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God Bless the Child


KennyBo

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First off, sorry if this is not the correct forum for this question, but I didn't know which other one would be better.

 

Regarding the beautiful song "God Bless The Child" written by Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog Jr., popularized by Blood. Sweat and Tears.

 

Is there an exact meaning to this song? I think the song is great, but my interpretation of poetic lyrics is weak. For years I wondered what this song is actually saying? Any input?

 

Thanks.

 

GOD BLESS THE CHILD

Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog Jr.

 

Them that's got shall get

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

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 he's got his own

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KennyBo,

 

Yeah "Child" is a classic and it is nice to read the lyrics like this, and to try and interpret them.

 

My take is: in terms of social observation, the song is timeless.

 

When you have money, you have friends, when you don't they're gone.

 

Rich folks offer a pittance and think they're being generous.

 

The central theme "the child that's got its own": I'd say, it means independence from both the notion of physical wealth and the spiritual compromises that go with that.

Basically, I'd say it is about breaking away from established patterns, even if your Mom and Pop are the examples, and to be free. The underlying thought then is that God will shine upon you.

 

Best,

CC.

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CC,

 

I am a mid-ager who was around back when Blood, Sweat, and Tears was popular and appearing on TV performing this song (late '60s'). I was a young high-schooler with rather rebellious musical tastes at the time (e.g., Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and a host of many underground bands popular at the time). A song like this just did not cut it as it was a bit tame. Later in life though I came to appreciate the melody and BST arrangement immensely.

 

But at that time, I remember being at a friends house one night and BST was on some show performing this song. Us younger folks decided it was too lame to watch and started leaving. But I remember to this day the friend's mother stating that the words are meaningful, even if you don't like the song. Too bad I did not ask her then and there what it meant, but hey, at that point in life I could care less. Nonetheless, that comment stuck with me, and everytime I hear this song, the question pops up: "What exactly is the meaning?"

 

Thanks for the input. Its good for further thought.

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I really like that story, it shows how a song and someones simple comment about it can leave a lifelong impressions on a person.

 

Cosmic Closet your eloquent interpation of the song seems good to me.

 

Lastly, I saw Blood, Sweat and Tears live about ten years ago. It was at the Westchester County Fair. Playing to a crowd of fried dough eating fair goers. It was kind of a sad venue for such an illustrious act, but damn they were still great. Dave-Clayton Thomas's voice was still strong. He and that big horn section won over the crowd that summer afternoon.

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