Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out

by Eric Clapton

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Lyrics

(C)Once I lived a (E7)life of a mil lion aire,

spent all my (A7)mon ey, did n’t (Dm)have an y cares,

took all my (F#dim7)friends out for a (C)might y good (A7)time.

We bought boot leg liq uor,

cham pagne and wine.

Then I be gan to fall so low,

lost all my (A7)good friends, had (Dm)no where to go.

If I get my (F#dim7)hands on a dol (C)lar a (A7)gain,

I’ll hang on to it ’til that (G7)old ea gle grins be cause no (E7)bod y knows you

when you’re (A7)down and out.

In your pock (F#dim)et,

(C)not one pen ny,

and as for friends, you (G7)don’t have an y.

When you get back on your feet a gain,

ev ’ry bod y (A7)wants to be your (Dm)long lost friend.

I said it straight with (C)out an y (A7)doubt,

no bod y knows you when you’re down and out.

(C)Once I lived a (E7)life of a mil lion aire,

spent all my (A7)mon ey, did n’t (Dm)have an y cares,

took all my (F#dim7)friends out for a (C)might y good (A7)time.

We bought boot leg liq uor,

cham pagne and wine.

Then I be gan to fall so low,

lost all my (A7)good friends, had (Dm)no where to go.

If I get my (F#dim7)hands on a dol (C)lar a (A7)gain,

I’ll hang on to it ’til that (G7)old ea gle grins be cause no (E7)bod y knows you

when you’re (A7)down and out.

In your pock (F#dim)et,

(C)not one pen ny,

and as for friends, you (G7)don’t have an y.

When you get back on your feet a gain,

ev ’ry bod y (A7)wants to be your (Dm)long lost friend.

I said it straight with (C)out an y (A7)doubt,

no bod y knows you when you’re down and out.

no bod y knows you,

no bod y knows you,

no bod y knows you when you’re down and out.

Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out by Eric Clapton — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out” by Eric Clapton in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 100 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out" use?
Just 12 chords: A7, B9, C, C9, D7, Dm, E7, F, +4 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Eric Clapton songs work for kids?
Try "RUNNING ON FAITH", "BELIEVE IN LIFE", "MY FATHER'S EYES". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.