After studying creative writing in Harvard, she returned to Singapore and began her career in theater. She released some early albums in Singapore. In the late 90’s she began releasing a string of critically acclaimed jazz albums on Groove Note Records.
God Bless The Child
Jacintha 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
Jacintha's rendition of "God Bless The Child" is a mournful and soulful tribute to Billie Holiday's original track. The lyrics are a commentary on the unspoken laws of capitalism, the haves and have-nots, and the importance of self-sufficiency. The opening lines, "Them that's got shall get, / Them that's not shall lose", are a recognition of the inherent inequality in society, which privileges the rich and leaves the poor behind. The line, "So the Bible said and it still is news", speaks to the timeless nature of this inequality.
The subsequent verse provides insight into the importance of self-reliance, "Mama may have, Papa may have / But God bless the child that's got his own". This line is significant because it suggests that those who have nothing, but still manage to find success and resources, are blessed by God. The term "his own" could refer to a range of things, such as a job, family, or an entrepreneurial spirit, but regardless, Jacintha imbues it with a sense of reverence.
The final verse draws attention to the ephemeral nature of wealth and the true nature of friendship, "Money, you've got lots of friends / Crowding round the door / When you're gone, spending ends / They don't come no more". The line "Rich relations give / Crust of bread and such / You can help yourself / But don't take too much" suggests that even those who have wealth are often stingy with their resources, and their help can come with strings attached. Ultimately, the song concludes with the repeated line, "But God bless the child that's got his own / That's got his own", celebrating the power of self-reliance in a world fraught with inequalities.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have wealth or possessions will continue to gain more
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have wealth or possessions will continue to lose out
So the Bible said and it still is news
This idea is not a new one and has been written in the Bible
Mama may have, Papa may have
Some people are lucky to have parents who provide for them
But God bless the child that's got his own
Those who have worked hard and are self-sufficient should be blessed by God
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who are already successful continue to become more successful
While the weak ones fade
Those who are not successful continue to struggle
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Having no money or wealth means you will not be successful no matter how hard you try
Money, you've got lots of friends
People may only be interested in being your friend if you have money
Crowding round the door
People will try to befriend you when you have money or wealth
When you're gone, spending ends
When your money runs out, so do your friends
They don't come no more
Once you no longer have money, people who were pretending to be your friend will disappear
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may give you small amounts of help
Crust of bread and such
The help given by wealthy family members may only be basic necessities
You can help yourself
Those who have worked hard can rely on themselves to succeed
But don't take too much
It is important to be humble and not become greedy, even if you have succeeded on your own
He just worry 'bout nothin'
Those who have achieved self-sufficiency have little to worry about
Cause he's got his own
Those who have worked hard and are self-sufficient have everything they need
Contributed by Landon O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anonymous
on Once I Loved
Once I Love - Jacintha - Lyrics
Once I loved
And I gave so much love to that love
It was a world to me
Once I cried
At the thought I was foolish and proud
And let him say goodbye
Then one day
From my infinite sadness you came
And brought me love again
Now I know, that no matter, whatever befalls
I'll never let you go
I will hold you close
Night and day
Because love is the saddest thing
When it goes away
Musical Interlude
I will hold you close
Make you stay
Because love is the saddest thing
When it goes away
Because love is the saddest thing
When it goes away