Mishka became interested in jazz at the age of 3 and her very first initiations into music were old songs, including those of Joni Mitchell, which she listened to as a child. She then began saxophone lessons at the age of 10 and by 14 she was singing jazz standards.
Whilst taking her A levels at King’s School in Canterbury she joined the school jazz band where she was associated with some of the rising young talents of the school. Having just hurdled her A levels in Canterbury, Mishka flew back to Manila after nine years of boarding school to continue her studies at the University of the Philippines – College of music – majoring in saxophone.
She was introduced for the first time on stage where she performed with the former first lady Amelita Ramos’ Executive Jazz Band at the ‘Coming Home’ Show, a benefit show for the Museum Foundation in Manila. Henceforth, she performed in many jazz venues & music festivals in Manila.
Mishka was invited as guest artist at a major event organized by the British Council (Manila) – a music spectacular ‘Jazz in Time’ featuring the UK jazz legend Courtney Pine and Cameron Pierre, one of Candid’s artists. Her impeccable rendition of Billie Holiday’s signature song ‘God Bless the Child’, earned this young talent the immediate admiration of the audience. A representative from CANDID Philippines office asked her for a demo which was immediately sent to Alan Bates in London for approval. In barely two weeks, she was signed up and given a budget for a new recording.
Mishka’s new album highlights her individual approach to standards, incorporating world music and African-reggae inspired beats into her originals. Mishka’s charismatic innocence is put to good use in her repertoire ranging from classics like Change Partners and Autumn Leaves to her originals Where do we Begin? and War of the Skies.
God Bless The Child
Mishka Adams 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
While the weak ones fade
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child
That's got his own
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
He just worry 'bout nothin'
Cause he's got his own
The lyrics of Mishka Adams's song "God Bless the Child" are a thought-provoking commentary on the disparities and inequalities of wealth and status in society. The song begins with the familiar phrase "Them that's got shall get, them that's not shall lose," which is derived from the biblical idea that the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. The song then notes that this is still relevant and meaningful today: "So the Bible said and it still is news." It's a powerful statement about how little has changed in terms of economic inequality over time.
The lyrics then turn to focus on a particular type of person – "the child that's got his own." This phrase is used repeatedly throughout the song, emphasizing its importance to the overall message. The child who has his own is blessed by God, according to the lyrics. This suggests that having something of one's own, some measure of financial stability, is a type of divine gift or grace. The child who has his own is not only blessed, but also can worry about nothing, since he or she is not dependent on others for survival. Mama may have, papa may have, the song acknowledges, but it's the child with his own resources who is truly free.
The final verse of the song underscores the theme of self-sufficiency and the dangers of relying on others for support. Those who rely too heavily on the generosity of others will ultimately find themselves without resources, as even "rich relations" will only offer a "crust of bread and such." The clear message is that one must look out for oneself in order to be truly secure in life. The repetition of the phrase "God bless the child that's got his own" at the end of the song serves as a reminder that personal independence and stability are the greatest blessings one can hope for.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who have will continue to receive more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who do not have will continue to lose what little they have.
So the Bible said and it still is news
The statement in the Bible about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer still holds true today.
Mama may have, papa may have
One's parents may possess financial means.
But God bless the child that's got his own
However, it is a blessing to have financial independence.
That's got his own
Being able to provide for oneself is a valuable gift.
Yes, the strong gets more
The wealthy and powerful continue to accumulate more wealth and power.
While the weak ones fade
Meanwhile, those who lack financial means continue to struggle and decline.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Having no money will never help anyone succeed.
Crowding round the door
People only show up when they think there is something to gain.
When you're gone, spending ends
When one no longer has resources to offer, they are quickly forgotten.
They don't come no more
People will not stick around when there is nothing left to gain.
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members will give small, insignificant gifts.
Crust of bread and such
These gifts will be insignificant and unhelpful in the long run.
You can help yourself
In this harsh world, one must rely on oneself to succeed.
But don't take too much
However, one must also be mindful not to take advantage of others or act greedily.
He just worry 'bout nothin'
A person who is financially independent has no need to worry about material things.
Cause he's got his own
Because they are self-sufficient and can provide for themselves.
Contributed by Victoria V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.