I Ain't Got Nobody
Woody Guthrie Lyrics


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I ain't got nobody, ain't nobody got me
I'm just like a little apple, hanging on a tree
Don't nobody want me, I can plainly see
I ain't got nobody, and ain't nobody got me

I ain't got nobody, ain't nobody got me
I'm just like a chunk of wood floating on the sea
Don't nobody want me, I can plainly see
I ain't got nobody, and ain't nobody got me





Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Woody Guthrie's "I Ain't Got Nobody" convey a sense of loneliness and isolation. The repetition of the refrain "I ain't got nobody, ain't nobody got me" drives home the message of the song. The line "I'm just like a little apple, hanging on a tree" paints a picture of the singer as vulnerable and hanging in the balance. The line "I'm just like a chunk of wood floating on the sea" further emphasizes the singer's lack of control and direction.


Throughout the song, Woody Guthrie uses a simple and direct vocabulary, which echoes the folksy and bluesy influences of the song. Additionally, the repetitive structure of the song is a reflection of other folk and blues songs. It creates a sense of familiarity and allows the listener to focus on the feeling and meaning of the song.


The lyrics of "I Ain't Got Nobody" have touched many people who resonate with the sense of loneliness communicated in the song. It is a timeless classic that speaks to the human condition and the need for companionship and belonging.


Line by Line Meaning

I ain't got nobody, ain't nobody got me
I am alone in the world and do not have anyone close to me


I'm just like a little apple, hanging on a tree
I am vulnerable and helpless, like a small fruit hanging from a tree


Don't nobody want me, I can plainly see
It is clear to me that no one wants to be with me or care for me


I ain't got nobody, and ain't nobody got me
I am completely alone and have no one to rely on or share my life with


I'm just like a chunk of wood floating on the sea
I am lost and aimless, like a piece of wood drifting in the vastness of the ocean


Don't nobody want me, I can plainly see
I am unwanted and rejected by others, and this fact is undeniable


I ain't got nobody, and ain't nobody got me
I am utterly alone, with no one to turn to or seek support from




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WOODY GUTHRIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@erastusndakize4765

This song reminds me of the days I was dead broke 😢😢

@forslavjo

This is one of my all-time favorite songs.

Woody knows how to say it.

@rexzens

it is my favorite song

@LoisGavros

That is one of the most lonesome tunes I've ever heard.

@nikkythanh

SUPERBE !!! grand merci à ce grand homme et sacré artiste !! militant avant tout !! souvenez  vous !

@antiwar94

This is so relatable to me. I believe it sums up most of my life. Especially the past couple years. And that's not a good thing.

@Fintan33

its all relative

@lucasgoncalves4390

My life theme song

@DreKC

Damn. He speaks it straight from the heart..

@LaughingatpainUSAway

Much respect, all round. Thanks for posting this.

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