Since I Don't Have You
American Graffiti Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't have plans and schemes
And I don't have hopes and dreams
I don't have anything
Since I don't have you

And I don't have fond desires
And I don't have happy hours
I don't have anything

Since I don't have you

Happiness and I guess I never will again
When you walked out on me
In walked ol' misery
And he's been here since then

I don't have love to share
And I don't have one who cares
I don't have anything
Since I don't have you

You
You

You
....

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Since I Don't Have You" from American Graffiti reflect the emptiness and loneliness that the singer feels after losing their love interest. The first two lines express that the singer has no plans or hopes anymore since the person they had been dreaming of is no longer with them. The third and fifth lines mirror this sentiment of having nothing, emphasizing the vacuum that their absence has created in the singer's life. The singer further reveals that they have lost their fond desires, happy moments and love for anything in life, as their partner's absence has left a bottomless pit of despair.

The second half of the song focuses on how the loss of the love has made the singer utterly unhappy. The lyric "Happiness and I guess I never will again" highlights that the singer believes that they will never attain joy in life after being left by their love interest. The line "In walked ol' misery" refers to the emotional pain and suffering that the singer experiences after significant emotional loss, and the subsequent line 'and he's been here since then' highlights that the hurt has been persistent and pervasive. The last stanza repeats the same sentiment of having nothing in life without the beloved partner, with emphasis on the fact that the singer has no love or anyone to care since they lost their supposed soulmate.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't have plans and schemes
I don't have any future goals or strategies

And I don't have hopes and dreams
I don't have anything to look forward to or aspire for

I don't have anything
I'm completely vacant and empty

Since I don't have you
Your absence has left me with nothing in life

And I don't have fond desires
I don't long for anything with passion or ardor

And I don't have happy hours
I don't have moments of joy or bliss

I don't have anything
I'm devoid of anything worthwhile

Since I don't have you
Your absence is the reason for my melancholic state

Happiness and I guess I never will again
I don't foresee myself ever experiencing happiness again

When you walked out on me
Your departure was the turning point

In walked ol' misery
Misery settled in after your exit

And he's been here since then
My misery has been unrelenting since then

I don't have love to share
I don't have affection to give

And I don't have one who cares
I have no one who shows any concern for me

I don't have anything
I'm completely devoid of value or worth

Since I don't have you
Your absence has left me completely desolate

You
The one who's missing and the source of my hopelessness

You
The one who could make everything right again, if only you were here

You
You're the only thing that matters to me now

Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

Robert Brawley

10y↑70

I have been listening to this song since I was a teenager and it still brings chills. "Since I Don't Have You" is the epitome of what 50's music was all about.
It is, simply, the most beautiful, well-performed song of that era.

Cindy Martin

I so sgree with the chills!! This is a magical song, I adore it too!! Makes me smile all over my heart ❣

Paradise FoxGaming

Robert Brawley u are right

terilynn wells

10y

GREAT CAR ! thanks for sharing it in photo

roberto carlos barriga ramirez

12y↑3

esta sin duda es mi cancion favorita me hace recordar y revivir mis memorias de adolecencia la hermosa atapa de mi vida ... reviviendo las travesuras y vivencias las carreras en mi chevy 57 ... las nenas hermosas !!!

The Unpleasant Blind Guy

10y↑12

One of the most soulful songs of Rock and Roll.

Sherriff Wiggles

This is still Doo Wop

Nanci Moore

9y↑26

Love this playlist. This is real music!

Robert Bickel

Nanci Moore Just wanna be friends with you that’s all

Nanci Moore

@Robert Bickel Do I know you? Am I suppose to know you? just asking..

Robert Bickel

Hello Nanci

Phillip Moore

8y↑5

+Nanci Moore , All these oldies were on the radio (Am) every day of the week, 24 hours a day. Sure miss those times, and one girl in particular..

raccy1

14y↑3

I am so lucky to have been there in the 50's and 60's when this music came of age. My wife and I and all of our friends treasure this stuff. There is very little music of today worth preserving.(Well maybe Sade) I somehow can not imagine any young people of today considering these to be their "good old days".

Gumboot Zone

14y↑2

Sometimes, you just can't beat buying the whole CD. This album is one of them.

Chris Calvert

14y↑1

I have always loved this song. Having been a teenager during this period of time in history it has always had a special place in my memory however, I lost my wife of 48 years on December 31, 2009 and now this song means even more because it says everything that I feel. I love you Polly and Since I Don't Have You I don't have anything. God Bless you my love!

Tiffany victoria Porchiazzo

8y↑23

my mom was born in the 50s and she love this song she still does . my mom is now 66 years old it's so bad but my mom is so still young at heart

Jane Brewster

Those of us born in the 40s (me) or 50s never change. We have lived through the greatest music ever written. We are still 18 years old. Good for your Mom .

David Wadsworth

We got to dance to this great stuff, we are so lucky, heck we are blessed

Aggedor1959

14y↑1

One of the most soulful songs *EVER* recorded in a great movie. Just about the best it gets in entertainment. Thanks for all the work, AK47bandit!

howard schwartz

12y↑1

Listening to this classic still moves me. All the elements of great music, superb lead singer, great harmony and orchestration.

- Oiduakni -

13y↑1

this song is beautiful. I have always wanted to use it in a movie or something; it has beautiful melancholy trapped inside of it

John L

14y↑1

Awesome, and one of the most beautiful and romantic songs ever written and performed. This will never be topped!

takoma5

13y↑1

Fantastic and absolutely lovely song...a true classic 50´s ballad!

Raquel Pena

11y↑1

I love this song, I'd almost forgotten it was out there. My first love still hears this and thinks of me each time. I want him back!!

elliottrainbow

16y↑3

This is my all-time favorite movie and the scene where Laurie (Cinty Williams) drives and cries while listening to this song is so good. This is such a great movie. I've watched it over 100 times!

SD9Driver

15y↑1

American Graffiti soundtrack is a must have album if you are a fan of early doo-wop rock and roll. It also features some of Wolfman Jacks antics on the air. What a classic

TheHurdyGurdyMan

12y↑2

Great song and compilation. American Graffiti is an amazing movie :)

Jorge Mario Rodas

7y↑1

Nice song of the first of my teenage years. It brings to me so many remembrances like those of large cars with fins, my first year at High School, and many other things. Its amazing how these songs make one remember things one thought one had forgotten but they burst forth again in one's memory when one hears them

D Zilla

14y↑1

Song still sends shivers down my spine. Great make out music. A true classic out of Pittsburg PA.

eshejh

15y↑1

Gosh. I love this song. It is undeniably one of my favorites. I love the song and the era that has past us all by. I could play this song over and over. Thanks for posting.

tlouisl

14y↑1

On of the saddest (and most beautiful) songs ever produced. How I love it. I graduated from high school in 1959 and I didn't have a clue how good things were back then. At least I can relive the past a bit. Janet could sure hit that note at the end, even in a live performance. Great music, great times. Thanks for making it live for all of us.

Uncle Lloyd

9y↑26

The Skyliners.....wow, what great memories from the 50's and 60's. I listen to these tunes and wonder where all the years went. Was a great ride and feel so lucky to be part of those times. Sorry kids!

pbruc brooks

9y↑4

@***** The 50's music had real style.

Shieaba Sadat

10y↑35

I love that part in American Graffiti where John drops off the young girl, and this song starts playing on the radio. SO CUTE

Leo Notarianni

3y↑1

And Falfa thinks he's going to get lucky

FATDOG101

5y↑1

Shieaba Sadat great movie

Marie Wariner

10y↑29

Words were spoken, hearts broken, by promises unkept. It felt as if the sun would not rise again, we wouldn't breathe again, but things get better as we awake each day and keep trying. THe music carries our hearts with it, and we reflect on how we felt, a little wiser, standing a little taller, and leaving the rest for tomorrow and the hope it promises.

dbj1941

Amen to your post! What a great time to be young and in love with no idea what the future really holds for young lovers. I came to this song today because my love of those days (58-61) is 72 today wherever she may be. Happy, happy birthday baby. I hope she is well and happy and who knows, maybe one day we will meet again.

SuzieQ Stewart

12y↑1

What beautiful memories this song brings back. Dancing on Saturday nights to this. I had a boy who loved me and I lost him. But, found him again after 42 years. We're getting married!

Cindy Martin

Oh how I love this post!!! Pray all is well and wonderful with you both!! How romantic 🥰❣🥰❣

the1realanalogman

10y↑8

Fantastic song and great video! Well done!!!

Mina #9

8y↑1

I love this song soooo much. One of the finest

Nicole

14y

I'm in love with this song! I really wish that music was like this now. I'm 17, and I just can't stand what the world is coming to. The 50's were the absolute best...I would have loved to live back then. I think I need to invent a time machine. Anyone with me? =)

TBirdNeil

14y↑1

A totally utterly completely forever wonderful song that deserves to be around as long as the universe plus some.

roberto carlos barriga ramirez

12y↑1

que maravillosos tiempos aquellos grasias por este video !!

Duncan038

13y

I was born 25 years too late to be a teen when these songs were out , but i am so glad there are still teenagers out there today that arent sheep and appreciate good music when they hear it! Rock n Roll really will NEVER die!

titusjean

12y

This is FABULOUS!!!!! All the songs we grew up with are the BEST!!!!! I feel young all over again!!

51Dss

11y

How wonderful for us - that the perfect music came along at just the time when we were learning and beginning to fall into and out of love - boy meets girl with this music - was an amazing time in our lives!

HeyCleanShirt

13y

I remember listening to this when i was a small child, my dad would play it in the house. i am now 18 and i am distant from my father now god how i miss those old days... id do anything to be back there again

Kansas Aviation and bird Videography

14y

Just listening to this song, I get the "feeling" of that great time era!! So simple, so true, so very good and something so deep emotionally!! Ya know!!??

ToeIn2194

14y↑1

Love Love Love this song!The ending is divine!Can listen to it a million times!YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOUOUOUOU

Carol Gregg

There are 13 you's at the end

Colum Rogers

10y↑6

A perfect song for a perfect film, American Graffiti <3

Lorraine Ashby

10y↑1

A freezing cold shower might help rofl! sorry I just couldn't help myself.

Colum Rogers

10y

Wish I could hit those high notes Lol, though I am neither he or Frankie Valli! It's a sweet song, emotional even.

Lorraine Ashby

10y↑1

This is beautiful and a real tearjerker - I was so full of life - WOW love those high notes - sorry I always write as the song is playing that way the words come straight from the heart.

Juancarlos Mcfly

15y↑1

this movie is one of the best movies ever made,and what a cast!,not not mention the sound track,..awesome!

Jorge Mario Rodas

9y↑2

Good old Rock and Roll. I Heard this song on the radio as a teenager and later had the chance to hear it again years later in American Graffitti. Nice to hear again after fifty five years.

steelepls

12y

Saw these folks live for the first time in Charlotte the end of March and I enjoyed it then just as much as I did when I first heard it. Thanks for posting.

Cynthia's Channel

11y↑1

All time Favorite songs ever recorded...Love the Skyliners.. They were so good.. I just Love this song.. What a Memory... In my life.. for sure...... Wonderful Slow Dance.. ))

Susan Ritter

14y

Absolutely beautiful song and I love the video of American Graffiti.

DamienHurts

11y

You're welcome. I just feel that a whole new section of my heart has been unlocked by this music and I am starting to feel things I never thought I ever would. Things that I only read about in books and watched in movies as a child. Cannot hardly even handle it, It's so good! HAha <3

Eleanor Rigby

11y

My high-school sweetheart and I found each other again, after 35 years. We reunited. One year later, and it feels like we now have the life together that we didn't get all those years ago. I never got over him. That's why I can relate so well to this song.

Belgian Chris

14y↑1

Surely the greatest teen flick of all time, I think I must have seen it over 30 times, never get tired of watching it......................;-)

Cynthia's Channel

13y↑1

1959.....I was 11 years old, Lord!! But the memories of this song took me thru Jr High school, all the teen dances from 1960-1966 thru high school, there was a dance every Friday night, Saturday, ! This was the BIGGIE! There is nothing could ever take the place of this music Hope YOU got to watch the PBS Channel with the Doo-Wops and all the groups on there! It was fantastic Cynthia

Rob Mccormack

11y

In "59 I was in the Army, ( at 19 ) and wasn't able to hear this, but my family used to send me letters boasting of the great new singles, one of which was The Skyliner's "Since I Don't Have You". I finally heard it, and it was all that they said it was. It's still a good part of my memories.

Benny Nyström

One of my favourite! ❤️🎇💐

sauquoit13456

11y

On this day in 1958 {February 13th} the Skyliners performed "Since I Don't Have You" on late Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand' Three days later on February 16th it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #12 and spent 19 weeks on the Top 100 Four covered versions have charted; Chuck Jackson {#47 in 1964}, Art Garfunkel {#53 in 1979}, Don McLean {#23 in 1981, and Guns 'N Roses {#10 in 1994 in the U.K.} R.I.P. Member Janet Vogel {1942 - 1980} and Mr. Clark {1929 - 2012}

Rafał Chrząszcz

One of the most powerful songs about the lovesickness... It reminds me of all my ex-gals, because I used to listen to this after each breaking up :)

Cassandra Martinez

I'm on LOVE with this song. They don't make music like this anymore

mikeatkinso

14y

Great song, great voice...

Cynthia's Channel

13y

O YEL, One of the best slow dances in our day! Loove this song and the memories that come with it!!! Wonderful !! Cynnthia

1991Avega

11y

This is such a beautiful song. The best one ever.

Terry Cheung

15y

i bought the greatest hits of Guns N Roses and i love their version and thought they were the best. But after listening to the original, i changed my mind...

StarGeezerTim

15y

I am so sorry for your loss, MagicMagnum. I'm glad you had forty wonderful years to make memories together, and celebrate that with you. These songs are a wonderful legacy, and so long as there are people making memories, they will remain ageless and timeless. May you remain forever young at heart! :)

Lovewandyou

14y

Que joyita!!!! thanks!!! is so beautiful song!!!

bandstand16

14y

Jimmy Beaumont, one of the greatest singers of all times, the best slow dance song out there, thank you Jimmy..

LovelyMarla

16y

es una cancion muy bonita,todas las oldies son buenas.

duchess8181

10y

Love this song

Armand Echeverry

11y

I LOVE 50'S STYLE, AND EVERYTHING! THIS IS MY STYLE INSPIRATION! VINTAGE AND SOME BANDS TODAY I LIKE AS WELL!

Cynthia's Channel

13y

WHAT A TIMELLESS SONG, BEAUTIFUL!

tj blue

8y↑1

I love this song and I really loved American Graffiti

Jill Sullivan

I was born in 1969 but I absolutely love this era of music.....

Karla Betsabe

Es la mejor canción q escuché en mi vida!!!!

Dyl Pickle

6y↑2

A baby boomer myself, I have the good fortune to relive the 50s & 60s every year when I teach those units to my H.S. U.S. History classes. I will usually start & end each class with songs from those decades. No Elvis, Beatles or Stones...they already know who those artists are. They hear the songs...then they can go home & share what they heard with their parents and grandparents.

pixielinux

13y

I enjoy seeing teenagers posting that they enjoy and love this music, it gives me hope that they will be inspired by it and will go on to make their own beautiful music in which ever way that they choose (piano, sax, guitar, etc.). I think in the long run mid 50s to early 60s music (like this song) is going to become the "Classical" music of its era and will be remembered for a very long time.

ghostt girl

7y↑2

I love that song!

Eriberto Nunez

13y

THE greatest love song EVER !!!!!1 NO #1 ON ANY CHART.. MY ALL TIME FAVORTIVE!!!!!

Joe Gonzalez

10y

Beautiful song, it can be imitated but never be duplicated.

Shyla NY

12y

My parents were from this generation, this music was playing on the stereo and on the oldies radio station, WCBS FM 101.1, all the time in our house. These songs bring back great memories for me and I'm not even from the 50's generation.

syncpan77

13y

Not kidding these songs bring me to tears, regardless of the fact I did not live in this golden age, but the stories from my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles from their teen years are just timeless. How I envy them. I could only begin to imagine how life was then.

José Alves

I love This Song une of the greatest tributs too music of all time

paul jasper

10y↑18

you just can't beat the 50's, that's just me.

Cherie B

15y

Thank you for happy memories. I only have my memories now of my husband of 40 years and I at the drive in, listening and cuddling to these great hits. We fell in love and married to these wonderful songs. My grandkids showed me how I can relive these wonderful moments on Utube. Thank you all who participate to make an old lady happy

Monsternutt

14y

I love this! Oldies ROCK!!!! Thanks for Posting.

Webbusinessnetsacramento

8y↑1

"A most lovely song Immeasurable even by the Angels of those Times............Heartfelt but True in the Longings and findings of that Sweetheart of Hearts................only time can heal a broken heart yet only to find that heart who knows how to love even better than ever before..............God Speed for these loving songs everlasting"

Cindy Martin

2y↑1

I literally just woke up in the middle of the night and absolutely HAD to hear this song, lol...f'ing crazy...great tune, love it!!! Wish I'd been born at least 20 years earlier, love sweet doowop discs like this one ❣❣❣

helga gonzalez

11y

honestly this is what I call music!

celia la pierre

11y

i really love the song, reminds me during my college days, thank you...

Gustavo Júnior

meu deus, o tempo passa rápido 😭😭

Paul Negus

8y↑3

what a wonderful film..pure class

John Gunderson

11y

Ever since American Graffiti I've been in love with the song the best slow song of the 50's in my opinion

The Shadow

12y

Man- 1974 was such a long time ago. I remember going to see the movie in San Marcos and it was great!!. I was about 14 or 15 and I remember thinking I had to buy the album and try to learn how to dance which I did; buy the album. As for dancing, it took many more years to build enough courage to ask a girl to dance and I never became a good. All the songs on this album are great- will need to find it again.

Brucer S.

13y

This song was one the best from the American Graffitti soundtrack--- a simple movie with a story of us kids going thru life in a different time & music.One cool album too.

Jhonny Jimeno

13y

con 20 y amo una cancion tan vieja !!!

OlymPigs2010

6y↑9

.....This is..or should have been the "Theme Song" of American Graffiti !!!

Eriberto Nunez

11y

this to me is my favorite song ever,THIS IS THE GREATEST SONG EVER!!!!!!!!

pangetkunu

11y

I was up late summer in 1980 when This movie " American Graffiti" came out on tv, from then on I was hook with doo wop music. "Since I don't Have you" by the Skyliner made the biggest impression on me and "Maybe Baby" by Buddy Holly. My friend says it is an era from our grandparents and made them sleepy but somehow I find them extremely soothing and gratifying and made me feel young!

pangetkunu

14y

I was up at midnite during the summer of 82 and they are showing American Graffiti on tv, from then on I was hook on 50's rock and roll especially the doowoop ones. This one is definitely one of my favorite, I don't know what it is but it tears through my soul.

Gail Lacour

7y↑1

I was born in 57 , I don't care what any body say ,this was great music back then ,everybody sang from the heart

SA McMahan

Awesome song singer! Thank You for sharing!---------Blessings~

sauquoit13456

11y

On this day in 1959 {May 9th} the Skyliners performed "Since I Don't Have You" on the ABC-TV program 'The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show'... Three months earlier on February 16th it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #12 and spent 19 weeks on the Top 100... Four covered versions have charted; Chuck Jackson {#47 in 1964}, Art Garfunkel {#53 in 1979}, Don McLean {#23 in 1981, and Guns N' Roses {#69 in 1994}... R.I.P. Mr. Clark {1929 -2012}...

ldycny

12y

Listening to this song brings back so many wonderful memories of my teenage years, Just thinking about all the house parties in the Bronx and lower Manhattan.

Reyna Zarate

6y↑1

Rest in peace Jimmy Beaumont. I did not know that the great Jimmi Beaumont had died! This bad news causes me great sadness. Another great voice that is going to sing to God! It can’t be, the very big ones go. Rest in peace Jimmy. A thousand thanks for your voice and for "Since I Don’t Have You", this song so nostalgic and so special for me. Now it will be even more. Good trip, Master Jimmy Beaumont. Forever Jimmy and his Skyliners, who already cross the sky for eternity.

tommyrgrs

12y

This is one of the best songs ever produced! They sure dont make respectful music like this any maore :/

Jorge Mario Rodas

Nice old song which brings to me so many memories of my teen years. Very Romantic and what is more it is nice and slow and one can actually understand what is being said as the pronunciation is clear.