Derek and the Dominos

Released: November 9, 1970

Songwriter: Jimmy Cox

Producer: Derek and the Dominos Tom Dowd

Once I lived the life of a millionaire
Spent all my money, I just did not care
Took all my friends out for a good time
Bought bootleg whiskey, champagne and wine

Then I began to fall so low
Lost all my good friends, I did not have nowhere to go
If I get my hands on a dollar again
I'm gonna hang on to it till that eagle grins, yeah

'Cause no, no, nobody knows you
When you're down and out
In your pocket, not one penny
And as for friends, you don't have any

When you finally get back up on your feet again
Everybody wants to be your old long-lost friend
Said it's mighty strange, without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you're down and out, yeah

But when you finally get back up on your feet again
Everybody wants to be your good old long-lost friend
Said it's mighty strange, yeah
Nobody knows you
Nobody knows you
Nobody knows you when you're down and out

Derek and the Dominos were a blues rock jam band formed in the spring of 1970 by guitarist and singer Eric Clapton, keyboardist and singer Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon. They had previously played together in Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. Dave Mason supplied additional lead guitar on early studio sessions and played at their first live gig.

The band released only one studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The album went on to receive critical acclaim, but initially faltered in sales and in radio airplay. Although released in 1970 it was not until March 1972 that the album’s single “Layla” (a tale of unrequited love inspired by Clapton’s relationship with his friend George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd) made the top ten in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album, which has received praise from critics and fans alike, is often considered to be the defining achievement of Clapton’s career.

more tracks from the album

Live at the Fillmore

From the albums

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)
Live at the Fillmore (1994)

Derek and the Dominos popular songs

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and OutDerek and the Dominos

Derek and the Dominos

Live at the Fillmore