Nobody Love Nobody Gets Hurt
Suzy Bogguss Lyrics


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She was all alone at half-past four
At an all-night small-town convenience store
When he walked in and locked the door behind him.
She ducked down behind the counter
He said "Get up, I know you're down there
I got a gun. Just hold on, I'll find it."
He fumbled through the pockets of his faded denim jacket
Handed her a note and said, "You'd better do exactly what it says..."
And she read:

"Nobody love, and nobody gets hurt."
She looked at him with a nervous grin
She pointed to that word
He said "What the hell? I can't spell
But you know what I meant."
She said "Yeah,
But that ain't what you said."

She said "I don't think you want to do this
Sounds to me like there's more to it."
He said "Spare your views on my abusive childhood.
Cause the last time I saw my old man
Was in a photograph in our garbage can
He never gave a damn, so tell me why I should.
And you don't know the half of all the demons that I've battled
You ain't gonna save me with your mindless psychobabble
I'm damaged goods."

"Nobody love, and nobody gets hurt."
And as he walked away in the pouring rain
She still could hear that word
He said "What the hell? I can't spell
But you know what I meant."
She said "Yeah,
But that ain't what you said."





She said "Yeah,
But that ain't what you said."

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Suzy Bogguss's song "Nobody Love Nobody Gets Hurt" tell a poignant story of a desperate situation unfolding at an all-night small-town convenience store. The narrative follows a moment of intense tension as a man enters the store, armed and with a troubled past, and demands compliance from the lone woman working there. The scene is set with a sense of isolation and vulnerability, emphasized by the late hour and the locked door behind the man.


The man's actions reveal a deep sense of resignation and fatalism, as he presents a note to the woman with the chilling message: "Nobody love, and nobody gets hurt." This message, though intended to intimidate, also reflects a twisted logic borne out of his own traumatic past and emotional turmoil. Despite his threatening demeanor, the woman responds with defiance, pointing out his misspelling and challenging the underlying meaning behind his words.


The conversation between the two characters delves into the man's troubled past, hinting at abuse and neglect suffered in his childhood. His sense of abandonment and anger are palpable as he justifies his actions with a grim portrayal of his own inner struggles. The woman, however, attempts to reason with him, offering empathy and understanding in the face of his desperation.


Ultimately, the song leaves the resolution of the situation ambiguous, as the man walks away into the pouring rain, leaving the woman to ponder the exchange. The recurring refrain of "Nobody love, and nobody gets hurt" underscores the underlying theme of love, pain, and the complexities of human connection. Despite their differences and the harsh realities they face, both characters grapple with their own vulnerabilities and seek understanding amidst the chaos of the moment. The song captures a fleeting yet profound encounter between two individuals, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and the power of empathy in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

She was all alone at half-past four
She was the only one present at 4:30 AM


At an all-night small-town convenience store
In a convenience store that was open all night in a small town


When he walked in and locked the door behind him.
When he entered and locked the door for privacy


She ducked down behind the counter
She hid behind the counter


He said "Get up, I know you're down there
He instructed her to stand up, aware of her presence


I got a gun. Just hold on, I'll find it."
I have a gun. Just wait, let me locate it.


He fumbled through the pockets of his faded denim jacket
He clumsily searched through his jacket pockets


Handed her a note and said, "You'd better do exactly what it says..."
Gave her a note with demands to follow precisely


And she read:
And she saw the content of the note


"Nobody love, and nobody gets hurt."
"If no one loves, no one will suffer."


She looked at him with a nervous grin
She smiled anxiously at him


She pointed to that word
She indicated the word 'love'


He said "What the hell? I can't spell
He expressed confusion about spelling


But you know what I meant."
But you understand my intention.


She said "Yeah,
She replied, 'Yes'


But that ain't what you said."
However, that's not what you stated.


He said "Spare your views on my abusive childhood.
"I don't want to hear your opinions on my abusive upbringing."


Cause the last time I saw my old man
Because the final time I saw my father


Was in a photograph in our garbage can
It was in a photo discarded in our trash


He never gave a damn, so tell me why I should.
He never cared, so why should I?


And you don't know the half of all the demons that I've battled
You're unaware of half the struggles I've faced


You ain't gonna save me with your mindless psychobabble
Your pointless psychology talk won't rescue me


I'm damaged goods."
"I am emotionally scarred."


And as he walked away in the pouring rain
While he departed under heavy rain


She still could hear that word
She could still hear the word 'love'


He said "What the hell? I can't spell
He exclaimed in confusion about spelling


But you know what I meant."
But you understand my intention.


She said "Yeah,
She replied, 'Yes'


But that ain't what you said."
However, that's not what you said.


She said "Yeah,
She replied, 'Yes'


But that ain't what you said."
However, that's not what you said.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOBBIE CRYNER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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