About the song
Bessie Smith’s “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”: A Blues Classic
Bessie Smith, often hailed as the “Empress of the Blues,” possessed a voice that could both soothe and shatter. Her rendition of “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” is a prime example of her raw power and emotional depth. Recorded in 1925, this song has become a blues standard, resonating with listeners for generations.
The song’s title, “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”, is a stark and unflinching statement of a harsh reality. It’s a blues lament that explores themes of loneliness, poverty, and the fickle nature of friendship. Smith’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has fallen on hard times and has been abandoned by those they once considered friends.
Musically, “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” is a classic blues number. The arrangement is simple yet effective, with a driving rhythm and a memorable melody. Smith’s vocals are full of emotion, and she delivers the lyrics with a raw intensity that is both heartbreaking and empowering.
Smith’s performance is characterized by her deep, rich voice and her impeccable timing. She sings with a sense of authority and experience, making the song feel both timeless and deeply personal. The song’s overall vibe is one of melancholy and resignation, yet it also carries a sense of defiance and resilience.
“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” has endured as a classic for several reasons. First, the song’s universal theme of loneliness and hardship resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Second, the music is both soulful and powerful, creating a lasting impression on the listener. And finally, Smith’s performance is simply unforgettable, making her one of the most influential blues singers of all time.
Beyond its musical merits, “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” also holds historical significance. It’s a testament to the power of blues music to capture the human condition. The song’s themes of poverty, inequality, and social injustice continue to be relevant today.
If you’re looking for a song that will move you to your core, then look no further than “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”. It’s a timeless piece of music that continues to inspire and challenge listeners.
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Lyrics
Once I lived the life of a millionaire
Spending my money, I didn’t care
I carried my friends out for a good time
Buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine
When I began to fall so low
I didn’t have a friend and no place to go
So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again
I’m gonna hold on to it ’til them eagle’s green
Nobody knows you
When you’re down and out
In my pocket, not one penny
And my friends, I haven’t any
But If I ever get on my feet again
Then I’ll meet my long lost friend
It’s mighty strange, without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you’re down and out
I mean when you’re down and out
When you’re down and out
Not one penny
And my friends, I haven’t any
I done fell so low
Nobody wants me round their door
Without a doubt
No man can use you when you’re down and out
I mean when you’re down and out