“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Somebody Nobody Knows” is one of those rare songs that’s as much a snapshot of a fleeting moment as it is a dive into the heart of human loneliness. Written and performed by Kris Kristofferson, the song first appeared on his 1971 album The Silver Tongued Devil and I. From the first few notes, Kristofferson’s gravelly voice and soulful lyrics paint a vivid picture of an invisible man—a stranger drifting through life, seen but unnoticed. It’s a song that speaks to the struggles of the forgotten and the overlooked, bringing attention to the shadows in which they reside.
At its core, “Somebody Nobody Knows” is about empathy. Kristofferson invites us to look beyond appearances and to recognize the humanity in others, no matter how seemingly insignificant they might appear. The lyrics tell the story of a nameless man in a café, described as “a shadowy ghost” who exists in a world that passes him by without a second glance. Kristofferson’s words are poignant, focusing on the details—the unshaven face, the cigarette smoke curling in the dim light—until the character of this anonymous figure comes alive. It’s a reminder that every stranger we pass has a story, a past, and dreams that may have crumbled along the way.
Musically, the song is simple, almost minimalist, which only adds to its impact. The stripped-back arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, letting the listener hang onto every word. It’s as if Kristofferson is sitting next to you, speaking softly, sharing a secret about a person most people would ignore. The subtle instrumentation and Kristofferson’s delivery make you feel like you’re in that smoky, lonely café, watching this man out of the corner of your eye.
But what really sets “Somebody Nobody Knows” apart is its universality. We’ve all felt like that at some point—like nobody sees us, like we’re just another face in the crowd. That’s what makes the song resonate. It’s not just about the man Kristofferson describes; it’s about every one of us who’s ever been down and out, wondering if anyone truly cares. And in the same breath, it’s a gentle nudge to look around and notice others who might be feeling the same way.
Kristofferson’s genius lies in his ability to create empathy with just a few lines. He’s not telling us to feel sorry for the man; he’s asking us to see him. To listen. To wonder. It’s a song that lingers long after it ends, making you question your own blind spots and the people you might have overlooked. That’s the beauty of “Somebody Nobody Knows.” It’s not just a song—it’s a mirror held up to the way we see each other.
Video
Lyrics
Alone in a barroom a young girl is sitting
And smiling at nothing at all
And she stares now and then at the eyes of the men
In the mirror that hangs on the wall
She’s waiting for someone and knowing there’s no one
Who cares if she comes or she goes
Just a soul in the shadows the world never sees
She’s somebody nobody knows
Someone no one’s ever known
Crying where no one can hear
Somebody’s dying alone
In a city where nobody cares
Down in the gutter an old man has fallen
Like somebody the world threw away
And the late crowd was leaving, and nobody even
Took the time to look down where he lay
The old man was crying and helplessly trying
To wipe off the stain from his clothes
Just a soul in the shadows that life left behind
He’s somebody nobody knows
Someone no one’s ever known
Crying where no one can hear
Somebody’s dying alone
In a city where nobody cares