The song "I (Who Have Nothing)" was originally written and released in 1963 by Italian singer-songwriter Luigi Tenco as "Io che non vivo (senza te)". The English version was later popularized by Joe Cocker in 1970. The lyrics depict a person who feels inadequate and unworthy in comparison to someone else. They confess their love for this person, acknowledging that they have nothing material to offer, yet their love is genuine and immense. The speaker describes themselves as a nobody, lacking possessions and status, while pointing out that another person, referred to as "he," may provide lavish gifts like diamonds and worldly pleasures. However, the speaker believes that this other person will never love the beloved in the same way they do. The song also touches upon envy and longing for the beloved. While "he" can take the beloved to fancy places and events, the speaker can only watch from a distance with longing and jealousy. They express sorrow as they see the beloved in the arms of someone else, emphasizing that it is they who truly love the beloved. Overall, "I (Who Have Nothing)" is about unrequited love, feeling inadequate, and the pain of seeing someone you love be with someone else. It conveys the strong emotion and vulnerability of the speaker, who despite having nothing, loves the beloved with all their heart.
