God Bless The Child
Eddie Heywood & His Orchestra Lyrics
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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
That'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 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, 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
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
He just don't worry 'bout nothin'
'Cause he's got his own
The lyrics to God Bless The Child are a commentary on the unequal distribution of wealth and how it can create power dynamics and strain relationships. The song opens with the lines "Them that's got shall have, them that's not shall lose, so the Bible said and it still is news." The sentiment here is that those who are already wealthy will continue to accumulate wealth while those in poverty will continue to suffer. The reference to the Bible highlights the idea that this is a longstanding issue, not a new one.
The song goes on to comment on the social implications of poverty, specifically the way that having money can impact relationships. The lyrics say "Money, you've got lots of friends, crowding round the door, when you're gone, spending ends, they don't come no more." This is a reference to the idea that people are often only interested in being around someone when they have money to spend. Once the money is gone, so are the people. The song points out that while wealthy people may have "rich relations" who can help them, they also have to be careful not to take too much or risk alienating those who are helping them.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall have
Those who are wealthy will receive more resources and opportunities.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who are impoverished will see a decrease in resources and opportunities.
So the Bible said and it still is news
These economic disparities have been around for centuries and continue to exist.
Mama may have, Papa may have
One's parents may have resources and wealth.
But God bless the child that's got his own
However, those who have worked hard to earn and acquire their own resources and wealth are truly blessed.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who already have resources will continue to receive more opportunities and wealth.
While the weak ones fade
Those who are impoverished will continue to be disadvantaged and have fewer opportunities.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Being poor will not bring success or upward mobility.
Money, you've got lots of friends
People will try to befriend the wealthy for their resources and wealth.
Crowding round the door
People will crowd around the wealthy person's door to obtain resources and opportunities.
When you're gone, spending ends
Once the wealthy person is no longer providing resources, these people will leave.
They don't come no more
These people will not return unless the wealthy person provides more resources.
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members will give a small amount of resources or assistance.
Crust of bread and such
The assistance offered will be meager and insufficient.
You can help yourself
The wealthy person can provide for themselves.
But don't take too much
However, the wealthy person should be careful not to accumulate excessive wealth or resources.
He just don't worry 'bout nothin'
The individual who has worked hard to acquire his or her own resources and wealth has a sense of security and confidence.
'Cause he's got his own
This confidence stems from the fact that he or she has resources and wealth that cannot be taken away or lost easily.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: ARTHUR HERZOG, BILLIE HOLIDAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind