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

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.