Bessie Smith (1894-1937), omtalt som The Empress of the Blues, synger Nobody knows you when you’re down and out, med tekst og musikk av Jimmy Cox (1882-1925), i et opptak fra 1929.

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

When 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 ’til them eagle’s green

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’re down and out

When you’re down and out
Not one penny
And my friends, I haven’t any

I done fell so low
Nobody wants me round their door
Without a doubt
No man can use you when you’re down and out
I mean when you’re down and out