... Throughout the 1950s, Laine enjoyed a second career singing the title songs of Hollywood films and television shows, including: Gunfight At OK Corral, 3:10 To Yuma, Bullwhip, and Rawhide. His rendition of the title song for Mel Brooks' 1974 movie Blazing Saddles won an Oscar nomination for Best Song, and his recording of "Rawhide" for the television series of the same name has become a classic of the genre.
God Bless The Child
Frankie Laine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Them thats not shall lose
So the Bible said and it still is news
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child thats got his own
Thats got his own
Yes, the strong gets more
Empty pockets dont ever make the grade
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child thats got his own
Thats got his own
Money, youve got lots of friends
Crowding round the door
When youre gone, spending ends
They dont come no more
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself
But dont take too much
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child thats got his own
Thats got his own
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child thats got his own
Thats got his own
He just worry bout nothin
Cause hes got his own
Frankie Laine's "God Bless the Child" is a song that talks about the struggles of wealth distribution and how those who have more shall continue to amass wealth while those who possess very little continue to struggle to make ends meet. The song begins with "Them thats got shall get, Them thats not shall lose, So the Bible said and it still is news." This verse is a reference to Matthew 25:29, a verse that talks about the act of making the rich richer and the poor poorer. The song then proceeds to state that possessions don't necessarily imply happiness. It goes on to say that while the strong ones become stronger, the weak fades away. The empty pockets can't help buy a ticket to the top. It may be true that "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." It implies that those who are poor have true connections that extend beyond wealth and material possessions.
The song also speaks about self-sufficiency and how this is an admirable trait. Their focus shouldn't be on getting what they don't have, but rather on taking care of themselves with what they do have. The song expresses an appreciation for the child who is self-sufficient, a younger individual who has taken care of themselves, rather than one who is provided for by their parents. The word God in the song's title and repeated throughout the lyrics suggests that people are unequal, but ultimately God is the one who decides who benefits from wealth after pointing out that the strong will continue to pick on the weak.
Line by Line Meaning
Them thats got shall get
Individuals who already have resources tend to accumulate more over time.
Them thats not shall lose
Individuals who lack resources tend to have a harder time accumulating them over time, and may experience resource loss.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This concept is longstanding and still relevant today, as seen in ongoing socioeconomic inequalities.
Mama may have, papa may have
One's parents may have resources.
But God bless the child thats got his own
It is considered fortunate to have personal resources and be able to support oneself.
Thats got his own
Having personal resources leads to independence and freedom from relying on others.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who already have resources may be better equipped to accumulate more, due to societal advantages such as access to education and job opportunities.
While the weak ones fade
Those who lack resources may struggle to maintain or improve their position in society, and may experience poverty or other hardships.
Empty pockets dont ever make the grade
Lack of resources can limit one's opportunities and potential for success, leading to social and economic disadvantages.
Money, youve got lots of friends
People may be attracted to those with resources and may seek to benefit from those resources.
Crowding round the door
Other people may become overly friendly or ingratiating in order to gain access to someone's resources.
When youre gone, spending ends
People may only be interested in spending time with someone as long as they have resources to offer.
They dont come no more
Once someone no longer has resources, others may no longer be interested in associating with them.
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may offer some level of support or assistance to someone in need.
Crust of bread and such
This support may be minimal and may not be sufficient to truly help someone out of poverty or other difficulties.
You can help yourself
It is important to be self-sufficient and strive to improve one's own circumstances.
But dont take too much
It is important to be responsible and avoid taking advantage of others, even in pursuit of personal gain.
He just worry bout nothin
Someone with personal resources and independence may not have to worry as much about social and economic challenges.
Cause hes got his own
Personal resources provide a sense of control and security, making one less vulnerable to external factors.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind