Introduction
Tom Jones’ “I Who Have Nothing”: A Soulful Ballad of Unrequited Love
Released in 1970, “I Who Have Nothing” is a powerful and emotive ballad that showcases Tom Jones’ remarkable vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion. While not an original composition, Jones’ rendition of this Italian song, originally titled “Uno dei tanti” (One of Many), became a global hit, reaching the top 5 in both the UK and the US and solidifying Jones’ position as an international superstar.
Penned by the Italian songwriting duo Carlo Donida and Giulio Rapetti (Mogol) in 1963, the song’s English lyrics, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, transformed it into a poignant expression of unrequited love and longing. The narrator, deeply in love with someone who is seemingly unattainable, laments their lack of material possessions and their inability to compete with a wealthier suitor.
Jones’ passionate delivery and the song’s soaring melody create a captivating and heartbreaking listening experience. The lyrics, filled with raw emotion and vulnerability, resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of unrequited love or the frustration of feeling inadequate in the face of a rival.
“I Who Have Nothing” showcases Jones’ versatility as a performer, demonstrating his ability to interpret songs with depth and sincerity. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. It continues to touch the hearts of listeners today, reminding us of the power of love to transcend material possessions and the enduring pain of unrequited affection.