"Nobody Wants to Know" by Gilbert O'Sullivan tells the story of a once-beloved musician who is now struggling to find success and recognition in the industry. The narrator reminisces about the time when he was hailed as a prodigal son, loved by everyone. However, things have changed, and wherever he goes, nobody seems to want to know him anymore. The song highlights the frustration and disappointment the narrator feels as he tries to have meetings and promote his music, just as he did when he first started out. Despite his efforts, nobody shows any interest in him or his work. The lyrics suggest that the narrator made a conscious decision to create an image for himself at a time when people didn't mind abusive behavior and valued image above all else. However, this decision seems to have backfired, as it resulted in him being disregarded by the industry. The song also touches on the difficulty of aging as a singer and the limited market for artists of a certain age unless they are deceased. The narrator is told that his new songs are great, but there is no market for a singer of his age unless he's dead. The lyrics reference famous artists like Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and Elvis, who gained more success after their deaths than when they were alive. Throughout the song, the narrator expresses his hope that he will eventually succeed, but he acknowledges that for the moment, nobody wants to know or support him. He feels neglected and rejected, with even his guardian angel seemingly nervous about his situation. The song ends with the narrator questioning his own self-worth and canceling a show because nobody wants to know or support him. Overall, "Nobody Wants to Know" portrays the struggle and disillusionment of a musician who was once praised but is now facing rejection and neglect in the industry. Gilbert O'Sullivan uses these lyrics to convey the challenges and frustrations that artists may face in their careers, emphasizing the importance of recognition and support.
