I Ain't Got You
Eric Clapton; Cream Lyrics
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With snakeskin upholstery.
I got a charge account at Goldblatt's,
But I ain't got you.
I got a closet full of clothes,
But no matter where it goes,
It keeps a ring in the nose,
I got a tavern and a liquor store.
I play the numbers, yeah, four forty-four.
I got a mojo, yeah, don't you know,
I'm all dressed up with no place to go.
I got women to the right of me.
I got women to the left of me.
I got women all around me,
But I ain't got you.
No, I ain't got you.
I got a tavern and a liquor store.
I play the numbers, yeah, four forty-four.
I got a mojo, yeah, don't you know,
I'm all dressed up with no place to go.
I got women to the right of me.
I got women to the left of me.
I got women all around me,
But I ain't got you.
No, I ain't got you.
No I ain't got you.
Eric Clapton's song "I Ain't Got You" is a blues rock track that speaks of a man's material possessions, but how all of these things lack importance without the one he truly desires. The first verse mentions his Maserati with snakeskin upholstery and his charge account at Goldblatt's, which are indications of his wealth and luxurious lifestyle. However, he goes on to say that despite all of this, he still longs for the person he does not have. The second verse is all about his possessions, including a closet full of clothes and even a tavern and liquor store, as well as his gambling habits. Even with all of these things around him, he is still "all dressed up with no place to go" because the one person he wants is not with him. The final verse repeats the same sentiments as the first two, with the addition of women being around him but not fulfilling the void left without the one he loves.
The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who has it all but is still lacking something meaningful in his life. The repetition and emphasis on how he does not have the one he desires highlight the importance of love and relationships over material possessions. The song's bluesy instrumentation complements the lyrics nicely, adding to the overall melancholic tone of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a Maserati G.T.
With snakeskin upholstery.
I have a luxurious car with high-end detailing and snakeskin seats.
I got a charge account at Goldblatt's,
But I ain't got you.
I have a credit account at a high-end store, but even that doesn't compare to having you.
I got a closet full of clothes,
But no matter where it goes,
It keeps a ring in the nose,
But I ain't got you.
My wardrobe is extensive, yet no matter what I do or where I go, I remain incomplete without you.
I got a tavern and a liquor store.
I play the numbers, yeah, four forty-four.
I got a mojo, yeah, don't you know,
I'm all dressed up with no place to go.
I have establishments and games that give me a thrill, but even with all that excitement, I still feel like I'm wasting my time being alone without you.
I got women to the right of me.
I got women to the left of me.
I got women all around me,
But I ain't got you.
No, I ain't got you.
Surrounded by female companionship, yet none of them can replace the love that I have lost and crave to have back with you.
No I ain't got you.
In the end, I must testify that I am still without you and deeply miss your affection.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CALVIN CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind