Born in Houston, Texas, Nash began as a pop singer in the 1950s. He became famous for singing the theme song for The Mighty Hercules cartoon in the early 1960s (which song he also wrote). His biggest hits were the early reggae tunes Hold Me Tight, I Can See Clearly Now, and Stir It Up, written by Bob Marley prior to Marley's international success.
Nash was last active as a composer in the Swedish romance Vill så gärna tro (1971) in which he portrayed Robert. For many years he seemed to have dropped out of sight; however, in May 2006 he was singing again at SugarHill Recording Studio in his native Houston.
Love Ain't Nothing
Johnny Nash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But a monkey on your back
No, love ain't nothing
But a monkey on your back
Well you better watch out boy
Or love will lead you down a one-way track
I found out that love ain't nothing but a word
I mean a crazy word I swear I wish I had never heard
Now love will make you
Oh, make you do bad things
Fill your heart with sad things
Oh, love will treat you mean boy
Treat your heart just like a toy
No, love ain't nothing
But a monkey on your back
Well love will make you do
It'll make you do bad things
It'll fill your heart with sad things
Oh, love will treat you mean boy
Treat your heart just like a toy
No, love ain't nothing
But a monkey on your back
Nothing but a monkey on your back
Nothing but a monkey on your back
Love ain't nothing
The lyrics of Johnny Nash's "Love Ain't Nothing" express a pessimistic view of love as a burden that wears down people who dare to open their hearts to it. In the song, love is compared to a monkey on one's back, a metaphor that conveys the idea of a persistent and troublesome companion that is hard to shake off. The first verse warns the listener to be wary of love, as it can lead one down a one-way track that may not end well. The second verse suggests that love is not just a troublesome companion, but also a deceptive one that can lead people astray. The lyrics describe love as a "crazy word" that can fill one's heart with sadness and make them do bad things.
The refrain reinforces the idea that love is nothing but a burden that people carry on their shoulders. The final verse repeats the warnings of the first two verses, underscoring the idea that love can treat people badly and leave them feeling used and abused.
Overall, the lyrics of "Love Ain't Nothing" reflect a sentiment that many people may relate to - the fear of vulnerability that comes with opening up to someone deeply. The song acknowledges the potential for love to bring happiness and joy, but emphasizes the risks and pitfalls that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Love ain't nothing
Love is not as beautiful and pure as it's usually portrayed
But a monkey on your back
However, it's more like a burden that you have to carry
No, love ain't nothing
There's nothing romantic or sentimental about it
Well you better watch out boy
You need to be careful and cautious
Or love will lead you down a one-way track
Otherwise, love will trap you in a no-way-out situation
I found out that love ain't nothing but a word
I realized that love is just a term people use to describe a set of emotions
I mean a crazy word I swear I wish I had never heard
However, it's often associated with irrational behaviors and regrettable choices
Now love will make you Oh, make you do bad things
Love can make you lose control and act in a way that goes against your values
Fill your heart with sad things
It can also cause you to experience negative emotions like sadness and heartbreak
Oh, love will treat you mean boy
Love can be cruel and unfair sometimes
Treat your heart just like a toy
It can also make you feel used and disposable
Nothing but a monkey on your back
At the end of the day, love is merely a problem that you have to solve
Love ain't nothing
Love is not a magical or miraculous thing
Contributed by Joseph F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
TheSoulTwins
One of my all-time favourites and a permanent 45 in my record box. Gave it a lot of plays during the 'Mod revival' in the late 80's. Just a pity it's so short!
Skinhead SoulBhoy
Rest In Peace Johnny Nash 😞 this truly has been the worst year of my life
S D
ah mate its a hard year .. but keep stomping
TheVeganBuskers
Great Song! One of my favourite singer.
TheVeganBuskers
That's Great. I did a cover of J.Nash on my Song Challenge on my channel: I Can See Clearly.I hope you like my version too. Cheers.
Derek See
right on, I'm vegan too.
Swervyn Mervyn
Derek thanks for brining this-this is the type of tune Id love to be hearing a niters
40page
Class
spoonful
oh my