Nothing To Lose
The Ugly Americans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard that Lenny Spooks was dead
They're putting shiny copper pennies
On his tiny little head
Horses they still run
Ladies of the night
Still walk these streets in patent leather shoes
But momma I don't mind
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
They said we were gonna have a good time
They said that everyone was invited
We all went down to Hollywood California
But honey don't get too excited
They'll tie you to the railroad spine
They'll run you through your paces
They'll leave you stranded in the shadows
Dying in the pews
Till you ain't got nothing to lose
Time may come and heal the pain inside my heart
But I know these scars they will never fade away
Tomorrow's not a promise that's what she used to say
Boy you just be lucky that you eve got today
And though I'm barely breathing I ain't shaking in my shoes
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
You better double up or double down
You know there ain't know way to fight it
Not with your nickel plated shirt stains
Not with your bottles of dilauded
You're lying in the sun drowning in the night
You got everything 'cept something I can use
There's blood on every corner but momma I don't mind
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
The song, "Nothing to Lose" by The Ugly Americans, seems to be a reflection of the darker side of life. The opening lines suggest that the singer is urging the listener to take precautions as they sit to gamble with their life, "You better double up our double down." The lyrics go on to describe the bleak state of affairs on the streets, "there is blood on every corner," and the pointlessness of running from the inevitable dangerous outcomes of a life without many choices or opportunities. The singer seems resigned to his fate and suggests the listener do the same, "but momma I don't mind, you know I ain't got nothing to lose."
The middle verses are a warning about the falsity of promises of happiness and success. The lines, " they said we were gonna have a good time, they said that everyone was invited," suggest a promise of an exciting lifestyle. However, the reality is that those who pursue this life face danger and destruction- being left to die alone in church pews. It is a warning to the listener to be cautious of illusions with false promises and to value life, even when it seems like a bleak future is all that awaits.
Line by Line Meaning
You better double up our double down
You need to be prepared for anything and everything.
I heard that Lenny Spooks was dead
I heard that even the most feared people can fall.
They're putting shiny copper pennies on his tiny little head
Even when someone is dead, their worth is still valued.
Horses they still run
Life goes on even when things get tough.
Ladies of the night still walk these streets in patent leather shoes
Even in darkness, people still find ways to survive or enjoy their lives.
They're is blood on every corner
Life is full of violence and tragedy.
But momma I don't mind
Despite this reality, I am still okay with it.
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
Because I have nothing, I also have nothing to fear or regret losing.
They said we were gonna have a good time
We were promised something good.
They said that everyone was invited
Everyone was supposed to be included in that promise.
We all went down to Hollywood California
We followed that promise and went to Hollywood.
But honey don't get too excited
But we were soon let down and disappointed.
They'll tie you to the railroad spine
They will trap and control you in any way they can.
They'll run you through your paces
They will make you jump through hoops and do what they want you to do.
They'll leave you stranded in the shadows
They will abandon you in the darkness and uncertainty.
Dying in the pews
You will suffer and eventually give up hope.
Till you ain't got nothing to lose
Until you reach rock bottom and have nothing left.
Time may come and heal the pain inside my heart
Time can help heal emotional wounds.
But I know these scars they will never fade away
But some scars may never go away and may always leave a permanent mark.
Tomorrow's not a promise that's what she used to say
We cannot guarantee a future or that we will have another day.
Boy you just be lucky that you eve got today
We should appreciate every day as if it could be our last.
And though I'm barely breathing I ain't shaking in my shoes
Even though I am struggling, I am still standing strong and resilient.
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
Because I have nothing, I also have nothing to fear or regret losing.
You better double up or double down
You need to be prepared for anything and everything.
You know there ain't know way to fight it
Sometimes, there is no way to overcome or change the circumstances.
Not with your nickel plated shirt stains
Not even with something as trivial as a fancy shirt.
Not with your bottles of dilauded
Not even with something as powerful as pain medication.
You're lying in the sun drowning in the night
You are trapped in a difficult and conflicting situation.
You got everything 'cept something I can use
You may have everything, but it is not something useful or meaningful.
There's blood on every corner but momma I don't mind
Even in the midst of violence and tragedy, I am still okay with it.
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
Because I have nothing, I also have nothing to fear or regret losing.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gary James Victor Nock, Jamie Michael Evans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind