Which jazz standard did Billie Holiday co-write with Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939?

Billie Holiday co-wrote the jazz standard “God Bless the Child” with Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939. Holiday first recorded the song on May 9, 1941, for the Okeh label.

The song grew from a disagreement between Holiday and her mother over money. Holiday later worked with Herzog to turn the incident into a lyric about independence, family, and financial self-reliance. Its opening idea, “Them that's got shall get,” became central to the song’s identity.

“God Bless the Child” became one of Holiday’s signature recordings and has been covered by singers across jazz, soul, and popular music. Its simple melody and emotionally restrained delivery leave room for the lyric’s social observation to stand out.

It is often confused with “Strange Fruit,” another song closely associated with Holiday. “Strange Fruit” was written by Abel Meeropol, while Holiday co-wrote “God Bless the Child.”