Three soundtrack albums featuring music and songs from the show have been released—Songs in the Key of Springfield in 1997, Go Simpsonic with The Simpsons in 1999, and The Simpsons: Testify in 2007. The first two charted on the US Billboard 200, reaching number 103 and 197, respectively. The Simpsons Movie: The Music, a soundtrack album featuring the score of The Simpsons Movie, was released along with the feature-length film in July 2007. The choral piece "Spider Pig" that appeared in the film and on the soundtrack entered the charts in several countries around the world.
God Bless The Child
The Simpsons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Booth: Loud and clear, Lisa.
Lisa: Oh, good. Thank you, sir, for letting me be in a real studio. It's
a genuine thrill, sir.
Could I trouble you with one request?
Booth: Sure thing.
Lisa: No synthetic sound please. I want all live musicians.
Lisa: Them that's got, shall get.
So the Bible says,
And it still is news.
Mama mayhem. Papa mayhem.
God bless the child that's got his own,
That's got his own.
It's the strong get smart,
While the weak ones fade.
And if I get stumped,
They'll never make the grade.
Mama mayhem. Papa mayhem.
God bless the child that's got his own,
That's got his own.
When you've got money,
You've got lots of friends,
Crowded 'round the door.
But when it's gone,
And all else find an ends,
They don't come round no more.
Which relations give,
Crust of bread and such.
You can help yourself,
But don't take too much.
Mama mayhem. Papa mayhem.
God bless the child that's got his own,
That's got his own.
Murphy: Well, that was lovely, Miss Lisa. Very soulful.
Lisa: Thank you, Mr. Murphy.
Murphy: Now let's play a little blues.
(Sax solo fadeout)
In this scene from The Simpsons episode "Dancin' Homer," Lisa is recording a song in a real studio for the first time. She makes a request for live musicians rather than synthetic sound, indicating her desire for an authentic and raw sound. The song she chooses to perform is "God Bless the Child," a jazz classic originally written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. The lyrics reflect on the idea that those who have wealth and power will continue to succeed, while those who do not will struggle and potentially fail.
Lisa's performance of the song carries a sense of sadness and understanding about the difficult realities of life. She recognizes that life might not be fair but still hopes for individuals to succeed who have the means to do so. The lyrics suggest that those who have their own resources, including financial stability and a strong sense of self, will be blessed, and those who do not will likely find themselves at a disadvantage.
The song speaks to themes of inequality and the proverbial "American Dream." Lisa's performance adds depth to the lyrics and helps to convey the message of the song. Overall, Lisa's recording of "God Bless the Child" is an example of how the writers of The Simpsons incorporate important themes and messages into their episodes through music.
Line by Line Meaning
Um. Can you hear me in the booth?
Lisa confirms her audio communication with the Booth.
Oh, good. Thank you, sir, for letting me be in a real studio. It's a genuine thrill, sir.
Lisa is pleased to be in a professional studio and expresses her gratitude to the Booth for making it possible.
Could I trouble you with one request?
Lisa politely asks the Booth for a favor.
No synthetic sound please. I want all live musicians.
Lisa specifies her preference for live music over synthetic sounds.
Them that's got, shall get.
People who already possess wealth tend to accumulate more of it.
Them that's not, shall lose.
People who lack wealth tend to fall further behind.
So the Bible says, And it still is news.
The idea of inequality is an age-old concept that remains relevant today.
Mama mayhem. Papa mayhem.
Parents sometimes contribute to chaos and disorder in their children's lives.
God bless the child that's got his own, That's got his own.
Children who are self-sufficient and financially independent are blessed.
It's the strong get smart, While the weak ones fade.
Those who are strong and resourceful tend to succeed, whereas those who are helpless and vulnerable often struggle.
And if I get stumped, They'll never make the grade.
If Lisa encounters difficulties in her endeavors, she may not be able to achieve her goals.
When you've got money, You've got lots of friends, Crowded 'round the door.
People are often drawn to those who are wealthy and may seek to benefit from their resources.
But when it's gone, And all else find an ends, They don't come round no more.
Once someone's wealth disappears, their so-called friends often abandon them.
Which relations give, Crust of bread and such.
Family members who are willing to share what little they have are truly generous.
You can help yourself, But don't take too much.
It's acceptable to take what you need, but be mindful not to be greedy.
Well, that was lovely, Miss Lisa. Very soulful.
Murphy compliments Lisa on her performance.
Thank you, Mr. Murphy.
Lisa expresses her appreciation for Murphy's praise.
Now let's play a little blues. (Sax solo fadeout)
Murphy suggests they play some blues music while the saxophonist takes over the lead.
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