sung by Alberta Hunter
written by Jimmie Cox
1923
Once I lived the life of a millionaire,
spending my money, I didn't care
I carried my friends out for a good time,
buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine
Then I began to fall so low,
I didn't have a friend, and no place to go
So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again,
I'm gonna hold on to it till them eagle's grin
Nobody knows you when you're down and out
In my pocket not one penny,
and my friends I haven't any
But If I ever get on my feet again,
then I'll meet my long lost friend
It's mighty strange, without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you're down and out
I mean when you down and out
Mmmmm, when you're down and out,
mmmmm, not one penny
And my friends I haven't any,
mmmmm, well I felt so low
Nobody wants me round their door,
mmmmm, without a doubt,
No man can use you when you're down and out
I mean when you down and out
thanks, Alex, for bringing this back into my memory...