Born John Marshall Greer in Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States, he was a friend of Henry Glover from childhood, and both attended college at Alabama A&M together. Glover was playing in Lucky Millinder's band when Bull Moose Jackson left the group in 1948; Glover suggested that Greer be chosen as Jackson's replacement. Greer played with Bob Shad and appeared on Millinder's RCA recordings until 1950, when Millinder signed to King Records. Greer stayed with RCA and played with Wynonie Harris and Jackson among others. He sang lead vocals on his biggest hit, 1952's "Got You On My Mind". In 1954 he switched to Groove Records, but did not make much impact on the American record charts there. In October of that year, he released "We Want To See Santa Do The Mambo", a Christmas hit to this day. In 1955, he finally signed with King, but only recorded for them for about a year. Greer also worked with Hal Singer and Bill Doggett.
By 1957, Greer had developed extended troubles with alcoholism, and he moved back to his home town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he died in 1972 at age 48.
I Ain't Got Nothin' To Lose
Big John Greer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Still you never hear me singing the blues
I'm a happy guy and I'll tell you why
I ain't got nothing to lose
I haven't got a dime and baby I don't mind
I even got a whole in my shoe
It doesn't bother me you can plainly see
Just let me roam to the wild blue yonder
All the world's my home baby time to wander
So away I go, either fast or slow
I can travel anyway that I choose
When it's said and done, it's all in fun
Cos I ain't got nothing to lose
Just let me roam to the wild blue yonder
All the world's my home baby time to wander
So away I go, either fast or slow
I can travel anyway that I choose
When it's said and done, it's all in fun
Cos I ain't got nothing to lose
Cos I ain't got nothing to lose
The song “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ To Lose” by Big John Greer is a classic blues song that talks about the idea of freedom that comes from not having anything to lose. The lyrics describe the singer's contentment with his current state of life. He doesn't have a girlfriend or a close friend, and he's broke, but he's still happy. He's not singing the blues because he doesn't feel any stress or pressure. He's a carefree soul who's not worried about any of the things that typically get people down. He's optimistic about the future and is excited to wander into the “wild blue yonder”.
The song is quite simple, but it carries a very powerful message. It shows that regardless of your financial, social, or emotional status, you can still find happiness and joy in life. The lyrics of this song are a reminder to look at the bright side and focus on the things that make you feel good. The song's upbeat tempo and rhythm are a reflection of the singer's carefree attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
Haven't got a gal or a real good pal
I don't have a girlfriend or close friend
Still you never hear me singing the blues
Despite not having close relationships, I'm happy and content
I'm a happy guy and I'll tell you why
I'm a content individual and I will explain why
I ain't got nothing to lose
I don't have much, so there's not much to worry about losing
I haven't got a dime and baby I don't mind
I don't have any money, but it's not a problem
I even got a whole in my shoe
My shoe has a hole in it
It doesn't bother me you can plainly see
The hole doesn't bother me, and it's evident
Just let me roam to the wild blue yonder
Allow me to wander freely
All the world's my home baby time to wander
I consider the entire world as my home and it's time to explore
So away I go, either fast or slow
I will leave, at my own pace
I can travel anyway that I choose
I'm free to travel however I want
When it's said and done, it's all in fun
At the end of the day, everything is for enjoyment
Cos I ain't got nothing to lose
Because I don't have much, there's not much to lose
Cos I ain't got nothing to lose
Because I don't have much, there's not much to lose
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JACOBS, DICK, OLIVER, SY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind