God Bless the Child

Billie Holiday

About God Bless the Child

"God Bless the Child" is a song written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939. It was first recorded on May 9, 1941 and released by the Okeh Records in 1942. Holiday's version of the song was honored with the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1976. It was also included in the list of Songs of the Century, by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.


Year:
2014
3:09
72 

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(Mama may have, Papa may have)
(But God bless the child that's got his own)

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 and 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

(God bless the child, the child that's got his own)

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Harris April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and musical partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. more »

6 fans

Written by: Arthur Herzog, Billie Holiday

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, O/B/O CAPASSO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Origin and Releases
"God Bless the Child" was created by the legendary jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, along with the songwriter Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1941. - The song was first recorded on May 9, 1941, and was then released by Okeh Records, an American recording company. - The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The National, an American indie rock band who added their own unique touch to it.
Lyrics and Inspiration
The essence of the song's lyrics is basically derived from the Biblical verse "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer", emphasizing the harshness of life and economics. - According to recordings, Billie Holiday mentions that her mother said "God bless the child that’s got his own," this later becomes a line in the song, which is why it's also considered a spiritual song.
Accolades
"God Bless the Child" ranks at number 3 on Billboard’s chart in 1942, making it one of Billie Holiday's most popular songs. - The Billie Holiday's original version of the song was recognized by the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1976.
Cultural Impact
The song's unique message and raw emotion have made it a cultural touchstone; it's been referenced in multiple films, TV shows, and books. - According to NPR, "God Bless The Child" has been one of the top 20 most recorded jazz standards for many years.
Adaptations
In addition to The National, the song has been covered by a myriad of other artists, including Blood, Sweat & Tears, which won a Grammy for its version in 1970. - "God Bless the Child" has been performed in a variety of unique styles, demonstrating the song’s timeless versatility. Despite this, each version manages to maintain the deep emotion imbued in the song by Holiday.
Billie Holiday's Legacy
"God Bless The Child" is one of the iconic songs that helped to establish Billie Holiday as one of the most influential and pioneering jazz vocalists of the 20th century. - Even after many years of Holiday's death, her music, especially "God Bless The Child," continues to inspire generations. Her life story and her songs were highlighted in the 2020 biographical film "The United States vs. Billie Holiday."

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