Story Behind The Song
A cover of a Bessie Smith classic
Song Description
Full bodied and bluesy with only a guitar and trumpet backing up powerful female vocals.
| Song Length |
4:00 |
Genre |
Blues - Traditional, Jazz - Standards |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Gracious, Cross |
Subject |
Poverty, Change |
| Similar Artists |
Bessie Smith, Pokey Lafarge |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1920 - 1929 |
| |
Lyrics
Once I lived the life of a millionaire,
Spending my money, I didn't care
I carried my friends out for a good time,
Buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine
Then I began to fall so low,
I didn't have a friend, and no place to go
So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again,
I'm gonna hold on to it till them eagle's grin
Nobody knows you when you down and out
In my pocket not one penny,
And my friends I haven't any
But If I ever get on my feet again,
Then I'll meet my long lost friend
It's mighty strange, without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you down and out
I mean when you down and out
Mmmmm, when you're down and out,
Mmmmm, not one penny
And my friends I haven't any,
Mmmmm, well I felt so low
Nobody wants me round their door,
Mmmmm, without a doubt,
No man can use you wen you down and out
I mean when you down and out