Clooney's first recordings, in May 1946, were for Columbia Records. She sang with Tony Pastor's big band. Clooney continued working with the Pastor band until 1949, making her last recording with the band in May of that year and her first as a solo artist a month later, still for Columbia.
She came to prominence in the early 1950s with the novelty hit Come On-a My House written by William Saroyan and his cousin Ross Bagdasarian (better known as David Seville, the father figure of Alvin and the Chipmunks), which was followed by other pop numbers such as "Botch-a-Me" (a cover version of the Italian song Ba-Ba-Baciami Piccina by Alberto Rabagliati), "Mambo Italiano", "Tenderly", "Half as Much", "Hey There" and "This Ole House", although she had success as a jazz vocalist. Clooney's career languished in the 1960s, partly due to problems related to depression and drug addiction, but revived in 1977, when her White Christmas co-star Bing Crosby asked her to appear with him at a show marking his 50th anniversary in show business. She continued recording until her death in 2002. She was the aunt of Academy Award winning actor George Clooney; mother-in-law of singer Debby Boone; and sister to former television personality Nick Clooney. She was the ex-wife of Jose Ferrer; mother of actor Miguel Ferrer
Clooney was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of 2001. Around this time, she gave her last concert, in Hawaii, backed by the Honolulu Symphony Pops; her last song was "God Bless America".
God Bless The Child
Rosemary Clooney 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 who's got his own
Who'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 who's got his own
Who's got his own
Money, you've got lots of friends
Hanging round your door
Then it's gone, and the money ends
They don't come around no more
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself baby
Oh don't you take too much
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child who's got his own
Who's got his own
Money, you've got lots of friends
Hanging round your door
Then it's gone, and the money ends
They don't come around no more
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself baby
Oh don't you take too much
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child who's got his own
"God Bless The Child" is a classic 1939 jazz song written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. It explores the theme of financial independence and self-reliance through the lyrics, "Them that's got shall get, Them that's not shall lose, So the Bible said and it still is news." The song is sung from the perspective of a person who has felt the sting of poverty and the cruel treatment that comes with it. They lament that those in positions of power and privilege are the ones who continue to thrive and prosper, whilst those without the means to look after themselves are left to suffer.
In the second verse, the singer highlights the struggles of those living in poverty. The line, "Empty pockets don't ever make the grade," suggests that people who don't have money don't have a place in society. Again emphasising the importance of financial independence, the chorus goes on to state, "Mama may have, Papa may have, but God bless the child who's got his own, who's got his own." The song seems to suggest that the greatest blessing one can receive in life is the ability to take care of oneself, regardless of the circumstances.
Additionally, the song touches on the idea that money can create temporary friendships and relationships. "Money, you've got lots of friends hanging round your door, then it's gone, and the money ends, they don't come around no more." The message here is that it's important not to rely on others to sustain oneself or to overextend oneself when given the chance for financial gain.
Line by Line Meaning
Them that's got shall get
According to the Bible, those who already have will continue to receive more.
Them that's not shall lose
Those who don't have will continue to lose and struggle.
So the Bible said and it still is news
This concept is ancient but still holds true today.
Mama may have, Papa may have
Even if your parents are well-off,
But God bless the child who's got his own
it's better to have your own resources because you can rely on yourself.
Yes, the strong gets more
Those who already have power and resources will continue to gain them.
While the weak ones fade
Those without resources will continue to struggle and fall behind.
Empty pockets don't ever make the grade
Being poor puts you at a disadvantage in society.
Money, you've got lots of friends
Hanging round your door
Then it's gone, and the money ends
They don't come around no more
People are often attracted to those with wealth, but won't stick around when the money runs out.
Rich relations give
Crust of bread and such
You can help yourself baby
Oh don't you take too much
Even family members will only offer basic assistance, so don't become greedy or ask for too much.
But God bless the child who's got his own
Having your own resources is a blessing and a source of strength.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind