Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out
Nina Simone · Other Songs - Nina Simone
Spending my money, I didn't care
Takin' my friends out for a mighty good time
Buyin' bootleg liquor, champagne and wine
Then I began to fall so low
Couldn't find me no friends, had no place to go
If I ever get my hands on a dollar again
I'm gonna hold on to it, till the eagle grins
I said, nobody knows you when you're down and out
In your pockets, you ain't got one penny
And your friends, you didn't have any
Just as soon as you get upon your feet again
Here they all come, they say
That they're your long-lost friend
Oh Lord, without a doubt
Nobody wants you, nobody needs you
Nobody wants you when you're down and out
I say nobody wants you, nobody needs you
Nobody wants you when you're down and out
Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out
Nina Simone's rendition of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out" stands as a definitive interpretation of the classic blues standard. Known for her unique fusion of jazz, classical, and soul, Simone imbued the track with her signature emotional intensity and dramatic flair. Her performance transforms the song into a powerful statement on isolation and resilience, showcasing her ability to convey deep feeling through vocal nuance and piano accompaniment. This recording highlights her status as a pivotal figure in American music, bridging genres and generations. The song remains a testament to her enduring influence, capturing the raw vulnerability that defined much of her celebrated discography and solidifying her legacy as one of the most important artists of the twentieth century.