God Bless The Child
Chuck Brown and Eva Cassidy Lyrics
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Them that's not shall lose
So the Bible says and it still is news
Mama may have papa may have
But God bless the child who's got his own
Who'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 who's got his own
Who's got his own
Money you've got lots of friends
Hanging round your door
Then you're gone and the money ends
They don't come round no more
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself baby
Oh don't you take too much
Mama may have papa may have
But God bless the child who's got his own
Money you've got lots of friends
Hanging round your door
Then it's gone and the money ends
They don't come round no more
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself baby
Oh don't you take too much
Mama may have papa may have
But God bless the child who's got his own
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
The lyrics of Chuck Brown and Eva Cassidy's song "God Bless The Child" are a commentary on the harsh reality of life, particularly the fact that the rich and powerful tend to become richer and more powerful while the weak and poor fade away. The opening lines of the song, "Them that's got shall get, Them that's not shall lose, So the Bible says and it still is news" immediately set the tone and establish the theme of the song. The lyrics suggest that society is unequal and unfair, and those who are born into wealth and privilege will continue to benefit, while those who are not will continue to suffer.
The song goes on to highlight the importance of self-sufficiency, The lyrics "Mama may have, papa may have, But God bless the child who's got his own" emphasize how important it is to have something that is solely yours, something that you've earned through your own hard work and determination. The chorus reinforces this idea, stating that having money and friends is not enough, because once the money runs out, the friends will disappear as well. The song ends with the repetition of the title phrase "God bless the child who's got his own," suggesting that self-reliance is the key to happiness and success.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have wealth will continue to gain more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have wealth will continue to lose more.
So the Bible says and it still is news
This is a well-known truth that is still relevant today.
Mama may have papa may have
It is possible to have well-off family members, but it does not guarantee success.
But God bless the child who's got his own
Those who have worked hard and earned their own wealth are truly blessed.
Yes the strong gets more
Those who are already successful will continue to gain more.
While the weak ones fade
Those who are not successful will continue to fall behind.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Lacking wealth can hold a person back from achieving their goals.
Money you've got lots of friends
Having wealth attracts many people, who may not be genuine friends.
Hanging round your door
These people will constantly seek the wealthy person's attention and favor.
Then you're gone and the money ends
Once the wealthy person's money is gone, so are their so-called friends.
They don't come round no more
Without money, the people who once surrounded the wealthy person disappear.
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may give help, but it may be limited.
Crust of bread and such
The help given may be bare minimum and may not be enough to sustain a person.
You can help yourself baby
It is up to the individual to work hard and make something of themselves.
Oh don't you take too much
While it is acceptable to enjoy the fruits of hard work, it is important to not become greedy and selfish.
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
This is an instrumental outro to the song.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamesmurphy-walsh8966
One of the greatest vocalists of our time !
@sabyegrp
I just received a used copy which I found on Amazon, of this album in CD form. I've been an Eva Cassidy fan for years, and have listened to many of Chuck Brown's recording. Chuck Brown is his usual "greatness" throughout this album. But I've never heard Eva sing like this. I have all her CDs and this one is incredible and unique. By the way, track 13 I believe is Eva's first recording of "Over the Rainbow". This album should have received an award. If you haven't listened to this, do yourself a favor. Do it.
The more I learn about and listen to Eva Cassidy, the more I realize what an incredible loss she has been to the music world.
@jamesmurphy-walsh8966
Most angelic powerful voice I have ever heard and this is the best version of her singing this. See when she reaches them top notes that is the universe expressing itself. It's god ! 1.28 just goes right to my soul !
@18echosf
Oh My! What an incredible vocalist........she would have been an enduring performer for a lifetime. Sadly..........it ended way too soon. RIP.
@marianneodell7637
18echosf I often wonder where she’d be today if she hadn’t passed away at such a young age...☹️
@rebeccavaughan3615
Love the way she sings it! Wow!!❤
@richardperkins5046
The woman could sing some blues. One of the best cover singers ever.
@breezy_basil
My favorite cover of "God Bless the Child".
@luisfraire5319
No words for this voice ...#1
@lyncoker2313
I lose touch with myself sometimes. Eva brings me back.