God Bless’ the Child 
Billy Holiday, Blood
Sweat and Tears
In her autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues,
Billie Holiday tells about growing up on the streets of Harlem,
where she learned firsthand about prostitution, drugs and
the blues. She also learned the special meaning of
the proverb “God blesses the child that’s got his own,” a black variation
of “God helps those who helps himself.” In 1941, when
she was on the brink of stardom, she and Arthur Herzog Jr. Made this the
basis of a song – one which was rendered especially poignant
by Billie’s own singing. Billie died in 1959, but in
the late 60’s Aretha Franklin revived her song, followed by other black stylists
and numerous young folk singers. In 1969 it reached
its biggest audience when it was included in an LP by Blood, Sweat and Tear
that sold more than three million copies.
F
Bb
F
Bb
Them that’s got shall get, them that’s not shall lose,
Cm7 F9
Cm7 F9
So the Bible said, and it still is news;
Bb
Bbm
Am7
D7-9
Gm7
C7/G
Mama may have, Papa may have, / But God Bless’ the child that’s got his
own!
C7-5/Gb F
Dm Gm7 C11
That’s got his own.
F
Bb
F
Bb
Yes, the strong gets more, while the weak ones fade,
Cm7 F9
Cm7
F9
Empty pockets don’t ever make the grade;
Bb
Bbm
Am7
D7-9
Gm7 C7/G
Mama may have, Papa may have, / But God Bless’ the child that’s got his
own!
C7-5/Gb F/C
F7-5/Bnatural Bb7
A7
That’s got his own.
Dm
Dm(M7) Dm7 Dm6
Am
Am(M7) Am7
Am6
Money, you got lots o’ friends, crowdin’ ‘round the door,
Dm
Dm(M7) Dm7
Dm6 Am7
D7-9
Db9 C9
When you’re gone and spendin’ ends, they don’t come no more.
F
Bb
F
Bb
Cm7
F9
Cm7 F9
Rich relations give, crust of bread and such, You can help yourself, but
don’t take too much!
Bb
Bbm
Am7
D7-9
Gm7
C7/G
Mama may have, Papa may have, / But God Bless’ the child that’s got his
own!
C7-5/Gb EbM9
FM9
That’s got his own.
