Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
Got Plenty o' Nuttin'
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And nothing's plenty for me
I got no car, got no mule
I got no misery
Folks with plenty of plenty
They've got a lock on the door
Afraid somebody's gonna rob 'em
I got no lock on the door--that's no way to be
They can steal the rug from the floor--that's okay with me
'Cause the things that I prize--like the stars in the skies--are all free
I got plenty of nothing
And nothing's plenty for me
I got my gal, got my song
(I) got heaven the whole day long
Got my gal, got my love, got my song
The song "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'" is a popular duet that was originally composed by George and Ira Gershwin for their opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are a reflection of the main character Porgy's contentment with the simple things in life despite not having material wealth. Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's version is a jazzy, upbeat rendition of the song that is both playful and reflective.
The opening lines, "I got plenty of nothing, and nothing's plenty for me" set the tone for the rest of the song. Porgy, who is a disabled beggar living in a poor neighborhood, finds joy and contentment in having the essentials—he "got no car, got no mule, got no misery." He contrasts himself with others who have more than they need and are obsessed with acquiring more. Porgy's refusal to worry about property or accumulating wealth makes him rich in spirit, which is something he recognizes as more valuable than material things.
The line "I got no lock on the door--that's no way to be" highlights Porgy's trust in his community and his lack of need for material possessions. The idea of someone coming to steal his belongings does not worry him because what he values most cannot be taken away. He mentions the stars in the skies, which are free, to symbolize the wealth that nature provides.
Overall, the message of the song is that contentment and happiness can be found even in the absence of material possessions. For someone like Porgy, who has no choice but to live simply, the joy of a good song or a caring partner is more than enough to be happy.
Line by Line Meaning
I got plenty of nothing
Despite having no material possessions, I am content with what I have
And nothing's plenty for me
I do not need material wealth to find happiness or fulfillment in my life
I got no car, got no mule
I do not have modes of transportation or animals for work
I got no misery
I may not have material wealth, but I am free from suffering or despair
Folks with plenty of plenty
People who have abundant wealth and resources
They've got a lock on the door
They are afraid of theft or intrusion into their affluent lifestyles
Afraid somebody's gonna rob 'em
Fearful that someone may take what they have
While there out making more; what for?
Questioning the point of continuously amassing wealth and possessions
I got no lock on the door--that's no way to be
I do not feel the need to protect what little belongings I have with a lock, as it would go against my way of life
They can steal the rug from the floor--that's okay with me
Even if someone were to steal one of my few belongings, it wouldn't upset me much as I place greater value on intangible things
'Cause the things that I prize--like the stars in the skies--are all free
The things that I hold dear, such as the beauty of nature, cannot be possessed by any individual, but they are available to appreciate freely by all
And nothing's plenty for me
I do not need material possessions to feel content with my life
I got my gal, got my song
The companionship of my loved one and the joy of music make me feel rich and fulfilled
(I) got heaven the whole day long
The simple pleasures of life bring me a sense of heavenly bliss
Lyrics © RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: DU BOSE HEYWARD, GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@denissterzl
Porgy & Bess by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald was my first record back in 1997 when I was 10 years old. I'm so in love with this song in particular. But the whole record itself is a truly classic masterpiece & gem. I'm very thankful for it!
@omegamale7880
That must have seemed new-fangled back in '97.
@denisthemenace9755
It's a used one I bought in a second hand vinyl shop back in 1997. It comes in a cardboard box. I still have it!
@34skidoo1
A masterclass of swing. Absolute masterpiece!
@romekhanys9215
One of the most swinging tunes in jazz. Can't get enough of it. Ella and Louis at their best!
@thomasberendt2894
Eins meiner Lieblingslieder. Und Gershwin finde ich sowieso gut.
@fritzy381
I loved this song when I was a kid. (1970's). brings back so much great memories. thanks ella and louie
@damyen8003
This reminds me of "Nice Work If You Can Get It"
@converse3670
That's my song forevermore!
@jmanza6030
why do i love this style so much