This native of a little country town in South Carolina, called “North”, started his musical journey on a little clay road and pastures of green fields. He affectionately recalls listening to his mother sing as they cleaned the house on hot summer days and bumpy rides to the church house. “Momma would sing songs by gospel greats like Shirley Caesar then switch to soul legends like Betty Wright. It just depended on her mood,” he kindly reflects. This was the beginning of what would later become Cleveland’s maturation as an accomplished singer/songwriter and producer. His voice is simply one of a kind and to experience it, especially live, is a spiritual journey on it’s own.
Penning timeless classics like Free Yard Sale, Cleveland boldly speaks of the liberating experience in giving away the belongings of a past love after holding on to them for nearly four years post break up. Cleveland decided not to sugarcoat the hurt and, in turn, gained a newfound mental and emotional freedom from what was his own personal imprisonment of not knowing when to let go. With his soulful rock tune, Patience, Cleveland compositions are designed to welcome open dialogue often abandoned or non-existent between lovers and friends alike. “Sometimes you’re just tired of the person, but it doesn’t mean I stopped loving you”, he speaks of this captivating soul tune.
When asked about his future in the music industry, he proclaims, “my mission is longevity, not instant fame. I’ve learned by example and experience that rushing a good thing normally ends abruptly and suffers long...what’s intended for me will be,” he says. Cleveland has carefully chosen the unbeaten path to discover his truth, which resulted in this self- written, self-produced, and performed confession, which is Ace of Hearts. He spared nothing to give you his best as he unwaveringly chose live instrumentation throughout this masterpiece of soulful art.
A graduate of two prestigious institutions, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Cleveland became deeply involved in music and theater. He performed and toured many places stateside and abroad. After Morehouse, Cleveland continued to develop his acting and vocal skills later finding himself in the growing underground independent music scene of Atlanta, Georgia. From this experience, he was afforded great opportunities to travel and lend
supporting vocals to some of Atlanta’s most promising soul artists. While in Atlanta for nearly ten years, Cleveland appeared in and lent his voice to Paramount/MTV’s Fighting Temptations soundtrack. From then on Cleveland became highly influenced by artists like Anita Baker, Bobby McFerrin, and Rachelle Ferrell. As he continued to search for “his voice”, he later indulged deeply into soul legends such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway, Oleta Adams, and a plethora of others.
Thus these musical influences, Cleveland’s music speaks boldly for itself. No fanfare or polishing needed. Simply put, he committed to his mission to deliver unadulterated “timeless soul music” and therein offers you the golden keys to unlock this soulful brilliance. Ace of Hearts is a faithful story about Cleveland’s road from personal insecurities, abandonment, love, pain, and back to square one of loving oneself wholly. “The heart was made to love, break, and heal” he says. “The best part is when you reflect and discover how strong you were the whole time.” Cleveland P. Jones is well on his way to higher places, yet very rooted in the quest to heal souls one song at a time.
God Bless The Child
Cleveland P. Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
Papa left me at war
In the Croix-des-Bouquets slums out in Haiti
I used to hunt for my
From the whole to the project
Learned to slap box cause I
Couldn’t take the disrespect
Asked Mona Lisa for a date on Friday
She heard I was Haitian and she said no way
But God blessed the child
I could have been that juvenile
Yep, but that’s my cousin selling crack
And that’s me with the black
And white notebook writing raps
And the words became real
And I got a record deal
And I went from last to first
I put Haiti on the map
If you're looking for my country Google Earth
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless because the streets is hard
We living in a world we only see facades
But check the stats
You won't believe the odds
From who make it out to who see the bars
Only a few make out the two seated cars
I hope my crew make it out
And don't see the bars
When Wyclef was on tour with the Fugees
I was with Boyz n the Hood
You can't pause the movie
Thought I was hot shit when
I bought the coopy i was down in the tunnel
When I wore the goofy
I was the ice berg shit, 400 sweater
I put ten up in the bank, bet I form better
It was love in the bitch way before I met her
Just was spending all my chips
On the softest leathers
I told my niggas meet them at the crossroads
Until then I'mma see how fast this Porsche go
More money well them more foes
But shit I ain’t scared of you mofos
You funny niggas like Bernie mac
I do something til you same niggas turn a rat
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
It’s much deeper than a rap song
Think it’s sweet until this beef
Is getting clapped on
I’ve seen sweet dreams turn in nightmares
I watch street dreams turn to life years
You can hear the loud screams
When they cry tears
Now I take my whole team and we fly Leers
If it’s New York then we’re up town
California sport when we touchdown
I’m getting money, wouldn't call it fame
It was right before she nutted
When she called my name
Backing out the telly, wheels in reverse
She had the telly slippers on
Heels in her purse
I put her in a cab, you dealing with a jerk
It's atleast a quarter mil when a nigga murk
Shit they follow me like i’m racketeering
They must have got fed with the black McLaren
And yea they racial profile
My black appearance
And I always ran the streets
I had absent parents
And every night we pray to the sky
In the hood where is 9 million ways to die
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
God bless the child that can hold his own
The lyrics to Cleveland P. Jones's "God Bless The Child" are a reflection on the nature of society and the struggle to overcome the social and economic disparities that exist within it. The first stanza explores the concept of "them that's got" versus "them that's not", drawing upon a biblical reference to illustrate the reality that those who are already privileged tend to have more opportunities and advantages, while those who are less fortunate are more likely to face setbacks and obstacles. The chorus then emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and independence, as the child who has their own resources will be better equipped to navigate these challenges.
The second stanza goes on to describe how this dynamic plays out in practice: those who are already strong and successful tend to continue to thrive, while the less successful struggle to get ahead. The second half of the chorus repeats the message that having one's own resources is essential for success and independence. The final stanza explores the idea that wealth and social connections can be fickle, and that true independence comes not from relying on others, but from having one's own strength and resources.
Overall, the song's lyrics are a powerful commentary on the challenges of navigating a society that is structured around privilege and disadvantage, and a reminder that self-reliance and independence are key to success.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got, shall get
Those who have resources will continue to gain more
Them that's not, shall lose
Those who lack resources will continue to lose what little they have
So the Bible said, and it still is news
This concept of resource inequality has been around for a long time and is still prevalent today
Mama may have, and papa may have
One's family members may have resources
God bless' the child, That's got his own
Bless those who have their own resources and are not dependent on others
Yes the strong seem to get more, While the weak ones fade
Those who have power will continue to gain more, while those who are weak will lose out
Empty pockets don't, Ever make the grade
Being poor does not lead to success or achievement
And when you got money, You got a lots of friends, Crowdin' 'round your door
When one has money, many people will want to be around them
When the money's gone, And all you're spendin' ends, They won't be 'round any more
People will only stick around as long as one has money to spend
And rich relations, May give you, A crust of bread and such, You can help yourself, But don't take too much
Wealthy family members may give some assistance, but it's important not to become too reliant or greedy
God bless' the child, That's got his own, That's got his own
Again, bless those who are self-sufficient and not dependent on others
God bless' the child who can stand up and say, I've got my own, Ev'ry child's, got to have his own!
Bless those who can proudly declare they are independent, and emphasize the importance of every individual having their own resources
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