Tom Jones – ‘I (Who Have Nothing)’: A Cry of Love from a Man with Nothing Left
“I (Who Have Nothing)” may not be written by Tom Jones, but few can argue that he didn’t own it. Released in 1970, this dramatic ballad – originally an Italian song titled Uno Dei Tanti – was adapted into English by the legendary Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. But it was Tom Jones who gave it the burning soul and anguish that made it unforgettable.
A Love That’s Watched, Not Shared
The lyrics tell the story of a man hopelessly in love with a woman he cannot have. She is being courted by a wealthy suitor who gives her “diamonds, bright sparkling diamonds.” The narrator, in contrast, has nothing. Nothing but his eyes to watch her walk away, and his voice to cry out in pain.
There’s no redemption arc. No hopeful ending. Just a raw, honest depiction of love that’s not returned. And that’s what makes it so devastating.
A Vocal Performance That Cut to the Bone
Jones’s voice in this track isn’t just powerful – it’s emotional artillery. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he lives them. With every verse, he builds tension until the final explosive cry of “I… who have nothing!” – a moment that still stuns listeners decades later.
While many artists have covered this song – from Shirley Bassey to Luther Vandross to Jordin Sparks – Tom Jones’s version remains definitive. It’s a masterclass in emotive singing.
Why We Still Cry with This Song Today
Because “having nothing” is a universal fear. Whether in love, in life, or in fleeting moments of doubt, we’ve all felt inadequate. This song reaches out to that fragile part in us that dares to love, even when it knows it can’t win.