The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Them that's got shall get
Them that's not shall lose
So the Bible says, and it still is new-ews
Mama may have and papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
And the strong get more
While the weak ones fade
Empty pockets don't ever make the gra-ade
Mama may have and papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
And when you got money
You got a-lots of friends
All hangin' 'round your door
But when the money's gone
And all your spendin' ends
They won't hang around any more-ore
Rich relations may give you
A crust of bread and such
Sayin' help, go on help help yourself
But don't take too much
Mama may have and papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
That's got his own own
Mama may have and papa may ha-ave
But God bless the child who can stand up and say
He's got his ow-ow-ow-own
Them that's not shall lose
So the Bible says, and it still is new-ews
Mama may have and papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
And the strong get more
While the weak ones fade
Empty pockets don't ever make the gra-ade
Mama may have and papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
And when you got money
You got a-lots of friends
All hangin' 'round your door
But when the money's gone
And all your spendin' ends
They won't hang around any more-ore
Rich relations may give you
A crust of bread and such
Sayin' help, go on help help yourself
But don't take too much
Mama may have and papa may have
But God bless the child that's got his own
That's got his own
That's got his own own
Mama may have and papa may ha-ave
But God bless the child who can stand up and say
He's got his ow-ow-ow-own
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
God Bless the Child Lyrics as written by Billie Holiday Arthur Herzog
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Spirit Music Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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