Traveling Wilburys – Nobody’s Child

This song was not on an official Wilburys album. It was on a benefit album Nobody’s Child: Romanian Angel Appeal (a charity album released in 1990 to benefit Romanian orphans) released in 1990.  It was written by Cy Coben and Mel Foree. Hank Snow did this song in the 50s and it didn’t chart for him. In the UK Lonnie Donegan covered this song also.

George was very familiar with the song. This was a song that the Beatles backed Tony Sheridan with as the Beat Brothers before they became known. The song is a sad song and what caught my attention in the Wilburys version is Jeff Lynne’s high vocal through the second chorus…beautiful song.

All the Wilburys vocals are wonderful in this song.

Nobody’s Child

As I was slowly passing, an orphans home today
I stopped for just a little while to watch the children play
A lone boy standin’, and when I asked him why
He turned with eyes that could not see, and he began to cry

I’m nobody’s child, I’m nobody’s child
Just like a flower I’m growin’ wild
No mama’s arms to hold me no daddy’s smile
Nobody wants me, I’m nobody’s child

In every town and village
There are places just like this
With rows and rows of children
And babies in their cribs

They’ve long since stopped their cryin’
As no-one ever hears
And no-one there to notice them or take away their fears

Nobody’s child, they’re nobody’s child
Just like a flower they’re growin wild
No mama’s arms to hold them, no daddy’s smile
Nobody wants them they’re nobody’s child

Nobody’s child, they’re nobody’s child
Just like a flower they’re growin wild
No mama’s arms to hold them, no daddy’s smile
Nobody wants them they’re nobody’s child
Nobody wants them they’re nobody’s child

Author: Badfinger (Max)

Power Pop fan, Baseball, Beatles, Alternative music, old movies, and tv show fan. Also anything to do with pop culture in the 60s and 70s... I'm also a songwriter, bass and guitar player. Not the slightest bit interested in politics at all. View all posts by Badfinger (Max)