Nobody Home
Michael Kamen; Pink Floyd; Bob Ezrin Lyrics
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Got a bag with a toothbrush and a comb in
When I'm a good dog, they sometimes throw me a bone in
I got elastic bands keepin' my shoes on
Got those swollen-hand blues
I got thirteen channels of shit on the T.V. to choose from
I've got electric light
I got amazing powers of observation
And that is how I know
When I try to get through
On the telephone to you
There'll be nobody home
I've got the obligatory Hendrix perm
And the inevitable pinhole burns
All down the front of my favorite satin shirt
I've got nicotine stains on my fingers
I've got a silver spoon on a chain
Got a grand piano to prop up my mortal remains
I've got wild staring eyes
And I've got a strong urge to fly
But I got nowhere to fly to
Ooh, babe when I pick up the phone
(Surprise, surprise, surprise) there's still nobody home
I've got a pair of Gohills boots
But I got fading roots
The song "Nobody Home" by Pink Floyd is a poignant and introspective look at the life of a disillusioned and isolated rock star. The opening lyrics set the stage for this feeling of emptiness and isolation, as the singer describes their only companions as a black book of poems and a bag with a toothbrush and comb. The reference to being a "good dog" and receiving a bone implies that this lonely existence is of their own making, and they are occasionally rewarded for their good behavior by their handlers or fans.
The singer then goes on to describe their material possessions, such as elastic bands keeping their shoes on and a grand piano propping up their "mortal remains," highlighting their superficiality and detachment from real life. Despite having access to electric light and second sight, they are unable to connect with anyone, especially when they try to reach out on the phone but "nobody's home." Even the "obligatory Hendrix perm" and "inevitable pinhole burns" suggest a sense of conformity and loss of individuality.
In the final verse, the singer reveals their desire to escape this existence and fly but acknowledges that nowhere to fly to. The repeated line of "Surprise, surprise, surprise" when they pick up the phone and still find nobody home reinforces their feeling of disconnection and loneliness. Overall, "Nobody Home" is a powerful commentary on the emptiness and isolation that can come with fame and material success.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a little black book with my poems in
I have a small book that contains my poetry.
Got a bag with a toothbrush and a comb in
I carry a bag with me that has a toothbrush and a comb.
When I'm a good dog, they sometimes throw me a bone in
Sometimes, when I behave well, I receive a reward or favor from others.
I got elastic bands keepin' my shoes on
I have to use elastic bands to keep my shoes from falling apart.
Got those swollen-hand blues
My hands are swollen and painful.
I got thirteen channels of shit on the T.V. to choose from
I have many television channels, but none of them have anything worthwhile to watch.
I've got electric light
I have electricity and light in my home.
And I've got second sight
I am very perceptive and observant.
I got amazing powers of observation
I have exceptional abilities when it comes to observing things.
And that is how I know
My observation skills have helped me to understand that...
When I try to get through On the telephone to you
When I attempt to contact you by phone...
There'll be nobody home
...you will not be available to answer my call.
I've got the obligatory Hendrix perm
I have the popular hairstyle that was once worn by Jimi Hendrix.
And the inevitable pinhole burns
My shirt has small holes formed by cigarette burns.
All down the front of my favorite satin shirt
These holes are present on the front of my favorite slick shirt made of satin.
I've got nicotine stains on my fingers
My fingers are stained by the chemicals contained in cigarettes that I smoke.
I've got a silver spoon on a chain
I have a silver spoon that I wear like a piece of jewelry.
Got a grand piano to prop up my mortal remains
I own a large piano that will remain behind after my death.
I've got wild staring eyes
I have eyes that appear very intense or frenzied.
And I've got a strong urge to fly
I have a profound desire to escape, to go far away.
But I got nowhere to fly to
Unfortunately, there is nowhere to go to escape the difficulties of life.
Ooh, babe when I pick up the phone
When I answer the phone, I say...
(Surprise, surprise, surprise) there's still nobody home
...that nobody is available to receive the call.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Roger Waters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Woodmoon
Hello, who is the person who hold the score in the video?
Party Like a Rockstar Podcast
My name is Joel. I'm the host of the podcast.
Quello di Musica
@Party Like a Rockstar Podcast Hi Joel can I contact you in private
Party Like a Rockstar Podcast
@Quello di Musica sure. You can reach out through the website. www.joelroadie.com As an FYI though it's not for sale. It is currently on loan to Pink Floyd for the Mortal Remains exhibits.