Nobody Loves You (When You're Down And Out)
John Lennon · Lennon - Signature Box [2010]
Nobody sees you when you're on cloud nine
Everybody's hustlin' for a buck and a dime
I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine
I've been across to the other side
I've shown you everything, I got nothing to hide
And still you ask me do I love you, what it is, what it is
All I can tell you is it's all show biz
All I can tell you is it's all show biz
Nobody loves you when you're down and out
Nobody knows you when you're on cloud nine
Everybody's hustlin' for a buck and a dime
I'll scratch your back and you knife mine
I've been across the water now so many times
I've seen the one eyed witchdoctor leading the blind
And still you ask me do I love you, what you say, what you say
Everytime I put my finger on it, it slips away
Everytime I put my finger on it, it slips away
Well I get up in the morning and I'm looking in the mirror to see, ooo wee!
Then I'm lying in the darkness and I know I can't get to sleep, ooo wee!
Nobody loves you when you're old and grey
Nobody needs you when you're upside down
Everybody's hollerin' 'bout their own birthday
Everybody loves you when you're six foot in the ground
Nobody Loves You (When You're Down And Out)
Released on John Lennon's 2010 Signature Box compilation, this track stands as a poignant reflection on the emotional toll of hardship. The song captures the isolation and vulnerability felt when one's support system fails, a theme central to Lennon's later work. While often associated with his solo career, the recording draws upon the melodic sensibilities and lyrical depth that defined his contributions to The Beatles. The composition serves as a universal anthem for those navigating difficult times, emphasizing the human need for connection and the sting of being overlooked. Its inclusion in the Signature Box highlights its enduring relevance within Lennon's discography, offering a glimpse into the personal struggles that informed his artistry beyond the band's era.