"God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday is a poignant song about the inequalities and struggles of life, particularly surrounding money and wealth. The lyrics suggest that those who are born into wealth and privilege often continue to thrive while those who are not must fend for themselves. The opening lines of the song, "Them that's got shall have / Them that's not shall lose / So the Bible said and it still is news," set the tone for the rest of the song. The Bible is often used to justify economic inequality, but the lyrics question this assumption. The chorus, "But God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own" reinforces the idea that independence and self-sufficiency are highly valued. This is contrasted with the line "Yes, the strong gets more / While the weak ones fade" which highlights the unfairness of the situation. Holiday goes on to sing about the transient nature of friendships that are based on money and the limited help that one can expect from wealthy relatives. The song ends with an affirmation of the power of having one's own resources, "Here just don't worry about nothing 'cause he's got his own / Yes, he's got his own." Overall, "God Bless the Child" is a powerful commentary on the social and economic injustices that exist in society. It celebrates the resilience and strength of those who are able to stand on their own two feet and make a life for themselves despite the odds.
