"God Bless the Child" is not a song by Bobbie Gentry but rather a classic jazz song written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939. The song gained popularity due to Holiday's iconic rendition. Here is an explanation of the meaning and story behind the lyrics: The song explores the theme of wealth inequality and the importance of self-reliance. The lyrics reflect the biblical saying that those who have will continue to receive, while those who lack will continue to lose. This sentiment emphasizes the unfairness of the social and economic systems in place. The chorus, "Mama may have, Papa may have, but God bless the child that's got his own," highlights the significance of having personal independence and resources. It emphasizes that individuals who possess their own wealth and possessions are blessed and can navigate the world with more freedom and comfort. The song also touches on the nature of human relationships in the context of money. It suggests that when someone is affluent, they have many friends who gather around their door. However, when the money diminishes, so does the support. This highlights the shallow nature of some relationships based solely on material wealth. In the following lyric, "Rich relations give a crust of bread and such, you can help yourself, but don't take too much", the song implies that even wealthy family members may offer minimal assistance in times of need. It advises individuals to be cautious not to rely too heavily on the generosity of others and to practice moderation in all things. Overall, "God Bless the Child" speaks to the importance of self-reliance, the unequal distribution of wealth, the fickle nature of relationships based on money, and the need to strike a balance between independence and reliance on others.
