Nothing From Nothing

Billy Preston

About Nothing From Nothing

"Nothing from Nothing" is a song written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher and recorded by Billy Preston for his 1974 album The Kids & Me. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in October 1974, becoming Preston's second solo chart-topper in the United States (following his 1973 hit "Will It Go Round in Circles"). It spent four and a half months on the chart. Preston performed "Nothing from Nothing" later on Saturday Night Live—the first musical performance ever on the show. The song was also used in late 2002 for all GM brand commercials, and prominently featured in the 2008 film Be Kind Rewind. 


Year:
2000
2:38
109 
#2

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Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you want to be with me
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you want to be with me

I'm not tryin' to be your hero
'Cause that zero is too cold for me, Brrr
I'm not tryin' to be your highness
'Cause that minus is too low to see, yeah

Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
And I'm not stuffin', believe you me
Don't you remember I told ya
I'm a soldier in the war on poverty, yeah
Yes, I am

Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you want to be with me
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you want to be with me

You gotta have somethin' if you want to be with me
You gotta bring me somethin' girl, if you want to be with me

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Billy Preston

William Everett "Billy" Preston (September 2, 1946 – June 6, 2006) was an American musician whose work included R&B, rock, soul, funk and gospel. Preston became famous first as a session musician with such artists as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Beatles, and was later successful as a solo artist with such hit pop singles as "Outa-Space", its sequel, Space Race", "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from Nothing", and a string of albums and guest appearances with artists like Eric Clapton and Red Hot Chili Peppers. more »

2 fans

Written by: Billy Preston, Bruce Carleton Fisher

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Nothing from Nothing" was released by Billy Preston in 1974. It came out as the lead single from his album ‘The Kids & Me’.
Album Recognition
The album ‘The Kids & Me,’ which featured the song, was Preston’s eighth studio album.
Chart Success
"Nothing from Nothing" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It hit number 1 on October 19, 1974.
Songwriters
The song was written by Billy Preston himself along with Bruce Fisher. This pair also co-wrote 'Will It Go Round in Circles'.
Grammy Nominations
While the song itself did not receive any Grammy nominations, Billy Preston did earn a Grammy nomination in 1974 for Best R&B Song for a different track.
Distinct Introduction
The song is well-known for its lyrical opening line, "I'm not trying to be your hero, 'cause that zero is too cold for me, Brrr."
Unique Lyrics
The title of the song, "Nothing from Nothing," comes from an old English proverb that means "you can't get something from nothing."
Artist Recognition
Billy Preston is known as the 'Fifth Beatle,' because he frequently collaborated with The Beatles and is one of the few artists credited on a Beatles recording.
Media Appearances
The song was later featured in popular films such as "Blades of Glory" and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy".
Sheet Music
The music score for "Nothing from Nothing" is arranged for piano, guitar, and vocals, highlighting Preston's signature keyboard skills.
Cover Versions
Several musicians and performers have covered the song, most notably Morris Day, who included a version of it on his album "It's About Time" in 2004.
Genre Classification
"Nothing from Nothing" is often classified as Soul and Funk music, reflecting the prominent African American musical traditions of the 60s and 70s.
Significance
The song is one of Billy Preston's most popular tracks, and it continues to receive airplay on classic soul radio stations.

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    Nothing From Nothing

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #1


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