Bessie Smith - Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out Lyrics

(Ida Cox / B. Feldman)

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