God Bless the Child
Esther Phillips/CTI All-Stars 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 worry 'bout nothin'
Cause he's got his own
Yes he's got his own
Esther Phillips/CTI All-Stars' song God Bless the Child provides social commentary about the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities in society. The lyrics paint a grim picture of a world where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The first verse states that those who have material possessions will continue to prosper, while those who lack it will continue to lose. This statement, as stated in the Bible, still remains true today, and represents an unfortunate reality for many people.
The second verse further elaborates on this dichotomy where the strong get more and the weak fade away. The socio-economic hierarchy in society favors those with more resources, leaving the rest to struggle just to make ends meet. The line "empty pockets don't ever make the grade" confirms this as well. The chorus emphasizes the message that while someone's parents may have wealth, there is something purer about someone who has achieved something on their own merit. The child who has his own material possessions and does not have to rely on others is the one to be blessed.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall have
Those who already have wealth will continue to acquire it.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who lack wealth will lose even more.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This idea has been present for a long time and still holds true.
Mama may have, Papa may have
One's parents may have wealth.
But God bless the child that's got his own
However, those who have acquired their own wealth are blessed by God.
Yes, the strong gets more
The wealthy continue to get wealthier.
While the weak ones fade
Those who lack wealth continue to struggle.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
One's financial situation can hold them back in life.
Money, you've got lots of friends
Having money will attract people to you.
Crowding round the door
People will try to be around you while you have money.
When you're gone, spending ends
When your money is gone, so are the people who were pretending to be your friends.
They don't come no more
People won't stick around once they can't profit off of you.
Rich relations give, crust of bread and such
Wealthy family members may offer minimal support.
You can help yourself, but don't take too much
It's important to be self-sufficient, but don't take advantage of those who have helped you.
Mama may have, Papa may have
Once again, one's parents may have wealth.
But God bless the child that's got his own
But being self-made and self-sufficient is still seen as more valuable.
He just worry 'bout nothin', cause he's got his own
Those who are self-sufficient can worry less because they have the wealth to support themselves.
Yes he's got his own
Having one's own wealth is a positive thing and can lead to greater ease in life.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dreamyblue44
What a great version, thank you! :)