"Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" is a blues standard written by pianist Jimmie Cox in 1923 and originally performed in a Vaudeville-blues style in the aftermath of the 1920–1921 U.S. economic depression.

A later 1929 recording by Bessie Smith became popular during the early years of the Great Depression due to the lyrics highlighting the fleeting nature of material wealth and the friendships that come and go with it.

[1] Reflecting this unexpected economic downturn, the song's lyrics form a cautionary tale about the fickle nature of fortune and its attendant relationships: Once I lived the life of a millionaire, spendin' my money I didn't have a care I carried my friends out for a good time, buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine When I begin to fall so low, I didn't have a friend and no place to go So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again, I'm gonna hold on to it 'til them eagles grin Nobody knows you, when you down and out In my pocket not one penny, and my friends I haven't any The song is a moderate-tempo blues with ragtime-influences, which follows an eight-bar progression Playⓘ:[2][3] Although "Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out" was copyrighted in 1923, the first known publication did not appear until a recording of 1927.

Blues and jazz musician Bobby Leecan, who recorded with various ensembles such as the South Street Trio, Dixie Jazzers Washboard Band, and Fats Waller's Six Hot Babies, recorded "Nobody Needs You When You're Down and Out" under the name "Blind Bobby Baker and his guitar", with his vocal and guitar.

[4] The second known recording of the song was on January 11, 1929, by an obscure vocal quartet, the Aunt Jemima Novelty Four, first to use the now-familiar title, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out".

[10] When he was an art student in the early 1960s, Eric Clapton was attracted to London's folk music scene and the fingerpicking acoustic guitar-style of Big Bill Broonzy.

[11] In 1970, he recorded a group version with his band, Derek and the Dominos, for their debut album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.

The recording took place at the Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, with Jim Gordon (drums), Carl Radle (bass), Bobby Whitlock (organ), and Duane Allman (slide guitar).