God Bless the Child
Herzog/Holiday Lyrics
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But God bless the child that's got his own
Them that's got shall get
Them that's not shall lose
So the bible said and it still is news
Mama may have, papa may have (mama may have, papa may have)
But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own (ooh-ooh)
Yes, the strong get smart
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade (ooh)
Mama may have, papa may have (ooh, ooh)
But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own (ooh, ooh)
Money, you've got lots of friends
They're crowding around the door
When you're gone and spending ends
They don't come no more
Rich relations give crusts of bread and such
You can help yourself, but don't take too much
Mama may have, papa may have (mama may have, papa may have)
But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own
God bless the child, the child that's got his own
The song “God Bless the Child” by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. was released in 1941 and won critical and popular acclaim. The lyrics speak to the challenges and rewards of being self-sufficient, and more broadly to the inequalities in society between those who have wealth and those who don’t. The song offers a critique of the idea that the rich are inherently deserving, instead highlighting how economic privilege can reinforce itself and keep others from succeeding.
The opening lines of “Mama may have, Papa may have, but God bless the child that’s got his own” set the tone for the song, contrasting parental support with the ultimate value of self-sufficiency. The following lines describe how wealth tends to accumulate for the already rich, with the strong getting stronger and the weak getting weaker. The repeated refrain emphasizes the importance of independence - having one's own resources and not having to rely on others. The final verse critiques the shallow nature of relationships that are built on wealth, suggesting that only when one has little is it possible to truly understand the value of money.
Overall, the song is a powerful statement on the intersections of money, power, and relationships. While it celebrates the strength and resilience of those who have had to make their own way in the world, it also highlights the ways in which economic inequality can create barriers to success and trap people in cycles of poverty. The song’s simple melody and plaintive vocals make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama may have, Papa may have
Even if one's parents or family members are wealthy
But God bless the child that's got his own
Only those who have possessions and resources of their own are truly blessed by God.
Them that's got shall get
People who already have wealth, will continue to accumulate more.
Them that's not shall lose
People who don't have wealth to begin with will become even more destitute.
So the Bible said and it still is news
These words of inequality have been acknowledged and prevalent for a long time.
That's got his own
The one who can support themselves without depending on others.
Yes, the strong gets more
The powerful and wealthy become more powerful and wealthy.
While the weak ones fade
The poor and destitute become even more impoverished.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Being poor is not acceptable.
Money, you've got lots of friends
People only seem to care about you when you have money.
Crowding round the door
People will come to you in droves when you have money.
When you're gone and spending ends
When you no longer have money to give, people will no longer be interested in you.
They don't come no more
They will abandon you once you become poor.
Rich relations give
Family members who have wealth give what little they can to those who don't.
Crust of bread and such
Even that little they can give is meager and insufficient.
You can help yourself
You must be self-sufficient.
But don't take too much
Do not rely on others too much, for they may not always be there for you.
(God bless the child, the child that's got his own)
Only those who are financially independent are truly blessed.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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