1) Raised by a musically-talented family in northern Virginia, Julie Murphy (now Julie Murphy Wells) has had singing as an avocation since childhood. Her rich, clear voice has been a hallmark of indie folk powerhouse Eddie From Ohio since she and three friends founded it in 1991; despite the demands of touring, she released two solo albums in the first half of the 1990s. No Rules is a collection of her own songs and covers; Sophisticated Lady is a collection of jazz standards.
2) Julie Murphy is also the distinctive singer with Welsh band Fernhill, who has also made two albums in her own name, Black Mountains Revisited, her fresh interpretations of traditional songs and some own compositions with traditional influence, and the Lilac Tree, featuring her own more personal songs. She has also released an album with guitarist Dylan Fowler, Ffawd, of traditional Welsh songs.
Her 2012 album, A Quiet House, is available from her website juliemurphymusic dot com.
God Bless the Child
Julie Murphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Yes he's got his own
In "God Bless the Child," Julie Murphy sings about the unequal distribution of wealth and the importance of being self-sufficient. The song states that those who have things will continue to get more, while those who have nothing will only lose more. The bible referenced in the song suggests that the status quo is nothing new. Money creates false friends and family when it comes to whoever has possession of it. Those without money will never be able to compete and stand out. Mama and Papa may have things, but it is the child that has his or her own things, that deserves blessings from God.
The verses of the song are set up in such a way that the "them that's got" will keep on getting more while the "them that's not" will lose. As the song says, "Yes, the strong gets more, while the weak ones fade." Julie cites the bible, where it says the same thing so that it is known that this state of affairs is not exclusive to our modern world; it has been that way since biblical times. The message is to be self-sufficient and not to rely on others, even if they are family. It goes on to say that individuals with money will have many people surrounding them when they are spending. But as soon as that money is no longer available, the people who were so close before will quickly disappear.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall have
Those who have already accrued wealth will continue to accumulate more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have wealth or resources will continue to fall behind and struggle.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This message of economic inequality has been present for centuries and remains relevant today.
Mama may have, Papa may have
Although family members may have wealth or resources, it does not guarantee success or happiness.
But God bless the child that's got his own
Those who are self-sufficient and have their own resources are truly blessed.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those with power and resources continue to amass wealth and assets.
While the weak ones fade
Those without resources or power struggle to survive and are often left behind.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Lacking wealth or resources puts one at a disadvantage in society and can prevent them from achieving their goals.
Money, you've got lots of friends
Those with wealth often attract people who are motivated by personal gain.
Crowding round the door
People will surround a wealthy person in the hopes of benefiting from their resources.
When you're gone, spending ends
People may only be interested in a wealthy person when they can benefit from them, and will lose interest when they no longer have access to their resources.
They don't come no more
Once a wealthy person is no longer able to provide resources, people will no longer associate with them.
Rich relations give
Family members who are wealthy may offer some assistance to those without resources, but it may not be substantial.
Crust of bread and such
The help offered may be meager and inadequate to truly improve the situation of the recipient.
You can help yourself
It is important for individuals to be self-sufficient and rely on their own resources whenever possible.
But don't take too much
While it is important to be self-sufficient, it is also important to not take advantage of others or take more than one needs.
He just worry 'bout nothin'
Those who are self-sufficient have fewer worries and financial hardships.
Cause he's got his own
They are able to provide for themselves and do not need to rely on others for basic needs and wants.
Writer(s): Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr.
Contributed by Alex S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.