He is probably best known internationally for the song Senza Una Donna, which is a duet with Paul Young and hit number 4 in the latter's native United Kingdom, where Zucchero has generally made little commercial impact, in 1991. He commenced his musical career in 1970 with his first single in 1976, and his first album in 1983. His music, in Italian, Spanish and in English, is largely inspired by gospel, blues and rock music, and alternates between syrupy ballads and more rhythmic boogie-like pieces. He sang several duets, in public or on disc, with Joe Cocker, Miles Davis, Paul Young, Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Luciano Pavarotti, Tom Jones, and Johnny Hallyday.
European hit singles include Il Volo (English version: My love), Cosi Celeste, Baila (sexy thing), Diamante (featuring soul singer Randy Crawford), and Wonderful World (with Eric Clapton). Zucchero's 2004 album ZU & Co features duets with Miles Davis, Paul Young, Sheryl Crow, The Cranberries's Dolores O'Riordan, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Maná, Brian May, and Sting. It has sold millions of copies throughout Europe and the world and entered the Billboard 200 charts after its release in the U.S. in the summer of 2005.
In July 2005, Zucchero took part in the Live 8 concerts in both Rome and Paris. In July 2006 Zucchero's new single 'Bacco Perbacco' was released. A new studio album, produced by Don Was will be released in September.
God Bless The Child
Zucchero Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
God bless the child
Where's he gone and run to?
Where'd he hide?
Maybe there's no words
No words that I know
Soul is like an ocean
But the flesh grows cold
I feel the spirit in my bones
I feel joy will drown the sorrow
Like a child that can never grow old
Looking for someone
God bless the child
What you gonna cling to
In the cold daylight
I see a shadow in the mirror
I feel the spirit in my bones
Oh… feel life and joy will drown the sorrow
Let him dream, let him sing, let him go
Looking for someone
God bless the child
I remember Mamas loving oh… with a smile
I remember Mamas loving with a smile
The lyrics of Zucchero's song "God Bless The Child" are haunting and poignant, expressing a yearning for someone who has disappeared or gone astray. The opening lines, "Looking for someone, God bless the child, where's he gone and run to, where'd he hide?" capture the sense of desperation and confusion felt by someone searching for a loved one who is no longer present. The singer then reflects on the limits of language, acknowledging that there may be no words to express the depths of the soul. Despite this, the spirit within remains alive and resilient, although the physical body may feel cold and lifeless.
The image of the shadow in the mirror and the spirit in the bones reinforces the idea of a duality between the physical and spiritual self. The singer suggests that joy can overcome sorrow, comparing it to a child that can never grow old. This line implies a sense of innocence and purity that is lost in adulthood, but can be recaptured through love and connection with others. The chorus repeats the phrase "Looking for someone, God bless the child" as a plea or prayer for divine guidance and protection.
The song's final lines, "I remember Mamas loving oh… with a smile, I remember Mamas loving with a smile," evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time when the singer was cared for and loved unconditionally. The title phrase "God bless the child" is a reference to the Billie Holiday song of the same name, which also speaks to the importance of protecting and nurturing children.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking for someone
Searching for a specific person
God bless the child
May God bless and protect the child being searched for
Where's he gone and run to?
Where has he fled to and hidden himself?
Where'd he hide?
In what secret place did he take refuge?
Maybe there's no words
Perhaps there is no language or way of communication to reach him
No words that I know
I am at a loss as to how to express myself to him
Soul is like an ocean
A person's inner self is vast and deep, like an ocean
But the flesh grows cold
However, the physical body weakens and ages
I see a shadow in the mirror
I catch a glimpse of my own image, but it feels like a fleeting presence
I feel the spirit in my bones
I sense a deep, spiritual essence within myself
I feel joy will drown the sorrow
I believe that happiness and positivity will overpower any negative emotions
Like a child that can never grow old
Just like a child who remains innocent and carefree forever
What you gonna cling to
What can you hold onto or rely on
In the cold daylight
During the harsh and difficult realities of everyday life
Oh… feel life and joy will drown the sorrow
I have faith that happiness and enjoyment will overcome sadness and distress
Let him dream, let him sing, let him go
Allow him to have his own aspirations, express himself, and move on with his life
I remember Mamas loving oh… with a smile
I recall my mother loving me with an expression of joy and affection
I remember Mamas loving with a smile
I reminisce about my mother's love and happiness that she showed me
Contributed by Nathaniel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mrcathy21
Oh cher Mr Zucchero ! Magnifique musique , votre voix , bon sang , votre ami Joe et tous les anges sont sûrement bercés par cette mélodie .....Merci !
Monique Sicard
Very nice song!!! Congrats!
Stefano Cotrufo
arte pura
SPIZZO Mimi
very very excelente la tua voce una canzone tranquile I love this song GRAZIE ZUCCHERO
Mauro Piazza
God Bless you Sugar 😊❤ 😊❤ 😊❤
Noelia M.
excellent,lovely,many thanks:):)
Tweet B.
❤️