by Billie Holiday

them that’s got shall get
them that’s not they shall lose
so the bible said and it still is news
ohhh mama may have, and 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
ohh well, mama may have, and papa may have
but god bless the child that’s got her own
that’s got her own

money, you’ve got lots of friends
crowding through your 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
yes, cuz your papa may have, mmmm mama may have
but god bless the child that’s got his own
that’s got his own

I said…mama may have, and papa may have
but god bless the child that’s got her own
that’s got her own