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.
I 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 lyrics of I Got Plenty O' Nuttin by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong are a beautiful celebration of the joy and contentment that comes from having very little. The song is a reflection of the simple life and the appreciation of the things that truly matter in life. The main message of this song is that material possessions and riches do not necessarily lead to happiness.
The first verse of the song highlights the value of not having anything. It reminds us that sometimes, the things we own can become a sort of weight that keeps us from enjoying life. Having nothing can sometimes be freeing and give us the ability to appreciate the simple things in life.
The second verse contrasts the experience of those who have plenty of possessions but live in fear of losing them. The composer calls into question the purpose of accumulating wealth if we cannot enjoy it or live in constant fear of losing it.
The third verse emphasizes that having possessions, such as a lock on a door, gives a false sense of security. Instead of focusing on accumulating possessions, one can find security in the simple things in life, it is unnecessary to have many things to be happy.
The refrain of the song reminds us that what is valuable in life does not necessarily depend on material possessions. Having love and a song is enough to experience true happiness.
Overall, the song is a reminder that simplicity and appreciation of the small things in life can lead to happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I got plenty of nothing
I have a lot of nothing in terms of material possessions
And nothing's plenty for me
However, what I have is enough for my happiness and contentment
I got no car, got no mule
I don't have a car or a mule or any other mode of transportation
I got no misery
But I also don't have any form of misery or suffering in my life
Folks with plenty of plenty
Compared to those with an abundance of material possessions,
They've got a lock on the door
I don't have a lock on my door because they fear someone might steal from them
Afraid somebody's gonna rob 'em
While they are out making more money and accumulating more possessions
What for?
What's the point in having so much when it only increases one's anxiety and paranoia?
I got no lock on the door--that's no way to be
I don't have a lock on my door, but I'm not worried as that's no way to live in constant fear
They can steal the rug from the floor--that's okay with me
They can even steal my possessions, like my rug, but it wouldn't affect my happiness
'Cause the things that I prize--like the stars in the skies--are all free
Because what I cherish in life, like the beauty of the stars, doesn't require any monetary exchange
I got plenty of nothing
I have an abundance of nothing in terms of worldly possessions
And nothing's plenty for me
But that's okay, as I am content with what I have and don't need anything else to be happy
I got my gal, got my song
I have my significant other and my music to keep me content
(I) got heaven the whole day long
So, every day feels like heaven to me
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