God Bless the Child
Billie Holiday
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Them that's got shall have 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 don't worry 'bout nothin' 'Cause he's got his own
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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.
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Lyrics and InspirationThe 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.
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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.
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Cultural ImpactThe 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.
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AdaptationsIn 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.
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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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Citation
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"God Bless the Child Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 15 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5264483/Billie+Holiday/God+Bless+the+Child>.
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