Belafonte is perhaps best known for singing the "Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". Throughout his career, he was an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes.
Belafonte won three Grammy Awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award), an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. In 1989, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy's 6th Annual Governors Awards and in 2022 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category and was the oldest living person to have received the honor.
http://singyoursongthemovie.com
God Bless The Child
Harry Belafonte Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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 around the door
When you're gone
And the spending ends
They don't come no more
Rich relations give
Crusts of bread and such
You can help your self
But don't take too much
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child
Who's got his own, who's got his own
Money you've got lots of friends
Crowding around the door
When you're gone
And the spending ends
They don't come no more
Rich relations give
Crusts of bread and such
You can help your self
But don't take too much
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child
Who's got his own, who's got his own
The lyrics of God Bless the Child revolve around the idea of self-sufficiency and the challenges of living in a world where success and poverty are determined by one's economic status. The opening line, "them that's got shall get, them that's not shall lose," is a reflection of the harsh reality that wealth attracts wealth while poverty breeds poverty. The song goes on to explain that while having money is important, it isn't everything, and those who possess the ability to stand on their own two feet are truly blessed.
Mama and Papa may have money and provide their children with a financial safety net, but the song stresses the importance of having personal wealth, something that only one can provide for oneself. The song also suggests that having money can be a double-edged sword, as it can be hard to differentiate between true friends and those who only stick around for the wealth. The lyrics "rich relations give crusts of bread and such, you can help yourself, but don't take too much" emphasize the idea that one should be self-reliant but also responsible with their wealth.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was written by jazz singer Billie Holiday and composer Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939. The song became popular, and many covers were made by various jazz artists. However, it was Harry Belafonte's rendition that became the most successful, reaching number 24 on the charts in 1957. Another interesting fact is that the song has been used in several movies, including The Color Purple, Crooklyn, and The Help. Additionally, God Bless the Child has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its cultural impact and significant contribution to the music industry.
Chords: Gm, D7, Gm, D7, Gm, D7, Gm, D7, Ebmaj7, Gm, Ebmaj7, Gm.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have wealth will continue to receive more
Them that's not shall lose
Those who lack wealth will continue to struggle and possibly lose more
So the bible says and it still is news
This concept of inequality and injustice has been present for a long time and continues to persist
Mama may have, papa may have
One's parents may possess wealth and resources
But God bless the child
Having personal independence and resources is a blessing from a higher power
That's got his own, that's got his own
Possessing one's own wealth and resources is the key to personal success and freedom
Yes the strong gets more
Those who are already in positions of power and wealth will continue to gain more
While the weak ones fade
Those who lack resources and power will continue to struggle and potentially suffer
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Lacking resources will prevent one from achieving success or recognition
Money you've got lots of friends
Having wealth will attract many people to you
Crowding around the door
These people will come around often seeking financial gain or benefits
When you're gone
When you no longer possess wealth or resources
And the spending ends
When you are no longer able to provide for others financially
They don't come no more
These people will no longer associate with you or provide support
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may give support or resources
Crusts of bread and such
This support may be minimal or insufficient
You can help your self
One should rely on oneself for personal success and well-being
But don't take too much
While independence and self-sufficiency are important, one should not exploit or harm others to achieve it
Who's got his own, who's got his own
Again emphasizing the importance and benefits of personal wealth and resources
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frederique Roberge
on Angelina
What a joy to discover this site ..and relive that show , something so needed to end the day with a smile !