
@dbrinkm1
correct....must have been thinking of the lone ranger...lol !
@chrisarensdorf9656
God bless the Hammond B-3!!
@MrDallman
My God I’m so glad I’m old enough now to have been young enough back then…
@66impala71
Well said
@roscoearbuckle2
"...and when you've got money, you've got lots of friends crowding round your door..."❤