Nothing At All / Plain Truth

Gentle Giant · Live Rome 1974 [2000]

1. Nothing At All



Now she sits by the riverside

Watching the waters glide by,

With a sigh

And the things she put faith in

Are ripples just waving her by

With a sigh



She sees lovers pass by with much more than a kiss

Ah this - little girl who had everything finds

she's nothing at all



Now the wind seems so cold

Seems all old as it laughs at her fears

And her tears

And as ducks swim away from her

Visions of past love appear

In her tears



She sees love in his face as she tells him to go,

And so - here's a girl who had everything now

she's Nothing at all



What could she do if she saw him now;

Now that he's gone she's losing

If she could see what she's seeing now

For sure she's more than just choosing



Now she sits by the riverside

Watching the waters glide by,

With a sigh

And the things she put faith in

Are ripples just waving her by,

With a sigh



She sees lovers pass by with much more than a kiss

Ah this - little girl who had everything finds

She's nothing at all



2. Plain Truth



Why do you question

When there's no answer told?

Plain truth is nothing

You can't buy it when it's sold



Save all your money

And they won't reason why

Why all the worry?

They'll spend it when you die



Don't look for something

Plain truth is nothing,

nothing but the plain truth



You stand and wonder

Just let it warm your skin

Take all the living

Live life and let it win



Plain truth means nothing

Cry, laugh and cry again

You question answers

Born, live and die, Amen



Don't look for something

Plain truth is nothing,

nothing but the plain truth



Why do you question

When there's no answer told?

Plain truth is nothing

You can't buy it when it's sold



Save all your money

And they won't reason why

Why all the worry?

They'll spend it when you die



Don't look for something

Plain truth is nothing,

nothing but the plain truth

Nothing At All / Plain Truth

Gentle Giant's "Nothing At All / Plain Truth" stands as a quintessential example of the band's progressive rock evolution, blending complex time signatures with intricate keyboard textures. Recorded live in Rome in 1974, the track captures the group's experimental spirit during a pivotal era where they moved away from their earlier psychedelic sound toward a more structured, jazz-inflected approach. Featuring the distinctive contributions of keyboardist Mike Rutherford and drummer Dave Mason, the piece showcases the ensemble's ability to weave together disparate musical elements into a cohesive, hypnotic experience. Released on the 2000 compilation "Live Rome 1974," this recording highlights the band's commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock music, offering a dynamic performance that remains a significant part of their discography and influence on the genre.