His build earned him a nickname and a signature song, "Mr. Five by Five" ("he's five feet tall and he's five feet wide"). His best known recordings are probably those of "Going to Chicago" with Basie and "Harvard Blues" with the famous saxophone solo by Don Byas. George Frazier, author of "Harvard Blues", called Rushing's distinctive voice, "a magnificent gargle".
He died of leukemia in 1972 in New York City.
Nobody Knows
Jimmy Rushing Lyrics
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Spending my money, I didn't care
I carried my friends out for a good time
Buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine
Then I began to fall so low
I didn't have a friend, and no place to go
So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again
Nobody knows you when you down and out
In my pocket not one penny
And my friends I haven't any
But If I ever get on my feet again
Then I'll meet my long lost friend
It's mighty strange, without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you down and out
I mean when you down and out
Mmmmmmmm, when you're down and out
Mmmmmmmm, not one penny
And my friends I haven't any
Mmmmmmmm, well I felt so low
Nobody wants me round their door
Mmmmmmmm, without a doubt,
No man can use you wen you down and out
I mean when you down and out
The lyrics of the Jimmy Rushing song Nobody Knows captures the essence of the old adage “fair-weather friends.” The song describes the life of a millionaire who spends his money freely, entertaining friends with bootleg liquor, champagne, and wine. However, his fortunes quickly changed, and he found himself without a single friend and nowhere to go. The song emphasizes how money and status can impact people’s relationships and acceptance in society. When someone loses their money and status, they lose the friends that come with it.
The chorus of the song further emphasizes the theme of the lyrics, as it states that “nobody knows you when you’re down and out.” When the songwriter is broke and destitute, he discovers that his so-called friends are nowhere to be found. He has no money and no friends to turn to. Interestingly, the song is not about self-pity or a need for others' help but being self-sufficient and independent. The songwriter seeks to hold on to any future success, even if it is just one dollar, and to maintain control over his life.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I lived the life of a millionaire
I used to be wealthy and spent money without any worries.
Spending my money, I didn't care
I spent my wealth carefreely.
I carried my friends out for a good time
I would take my friends out and pay for their entertainment.
Buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine
I would purchase illegal liquor and expensive drinks.
Then I began to fall so low
I lost my wealth and my status quickly vanished.
I didn't have a friend, and no place to go
As I lost my wealth, I became alone with no one to support me.
So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again
If I ever come across some money again,
I'm gonna hold on to it till them eagle's green
I will hold onto it tightly until I need it.
Nobody knows you when you down and out
Nobody cares or supports you when you have nothing left.
In my pocket not one penny
I have no money in my pocket.
And my friends I haven't any
I lost all my friends as I lost my wealth.
But If I ever get on my feet again
If I ever regain my wealth and status,
Then I'll meet my long lost friend
I might meet my friends who left me and have not been with me through my struggle.
It's mighty strange, without a doubt
It is surprising how quickly people forget or abandon you in times of trouble.
Mmmmmmmm, when you're down and out
When you are out of money and lose your status.
Mmmmmmmm, not one penny
Without a single dollar or any money in your pocket.
Mmmmmmmm, well I felt so low
I felt low and worthless when I lost everything.
Nobody wants me round their door
Nobody invites me or accepts me in their premises.
Mmmmmmmm, without a doubt,
Certainly and without question.
No man can use you wen you down and out
When you lose everything, no one needs or values your existence.
I mean when you down and out
I am referring to the situation where you do not have any money or support.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: JAMES ANDREW DENHAM, NIKOLAJ JUEL CHRISTIANSEN, LUKE BULLEN, MARK RICHARD ASTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind