The song "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" by Peter Green Splinter Group is a blues track originally written by Jimmy Cox in 1923. The lyrics depict a rich man who loses all his money and falls into despair, only to realize that his supposed friends abandon him in his time of need. The narrator describes a life of luxury where they were once a millionaire, living a carefree existence. They spent extravagantly on their friends, treating them to parties with bootleg whiskey, champagne, and wine. However, when the narrator's fortune takes a tumble, they lose all of their so-called friends and find themselves with nowhere to go. The lyrics express the narrator's desperation and longing to regain their wealth. They declare that if they ever come across a dollar again, they will hold onto it tightly, indicating a newfound appreciation for money. The phrase "till that eagle grins" refers to the bald eagle on the back of the dollar bill, symbolizing the narrator's determination not to let go of their financial security. The chorus of the song emphasizes the cold reality that nobody loves or cares for you when you are down and out. The narrator finds themselves penniless, with no friends to turn to for support. The lack of money is also reflected in the line "In your pocket not one penny," emphasizing their dire situation. However, the song takes a twist in the last verse, as the narrator implies that once they manage to get back on their feet, everyone suddenly wants to be their friend again. The lyrics express the irony and hypocrisy of people who only befriend others when they are in a position of power or wealth. Overall, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" reflects the theme of the fleeting nature of friendships based on external circumstances such as money and social status. It explores the idea that true friends are those who stick by your side even during your lowest moments, and that material wealth can often cloud people's true intentions.
