George Benson (b. March 22, 1943, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is an American musician, whose recording career began at the age of twenty-one as a jazz guitarist. He is however, better known to the public at large as a Pop and R&B singer, famous for such hits as "Give Me The Night", "Lady Love Me (One More Time)", "Turn Your Love Around", "In Your Eyes" and "This Masquerade", among others.
God Bless The Child
George Benson & Al Jarreau 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
The lyrics to God Bless The Child, performed by George Benson and Al Jarreau, express the value and importance of self-sufficiency and independence. The first stanza speaks of the biblical message that those who already have will continue to receive, while those who do not will lose what little they have. The second stanza reiterates this point, emphasizing that the strong will become stronger as the weak remain weak. The refrain asserts that even if a person's parents are wealthy, it is still a blessing to have one's own resources, to not have to depend on others for one's livelihood.
The third stanza shifts focus to the dangers of money and the false friendships it can bring. The rich are surrounded by people who want to use them for their wealth, but when the money runs out, so do the fake friends. The final lines reiterate the refrain, reminding listeners that having one's own resources is the key to true security and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have wealth and resources will likely gain more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not possess wealth and resources will likely continue to lack these essentials.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This message has been shared for centuries, and it remains relevant.
Mama may have, Papa may have
Parents may possess resources and support their children.
But God bless the child that's got his own
May the child who can provide for themselves be blessed.
That's got his own
That is truly self-sufficient.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who already have power and resources often continue to accumulate more.
While the weak ones fade
Those who lack resources and support become less important in the eyes of society.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
A lack of wealth and resources often prevents people from succeeding.
Money, you've got lots of friends
People often seek out those who possess wealth and resources.
Crowding round the door
They will often try to befriend wealthy individuals or gain access to their resources.
When you're gone, spending ends
People who were only interested in the wealth and resources will not continue to offer support after it is gone.
They don't come no more
They will no longer associate with the individual if they no longer have access to wealth and resources.
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members often offer basic necessities.
Crust of bread and such
They may only offer the bare minimum support.
You can help yourself
One can only rely on themselves to truly rise out of poverty and attain self-sufficiency.
But don't take too much
While self-sufficiency is important, it is important to not become greedy.
He just worry 'bout nothin'
The individual who is self-sufficient has less to worry about and can focus more on living their life.
Cause he's got his own
Because he has the resources necessary to live his life as he sees fit.
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