God Bless the Child
Gregory Porter Lyrics


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( Billie Holiday Cover )

Them that's got shall get
Them that's not shall lose
So the Bible says
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

Well the strong they get more
While the weak ones fade
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

Oh money, you've got lots of friends
Crowding 'round your door
But when you're gone and spending ends
They don't come 'round no more
Rob from always on the run dot net is so bad and copy paste is a sin
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself
But, oh, don't you take too much
Mama may have, and oh Papa he may have
But God bless the child
That's got his own




God bless the child
That's got his own

Overall Meaning

The song "God Bless the Child" by Gregory Porter is a cover of a classic Billie Holiday track. The lyrics detail the harsh realities of inequality and the struggle for financial stability. The first verse highlights the idea that those who have will continue to receive more, while those who do not have will continue to lose. While this notion may seem arbitrary, the lyrics suggest that it is a pervasive reality that can be found even in the Bible. The theme of financial disparity is further emphasized in the chorus where the focus shifts to a child who has their own wealth. The lyrics assert that having the ability to support oneself is an important blessing, particularly in a world where a lack of financial resources is a major disadvantage.


In the second verse, the lyrics delve into the idea that financial destitution is a burden that is difficult to overcome. The "weak ones" who lack wealth are forced into a cycle of poverty and are often unable to break free. This is further emphasized in the line "Empty pockets don't ever make the grade," which suggests that even the ability to acquire an education or get ahead in life is often tied to financial resources. Overall, the song captures the struggle that many face in trying to survive in a world where money often determines success.


Line by Line Meaning

Them that's got shall get
Those who have wealth and resources will continue to accumulate more.


Them that's not shall lose
Those who lack wealth and resources will continue to struggle and fall behind.


So the Bible says
This cycle of wealth inequality has been documented for centuries, including in religious texts.


And it still is news
Despite being a long-standing issue, it remains relevant, with little progress made towards reducing this disparity.


Mama may have, Papa may have
Parents may have wealth that can support their children, but ultimately that wealth will not be inherited by the child.


But God bless the child That's got his own That's got his own
Having one's own resources and being self-sufficient is a blessing.


Well the strong they get more
Those who are already wealthy and powerful have an advantage that allows them to accumulate more resources.


While the weak ones fade
Those who lack resources will continue to struggle and may even fall behind, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.


Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Lack of resources can prevent individuals from achieving success and moving up the social ladder.


Oh money, you've got lots of friends Crowding 'round your door But when you're gone and spending ends They don't come 'round no more
Wealth can attract many superficial relationships, but these will disappear if the individual loses their wealth.


Rich relations give Crust of bread and such You can help yourself But, oh, don't you take too much
Family members who are wealthy may provide some support, but it is important to be self-sufficient and not rely too heavily on others.


Mama may have, and oh Papa he may have But God bless the child That's got his own God bless the child That's got his own
Reiterating that self-sufficiency and having one's own resources is a blessing and a key to success.




Contributed by Nathaniel A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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