Nobody
The Tale of Unreciprocated Kindness in Cécile McLorin Salvant's "Nobody
Lyrics
When life seems full of clouds an' rain
Expressing a feeling of hardship and difficulty in life.
And I am filled with naught but pain,
Describing personal emotional pain and distress.
Who soothes my thumpin' bumpin' brain?
Seeking solace or comfort for a troubled mind.
Nobody!
Declaring that there is no one to provide the needed solace or comfort.
When winter comes with snow an' sleet
Describing the challenges of winter, including hunger and cold.
And me with hunger and cold feet
Expressing personal struggles with harsh winter conditions.
Who says, "Here's twenty-five cents, go ahead and get somethin' to eat"?
Highlighting a lack of support and generosity from others during difficult times.
Nobody!
Reiterating the absence of assistance or aid from anyone.
I ain't never done nothin' to nobody
Claiming innocence and asserting not having harmed anyone.
I ain't never got nothin' from nobody, no time!
Stating a history of not receiving help or support from others.
And until I get somethin' from somebody
Expressing a refusal to help others until receiving assistance.
I will never do nothing for nobody, no time!
Declaring a commitment to reciprocate only after receiving something from others.
When summer comes all cool and clear
Describing the pleasantness of summer and the proximity of friends.
And my friends seen me drawing near
Highlighting the observation of friends approaching during the enjoyable season.
Who says, "Come on, let's have a beer"?
Illustrating the absence of an invitation or offer from friends.
Nobody!
Reiterating the lack of supportive gestures from others.
When I was in that railroad wreck
Recalling a past traumatic event, possibly a metaphor for personal struggles.
And thought I'd cashed in my last check
Expressing a moment of despair and feeling near the end.
Who took the engine off my neck?
Posing a rhetorical question about who saved or helped during the difficult time.
Nobody!
Affirming that no one came to the rescue during the challenging situation.
I ain't never done nothin' to nobody
Reiterating a lack of harm or wrongdoing towards others.
I ain't never got nothin' from nobody, no time!
Restating the history of not receiving anything from others.
And until I get somethin' from somebody
Reaffirming the commitment to reciprocate only after receiving something.
I will never do nothing for nobody, no time!
Emphasizing the persistent refusal to help others until personal needs are met.
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