Nothing Left To Lose
Ben Phillips/Kato Khandwala/Taylor Momsen/The Pretty Reckless Lyrics


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I was only 19, you were 29
It's just 10 years, but it's such a long time
In a heartbeat, I would do it all again

Late night sex, smokin' cigarettes
I try real hard, but I can't forget
Now in a heartbeat, I would do it all again
Now I see that you and me were never meant
Never meant to be now
Now I'm lost somewhere

Lost between Elvis and suicide
Ever since the day we died, well
I've got nothing left to lose

After Jesus and Rock 'n' Roll
Couldn't save my immoral soul, well
I've got nothing left
I've got nothing left to lose

Callin' out sins just to pass the time
My life goes by in the blink of an eye
I know you want me
I was only lookin' for a friend

And everything that I was
And everything that I've become
Just falls into the end and

Now I see that you and me were never meant
Were never meant to be now
Now I'm lost somewhere

Lost between Elvis and suicide
Ever since the day we died, well
I've got nothing left to lose

After Jesus and rock 'n' roll
Couldn't save my immoral soul, well
I've got nothing left
I've got nothing left to lose

Now I see that you and me were never meant
Never meant to be now
Now I'm lost somewhere

Lost between Elvis and suicide
Ever since the day we died, well
I've got nothing left to lose

After Jesus and rock 'n' roll
Couldn't save my immoral soul, well




I've got nothing left
I've got nothing left to lose

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Nothing Left to Lose" by The Pretty Reckless are about a person reflecting on a past relationship, which despite having a significant age gap and some self-destructive behavior, still holds a strong emotional connection. The first verse sets the scene of the age difference between the two people, but despite this, the singer would do it all again because the passion they shared was intense. The second verse shifts to the present, where the singer is lost and struggling with their identity after the death of the other person. The chorus repeats the idea of having nothing left to lose after losing everything that they thought defined them - Jesus, rock 'n' roll, and the relationship. The lyrics also reference Elvis Presley and suicide as symbols of extremes, adding to the theme of searching for identity and being in crisis.


One possible interpretation of the song is that it's about a toxic relationship that the singer can't let go of, even though it's harmful to them. The age difference, late night sex, cigarettes, and self-destructive behavior suggest a pattern of seeking intensity and danger rather than real connection or emotional stability. The loss of the other person has left the singer with a void and a sense of meaningless, leading them to question everything they believed in. The guilt and regret are compounded by the fact that the singer knew from the start that the relationship was never meant to be.


Overall, "Nothing Left to Lose" is a haunting song that captures the vulnerability and desperation of someone struggling to find themselves after a devastating loss. The lyrics use vivid imagery and symbolism to paint a picture of a complex and conflicted emotional landscape. The rawness and honesty of the song have resonated with many listeners, making it a popular and enduring anthem of teenage angst and rebellion.


Line by Line Meaning

I was only 19, you were 29
Although there was a 10-year age gap between us, we were close enough to become intimate.


It's just 10 years, but it's such a long time
Even though ten years may not seem like much, it is long enough to build a meaningful relationship.


In a heartbeat, I would do it all again
I have no regrets about the time we spent together, and I would happily relive it all over again.


Late night sex, smokin' cigarettes
We engaged in sexual activities together, perhaps under the influence of cigarettes.


I try real hard, but I can't forget
I have made an attempt to forget about our past relationship, but it is proving difficult.


Now I see that you and me were never meant
Upon reflection, I realize that our relationship was not meant to be.


Never meant to be now
Even now, the two of us are not meant to be together.


Now I'm lost somewhere
I feel lost and adrift since our relationship ended.


Lost between Elvis and suicide
I feel equally swayed by the fleeting joy of rock music and the darkness of suicidal thoughts.


Ever since the day we died, well I've got nothing left to lose
Since the end of our relationship, I have lost all sense of purpose and motivation.


After Jesus and Rock 'n' Roll Couldn't save my immoral soul, well
Neither religion nor music was able to save me from feeling like I have done something wrong.


I've got nothing left I've got nothing left to lose
I have nothing left to lose and nothing to be afraid of.


Callin' out sins just to pass the time
Sometimes, I list off the wrong things I've done simply to distract myself from the present.


My life goes by in the blink of an eye
My life feels like it is passing by so quickly that I can barely keep up with it.


I know you want me
I am aware that you still want to be together, but I believe it is not meant to be.


I was only lookin' for a friend
Initially, all I wanted was a friend, but our relationship escalated beyond that.


And everything that I was And everything that I've become Just falls into the end and
Everything that I used to be, and the person I have become, have all led me to a dead end.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BEN PHILLIPS, KATO KHANDWALA, TAYLOR MOMSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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