Black was born into a musical family. Her father had been a fiddler, her mother a singer, and her brothers have their own group. She sang in her family's group in her youth.
In 1975 Black joined a small folk band called General Humbert, with whom she toured Europe and released two albums, in 1975 and 1978. In 1982 she developed a professional relationship with musician/producer Declan Sinnott and recorded her first solo album, Mary Black.
She went on to play in other groups including the traditional Irish band De Dannan from 1984-1986. After 1986 she had a successful solo career where she went on to try contemporary styles ranging from jazz to country. She was named "Best Female Artist" in the IRMA poll in 1987, 1988, 1992, 1994 and 1996.
She is married to Joe O'Reilly of Dara Records and they have three children. Her son Danny is a member of the Irish rock band The Coronas, while her daughter Róisín is performing under the name Róisín O.
For a number of years, "What Hi-Fi?" magazine considered Black's voice to be so pure that it was used as an audiophile benchmark for comparing the sound quality of different high fidelity systems.
Discography
* 1983 Mary Black
* 1984 Collected
* 1985 Without the Fanfare
* 1987 By the Time it Gets Dark
* 1989 No Frontiers
* 1991 Babes in the Wood
* 1992 The Collection
* 1993 The Holy Ground
* 1995 Circus
* 1997 Shine
* 1999 Speaking with the Angel
* 2001 The Best of Mary Black 1991-2001 & Hidden Harvest
* 2003 Mary Black Live
* 2005 Full Tide
* 2008 Twenty-Five Years Twenty-Five Songs
* 2011 Stories from the Steeples
God Bless the Child
Mary Black Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Them that's not shall lose
So the Bible said but 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
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
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
Money, you've got lots of friends
Crowding round the door
When you're gone, spending ends
They don't come no more
Yes, the strong gets 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
Money, you've got lots of friends
Crowding round the door
Money's gone, and spending ends
They don't come no more
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
Mary Black's song, "God Bless the Child", resonates with the idea that in life, some people have it all, while others are left with nothing. The lyrics describe a society where the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. In the opening lines, the lyrics state that those who already have, will continue to receive more, and those who have nothing, will continue to lose. This message is almost biblical, as the song mentions "so the Bible said," suggesting that this pattern has been around for centuries, and it still applies today. The song speaks about social injustice, highlighting that the weak are the ones who continue to suffer, while the strong continue to thrive.
The term "God Bless the Child" is a message of hope for those who are struggling, who may not have the comfort of financial security or the support of their family. The chorus repeats the phrase, "God bless the child that's got his own," meaning that a person who has their own resources, their own strengths, and has built their own life, is the one who will be blessed. The song acknowledges that money can enable one to have friends, but true friends are those who stick with you even when the money is gone. The song also urges individuals to strive for their own independence, to work hard and build something for themselves, instead of wholly relying on others.
In conclusion, Mary Black's song "God Bless The Child," is a critique of the societal inequalities that disadvantage those without resources. The song uses the metaphor of a lost child searching for a means of survival to showcase the challenges facing those without money or support. The song's central message is one of hope, urging people to work hard to become independent and pursue their dreams, for they will be blessed if they do so.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have wealth, power, or status are likely to receive even more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who lack wealth, power, or status are likely to lose even more.
So the Bible said but it still is news
While this idea is said to come from the Bible, it remains a relevant and unfortunate reality today.
Mama may have, Papa may have
One's parents or family members may have wealth or success.
But God bless the child that's got his own
However, it is a blessing to have personal wealth or success, independent from one's family.
That's got his own
This emphasizes the importance of independent success and the pride that comes with achieving it.
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may provide help or support, but often only in a limited way.
Crust of bread and such
This refers to meager, basic assistance, rather than genuine generosity or help.
You can help yourself
In most cases, individuals must rely on their own efforts and skills to succeed.
But don't take too much
It is important to work hard and succeed without losing sight of one's morals or sense of decency.
Money, you've got lots of friends
People are often attracted to wealth and may form connections with those who have it.
Crowding round the door
People will eagerly seek out the wealthy and successful for their own benefit.
When you're gone, spending ends
Once one's wealth is gone or diminished, so too are the false friends and connections that came with it.
They don't come no more
Those who were only interested in one's wealth or success will quickly disappear.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who are already successful or powerful will continue to accumulate wealth and power.
While the weak ones fade
Those who lack success or power are likely to continue struggling and being left behind.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Being poor or struggling can make it difficult to succeed or be taken seriously, regardless of one's abilities or skills.
But God bless the child that's got his own
Despite these challenges, it is still a blessing to have personal wealth or success.
That's got his own
This once again emphasizes the value and pride of personal success, independent from one's family or other connections.
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
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