http://itunes.com/MichelGriffin or http://www.MichelGriffin.com to download more from Michel Griffin, seen here with his friend & colleague Mark Newman, at the Cahors Folk Club in SW France. A fine acoustic version of this classic, which has been covered by almost everyone from Bessie Smith to Eric Clapton, from BB King to Carla Bruni. Here are the words, which were penned by Jimmy Cox in 1923: 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 whisky, champagne and wine. Then I began to fall so low, Lost all my good friends, I did not have nowhere to go. If I ever get my hands on a dollar again, I'm gonna hang on to it till that eagle grins. 'Cause 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.