I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues

Emptiness in Melancholy: Lou Rawls' Portrayal of Desolation
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Lyrics

Ain't got the change of a nickel

Affirms the lack of money, even a small amount.

Ain't got no bounce in my shoes

Expresses a lack of energy or enthusiasm.

Ain't go no fancy to tickle

No interest in extravagance or luxury.

I ain't got nothing but the blues

Emphasizes an overall feeling of having nothing but sadness.


Ain't got no coffee that's perking

No hot, stimulating coffee available.

Ain't got no winnings to lose

No winnings in gambling, nothing to risk or lose.

Ain't got a dream that is working

No working dreams or aspirations.

I ain't got nothing but the blues

Reiterates the theme of having nothing but the blues.


When trumpets flare up

Reference to a musical moment with trumpets playing.

I keep my hair up

Symbolizes maintaining composure despite challenges.

I just can't make it come down

Difficulty in overcoming emotional struggles.

Believe me peppie

Addressing someone affectionately, possibly a nickname.

I can't get happy

Struggling to find joy or contentment.

Since my ever loving baby left town

The narrator's sadness since their loved one departed.


Ain't got no rest in my slumbers

No peaceful rest or solace during sleep.

Ain't got no feelings to bruise

Emotionally numb, incapable of being hurt further.

Ain't got no telephone numbers

No connections or relationships to maintain.

I ain't got nothing but the blues

Reiterates the central theme of having nothing but the blues.


Ain't got the change of a nickel

Repeats the lack of money, emphasizing financial struggle.

Ain't got no bounce in my shoes

Repeats the lack of energy or motivation.

Ain't go no fancy to tickle

Reiterates the absence of interest in luxury or pleasure.

I ain't got nothing but the blues

Reiterates the central theme of having nothing but the blues.


Ain't got no coffee that's perking

Highlights the absence of a warm and stimulating beverage.

Ain't got no winnings to lose

No gains or victories to experience loss in.

Ain't got a dream that is working

No dreams or aspirations coming to fruition.

I ain't got nothing but the blues

Reiterates the theme of having nothing but the blues.


I ain't got nothing but the blues

Final confirmation of the prevailing feeling of sadness.

When trumpets flare up

Repeats the reference to trumpets, signaling emotional turmoil.

I keep my hair up

Maintaining outward appearance despite internal struggles.

I just can't make it come down

Struggling to overcome emotional challenges.

Believe me peppie

Using a term of endearment, possibly to convey a personal connection.

I can't get happy

Expresses difficulty finding joy or satisfaction.

Since my ever loving baby left town

Reiterates the impact of the departed loved one on happiness.


Ain't got no rest in my slumbers

No peaceful rest during sleep.

Ain't got no feelings to bruise

Emotionally numb, lacking the capacity to feel further pain.

Ain't got no telephone numbers

No connections or relationships, symbolizing isolation.

I ain't got nothing, nothing, nothing but the blues

Emphasizes having absolutely nothing but the blues.


Ain't got no east, no west, no good, no best

No direction or choices, emphasizing a feeling of emptiness.

Ain't got no man to choose

No significant other to select, expressing loneliness.

I ain't got nothing

Reiterates the overall sentiment of having nothing.

Ain't got nothing but the blues

Concludes with a strong affirmation of having nothing but the blues.

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