Grammy winner and 7 time Grammy nominee Paula Cole has released six solo albums spanning an eighteen year career. She has sold approximately three million albums and has performed with icons in many genres of music from Peter Gabriel to Dolly Parton (and many more.) Cole’s emotionally deep and thrilling performances are a trademark. Poetic and fiercely touching, intelligent writing makes Cole stand apart. Her compositions have been covered by Herbie Hancock, Annie Lennox, Katherine McPhee to name a few. From a small town in Massachusetts Paula Cole was raised in a musical family with whom she and her daughter remain close. Cole is a scholarship alumna from Berklee College of Music with a background in jazz, received her first record deal with a jazz label (which she declined), and has collaborated with many jazz artists. Paula teaches and gives clinics in a spirit of giving back to the circle of music. With a loving allegiance to her fans, she maintains loyal communication online and after her live shows. As the first woman in history to solely produce and receive the best Producer Grammy nomination for her work, “This Fire”, Cole has broken boundaries with a searcher’s spirit. From her top ten hits of the 1990’s to her more recent critically acclaimed albums, Paula Cole continues to write, produce, record and perform heartfelt, meaningful, lasting music that defies categorization.
God Bless The Child
Paula Cole 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 hes got his own
In Paula Cole's "God Bless The Child," she is highlighting the harsh realities of life - those who have, get more, and those who don't have, lose. Cole is referencing the Bible and how this concept is not new. She sings about the importance of having something that is yours and how that is a blessing. Mama and papa may have money and be able to provide for their family, but the child who has his own is blessed in a different way.
Cole continues to discuss the implications of not having anything of your own. The strong become stronger, and the weak fade away. Having empty pockets does not allow one to succeed in life. The blessing of having something that is yours stands out in contrast to those who don't have anything. Money can bring friends and popularity, but it's temporary, and they won't stick around when the money runs out. Cole sings about how even rich relations may give you a crust of bread, but ultimately it's up to you to help yourself, but not to take too much.
Overall, Paula Cole is emphasizing the importance of self-sustainability and having something that is yours. The child who has his own has nothing to worry about because he has what he needs to survive in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
Those who already have wealth and success will continue to acquire more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who don't have wealth and success will continue to struggle and potentially lose more.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This statement comes from the Bible and still holds true today.
Mama may have, papa may have
One's parents may possess wealth and resources.
But God bless the child that's got his own
Those who are self-reliant and have their own resources are blessed by God.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who are already successful and strong will continue to acquire more resources.
While the weak ones fade
Those who are struggling and not successful are likely to continue to struggle and potentially lose more.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Being financially destitute will not lead to success and achievement in life.
Money, you've got lots of friends
Having wealth can attract many people who are only interested in you for your money.
Crowding round the door
These people will be around as long as you have money and resources to give them.
When you're gone, spending ends
Once your money is gone, these so-called friends will disappear as well.
They don't come no more
Once the money is gone, these people will no longer be present in your life.
Rich relations give
Wealthy family members may give resources or assistance.
Crust of bread and such
This assistance may only be a small amount or amount to very little.
You can help yourself
It is important to be self-reliant and not rely solely on others for assistance.
But don't take too much
While it's important to be self-reliant, it's also important not to take advantage of others and their resources.
He just worry bout nothin'
Those who have their own resources and are self-reliant have far less to worry about.
'Cause hes got his own
This is because they have their own resources and don't have to rely solely on others.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Fox
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Ralph Hooper
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