Nobody knows you when you down and out [1]

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 when you down and out

I mean when you down and out.

• Artist:Bessie Smith
• Album:"Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out", Shellac, 1929, NY, 1929 Columbia (no. 14451)