Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Nina Simone Lyrics


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Once I lived the life of a millionaire
Spending my money, with never a care
Takin' all my friends out for a good time
Drinkin' high-priced liquor, champagne and wine;
Then I began to fall so low;
Didn't have a friend, and no place to go
If I ever get my hands on a dollar again
I'm gonna squeeze it, until the eagle grins, cause

Nobody knows you when you're down and out.
In your pocket, not one penny
And your friends you find you haven't any.
But as soon as you get back on your feet again
Everybody wants to be your long-lost friend




It's might strange, without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you're down and out.

Overall Meaning

Nina Simone's "Nobody knows you when you're down and out" is a moving and poignant song that explores the theme of friendship and companionship in times of prosperity versus those of struggle. The song begins by describing the life of a wealthy individual who spends money extravagantly on his friends, treating them to expensive drinks and dining. However, as time progresses, his circumstances change, and he finds himself falling on hard times. He loses his wealth and his friends, and no one is willing to offer him any assistance.


The song speaks to the universal truth that people tend to stick around when times are good but disappear when times are tough. It highlights the fickle nature of human relations and our tendency to prioritize wealth and status over genuine relationships. Despite the difficult themes, the song is infused with a sense of hope and resilience, suggesting that the singer is determined to bounce back from his difficult circumstances and triumph over his adversity.


Overall, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" is an intricate commentary on human relationships and the role of money and status in social interactions. It paints a genuine image of the way society operates, and it encourages listeners to reflect on the essence of true companionship and unconditional support.


Line by Line Meaning

Once I lived the life of a millionaire
I used to live a wealthy, lavish life with no financial worries.


Spending my money, with never a care
I was constantly splurging and not saving for the future.


Takin' all my friends out for a good time
I used to treat my friends and loved ones with expensive outings.


Drinkin' high-priced liquor, champagne and wine;
I indulged in the most expensive alcoholic drinks.


Then I began to fall so low;
Eventually, I started experiencing a decline in my financial status.


Didn't have a friend, and no place to go
As a result, I lost my friends and social status.


If I ever get my hands on a dollar again
If I manage to get some money again in the future.


I'm gonna squeeze it, until the eagle grins, cause
I will hold on to it tightly and never let it go, as I learned my lesson.


Nobody knows you when you're down and out.
When you're broke and struggling, people tend to abandon you and don't want to associate with you.


In your pocket, not one penny
You have no money left.


And your friends you find you haven't any.
Your friends disappear as soon as your wealth runs out.


But as soon as you get back on your feet again
If you somehow regain your financial status.


Everybody wants to be your long-lost friend
People will come back into your life, pretending like they never abandoned you.


It's might strange, without a doubt
The whole situation is strange and unsettling.


Nobody knows you when you're down and out.
People only care about you when you have something to offer or show off.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jimmy Cox

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Harry strings


on Blackbird

This is one of the inspired song have ever heard, it's touches my soul..

Daniel


on Feeling Good

Just unbelievable, I dig it. Great music & artists.

Nikolaos Souroufis


on Sinnerman

amazing !!!!!!!!

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