Nothing out of Nothing
Great Big Sea Lyrics


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Left my home and family by the ocean
Out on my own, to seek my fortune
But there is no work to occupy these young hands
So look out boy you're heading for the mainland

[Chorus]
What do you do? You can't make nothing out of nothing
Everybody needs a start
What do you do? You can't make nothing our of nothing
In my country back is heart.

Well, I was born on a St.John's street
Where all my hopes could meet with defeat
I hide my fear in higher education
Now I am so smart I could rule this content-nation

[Chorus]

Now I'm alone but I'm working everyday
I'm getting stoned and I'm blowing all my pay
Just to survive I'll do whatever I can
Now, I'm alive, but how can I be a real man?





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song “Nothing out of Nothing” by Great Big Sea talks about the struggles of a young man who leaves his home by the ocean to find work and fortune in the mainland. He faces the harsh reality of not being able to find work and is forced to do whatever it takes to survive. The chorus repeats the message that one cannot make something out of nothing and everyone needs a start. It highlights the importance of having a foundation and support system.


In the second verse, the singer reveals that he comes from a place where hopes can easily be defeated, but he manages to hide his fear by pursuing higher education. However, this comes with its own set of problems as he becomes overconfident in his abilities and believes he can rule the continent.


The last verse shows the singer being alone, getting stoned and blowing his pay just to survive. He becomes conflicted with how he can be a "real man" under these circumstances. It's a poignant portrayal of the struggles to make ends meet and the compromises that one has to make in order to survive.


Line by Line Meaning

Left my home and family by the ocean
I left my familiar surroundings and loved ones living by the sea.


Out on my own, to seek my fortune
I ventured out independently to find wealth and opportunities.


But there is no work to occupy these young hands
However, I couldn't find any job prospects that match my youthful capabilities.


So look out boy you're heading for the mainland
Therefore, I should be cautious and head to the mainland for better prospects.


What do you do? You can't make nothing out of nothing
What's the solution? You can't create something out of nothingness.


Everybody needs a start
Everyone needs a beginning point to achieve success.


In my country back is heart.
In my homeland, I rely on the support and loyalty of my community.


Well, I was born on a St. John's street
I was born on a street in St. John's town.


Where all my hopes could meet with defeat
This town was a place where my aspirations could easily come to failure.


I hide my fear in higher education
I concealed my fear by pursuing higher education.


Now I am so smart I could rule this content-nation
Now, I am so educated and intelligent that I could govern this prosperous land.


Now I'm alone but I'm working everyday
Currently, I work alone daily.


I'm getting stoned and I'm blowing all my pay
I'm abusing drugs and spending all my money.


Just to survive I'll do whatever I can
To live, I'll do whatever necessary.


Now, I'm alive, but how can I be a real man?
However, I'm alive, but I'm unsure if I embody true masculinity.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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