Meaning of "Nobody" by Johnny Cash

"Nobody" is a poignant reflection on the feeling of being unnoticed and unacknowledged in a world that often seems indifferent. The narrator describes moments of hardship and struggle, such as feeling hungry and cold in wintertime or being lonely and in need of companionship in summertime, but finding no one to offer assistance or comfort. The repeated refrain of "I ain't never done nothin' to nobody, I ain't never got nothin' from nobody, no time" reinforces a sense of resentment and disillusionment with a world that appears to offer little in the way of support or kindness. Despite this, the narrator maintains a sense of pride and self-worth, refusing to offer any help or kindness to others until they receive it in return. This stance can be seen as a form of self-preservation in the face of constant disappointment and neglect, highlighting the importance of reciprocity in human relationships.