Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out was a song of the Great Depression, but it's how I feel now when I'm down and out with disability and pain.
I've discussed this song elsewhere in this blog but it keeps coming back for me so here it is again! This time with more background and a performance by the great Bessie Smith!
Here's more about that song!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobody_Knows_You_When_You%27re_Down_and_Out
It was written by James Cox in 1923 and first recorded by Bessie Smith. Many have sung it since, but none like Bessie Smith, so listen here:
bessie smith nobody knows you when you're down and out
Here are the words so you can sing along!
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
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