Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics


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Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah

Sometimes I'm up
Sometimes I'm down
Oh, yes, Lord
Sometimes I'm almost to the ground
Oh, yes, Lord

Oh, nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah

Oh, every day to you I pray
Oh, yes Lord
For you to drive my sins away
Oh, yes Lord

Oh, nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus




Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
(Glory) Glory, Hallelujah (Hallelujah) (Lord)

Overall Meaning

The song "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" is a traditional African American spiritual that was first recorded in the 19th century. The song is about the trials and tribulations of life and the feeling of isolation that often comes with it. The lyrics suggest that no one truly knows the singer's pain except for Jesus. The repeated use of "Glory, Hallelujah" suggests that despite the hardship, there is still hope and faith in something greater.


The opening line "nobody knows the trouble I've seen, nobody knows my sorrow" sets the tone for the song's themes of loneliness and despair. The singer is seeking solace and refuge through their faith in Jesus Christ, who they believe is the only one capable of understanding their pain. The verses that follow paint a picture of the singer's emotional state, sometimes feeling up, and sometimes feeling down. The repetition of the phrase "Oh, yes Lord" is a call to God, asking for help and guidance.


Overall, the song is a powerful expression of the struggles and challenges of life, and the importance of finding comfort in one's faith.


Line by Line Meaning

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
My troubles are deep and personal, and are known only to me.


Nobody knows my sorrow
I am sad and burdened, but no one else can truly understand the depth of my emotion.


Nobody knows but Jesus
Only my faith in a higher power can give me comfort and relief from my struggles.


Glory, Hallelujah
Despite my hardships, I find hope and praise in the beauty of life and in the goodness of God.


Sometimes I'm up
I experience moments of joy and happiness.


Sometimes I'm down
I have periods of sadness and despair.


Oh, yes, Lord
An expression of fervent faith and trust in God.


Sometimes I'm almost to the ground
I am so overwhelmed by my circumstances that I feel powerless and defeated.


Oh, every day to you I pray
I continually seek guidance, strength, and comfort from God in my daily life.


For you to drive my sins away
I pray for forgiveness and redemption from my past mistakes and failures.


(Glory) glory Hallelujah (hallelujah) (Lord)
A joyful expression of gratitude and reverence for God's blessings.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Louis Armstrong

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@esme8937

Nobody knows
the trouble I've seen;
Nobody knows
My sorrows
Nobody knows
the trouble I've seen
Glory Hallelujah!

Sometimes I'm up,
sometimes I'm down;
O yes Lord.
Sometimes I'm almost to the ground;
O yes Lord.

Nobody knows
the trouble I've seen;
Nobody knows
But Jesus
Nobody
the trouble I've seen;
Glory Hallelujah!



All comments from YouTube:

@VoicesofHistory

This song was played at my Father’s funeral in 1968, in California. He died at only 37 years of age. My Dad was a professional trumpet player and U.S. Army Veteran. Today is his 85th birthday. Happy Birthday Dad!!!

@counter-weightmedias2263

Voices of History That's a sad comment, I wish him a happy birthday

@counter-weightmedias2263

Gonzo 1o so he can easily listen to music dumbass

@counter-weightmedias2263

Gonzo 1o He's one man, I've been through hundreds of comments on these types of videos. I'm not saying he's telling the truth because I can't be sure, but he's one and if I was old I'd use this to listen to music.

@TheAto2000

Way more than you'd expect, especially knowing music like this for example  from when they were young is available here . For someone who's looking at a song from back then, you sure are disrespectful of older people.

@harrytrotter5267

Gonzo 1o YouTube is for every one.

112 More Replies...

@gelmir4eva

See the smile on his face before he does his piece? He sings the blues, songs about sadness, love lost and love found and yet he smiles about it. What an inspiration. What a great soul. The world needs more Louis Armstrongs :)

@KyBullet1

The blues are nothing but a good man feeling bad.

@jcmarineservicesofswfl5606

“And yet , I smile “ Ezekiel

@mileswalcott7241

​@@KyBullet1God bless you 🙏

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