Meaning of "No Expectations" by Johnny Cash

The lyrics of "No Expectations" by Johnny Cash convey a deep sense of disillusionment and resignation towards love and life. The narrator expresses a feeling of being worn out and betrayed, as indicated by the reference to once being wealthy but now feeling poor. The metaphor of love as a diamond being cast before swine paints a picture of love being wasted and unappreciated. The imagery of love being like water sparking on stone and like music, ephemeral and fleeting, adds to the sense of impermanence and disappointment. The recurring lines about being taken to the airport and having no expectations of ever returning suggest a desire to escape and move on from a painful situation, leaving behind all hopes and dreams that once existed. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a person who has been hurt and let down by love and life, leading to a sense of acceptance and resignation.