Nobody Knows You (When You're Down And Out)
Otis Redding · The Dock Of The Bay [1968]
Once I lived the life
of a millionaire
Spending my money
Oh I didn't care
Taking my friends out
For a mighty good time
Oh we'd drink that good gin
Champagne and wine
But oh just as soon
As my money got low
I couldn't find nobody
And I had no place to go
And if I ever get my hands
On a dollar again
I'm gonna hold on
Till the eagle wins
Cause I found out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Lord have mercy
Yeah, yeah, now listen
Now in your pocket
There's not one penny
And all of them good friends
You found out you haven't got any
Nobody come around
But the landlord and the taxman
Your ex-wife who says
She wants more alimony
Then there's a knock on the door
And it's a woman you don't know
Says she's having your baby
She'll walk on in
But oh just as soon
as the money roll in
Here they all come sayings
That they're you're long lost friends
But if I ever get my hands
On a dollar again
I believe, I believe I'll hold on
Till the eagle wins
Cause I found out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody, nobody, nobody
of a millionaire
Spending my money
Oh I didn't care
Taking my friends out
For a mighty good time
Oh we'd drink that good gin
Champagne and wine
But oh just as soon
As my money got low
I couldn't find nobody
And I had no place to go
And if I ever get my hands
On a dollar again
I'm gonna hold on
Till the eagle wins
Cause I found out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Lord have mercy
Yeah, yeah, now listen
Now in your pocket
There's not one penny
And all of them good friends
You found out you haven't got any
Nobody come around
But the landlord and the taxman
Your ex-wife who says
She wants more alimony
Then there's a knock on the door
And it's a woman you don't know
Says she's having your baby
She'll walk on in
But oh just as soon
as the money roll in
Here they all come sayings
That they're you're long lost friends
But if I ever get my hands
On a dollar again
I believe, I believe I'll hold on
Till the eagle wins
Cause I found out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody wants you
When you're down and out
Nobody, nobody, nobody
Nobody Knows You (When You're Down And Out)
Otis Redding's 'Nobody Knows You (When You're Down And Out)' stands as a quintessential soul anthem, capturing the raw vulnerability of urban struggle. Recorded for his final studio album, The Dock Of The Bay, the track showcases Redding's signature raw vocal delivery and the band's tight, driving rhythm section. Released in 1968, the song became a defining moment of the soul revival era, blending gospel intensity with R&B sophistication. Its themes of isolation and resilience resonated deeply with audiences, cementing Redding's legacy as a master of emotional expression. The recording remains a cornerstone of the genre, frequently covered and celebrated for its authentic power and timeless message.