Nothing Left to Lose

Album: Nothing Left to Lose (2006)
Charted: 41
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was Mat Kearney's first single. It was the title track to his second album, which was his first on a major label. The song recounts his move from Oregon to Nashville, where he set out to make it as a singer-songwriter. The song was a success: it was certified Gold and led to national exposure for Kearney, who performed the song several popular TV shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman.

    In 2011, when we asked Kearney how he felt about the song years after writing it, he replied: "When I wrote that song it was about the unknown, and this road I've set my sights on and have no idea where it's going. If anything that's become more true every day. So in some ways it's become a self-fulfilling prophecy."

Comments: 1

  • Camille from Toronto, OhAhh...this song has a haunting melody and vocals with a touch of melancholy...simply beautiful.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."