About the song
“I Have Nothing” is a timeless ballad that showcases the unparalleled vocal prowess of the incomparable Whitney Houston. Released in 1993 as part of the iconic soundtrack for the film The Bodyguard, this song has become an enduring classic that has captivated audiences around the world. Written by the renowned duo of David Foster and Linda Thompson, and produced by Foster himself, “I Have Nothing” is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, with Houston’s powerful vocals conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The song’s success was nothing short of meteoric, with it peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It also reached number one in Canada, the top five in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and the top ten in Denmark and Portugal, cementing Houston’s status as a global superstar. The song’s impact was further solidified by its numerous nominations, including for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, and the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B Single (Female).
Throughout her illustrious career, Houston was known for her incredible live performances, and “I Have Nothing” was a staple of her concert tours and awards shows. The song has also been featured on various compilations, including Whitney: The Greatest Hits and Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances. Moreover, “I Have Nothing” has become a beloved favorite among reality television contestants, with it being covered eight times on American Idol alone. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Houston’s timeless talent and the song’s ability to evoke powerful emotions in listeners. With its soaring vocals, sweeping orchestration, and poignant lyrics, “I Have Nothing” is a must-listen for fans of classic pop and R&B music.
Video
Lyrics
Share my life
Take me for what I am
‘Cause I’ll never change
All my colors for you
Take my love
I’ll never ask for too much
Just all that you are
And everything that you do
I don’t really need to look
Very much further
I don’t wanna have to go
Where you don’t follow
I won’t hold it back again
This passion inside
Can’t run from myself
There’s nowhere to hide
Don’t make me close one more door
I don’t wanna hurt anymore
Stay in my arms if you dare
Or must I imagine you there
Don’t walk away from me
I have nothing, nothing, nothing
If I don’t have you, you, you, you, you, you
You see through
Right to the heart of me
You break down my walls
With the strength of your love, mm
I never knew
Love like I’ve known it with you
Will a memory survive
One I can hold on to?
I don’t really need to look
Very much further
I don’t wanna have to go
Where you don’t follow
I won’t hold it back again
This passion inside
I can’t run from myself
There’s nowhere to hide
Your love I’ll remember forever
Don’t make me close one more door
I don’t want to hurt anymore
Stay in my arms if you dare
Or must I imagine you there
Don’t walk away from me
I have nothing, nothing, nothing
Don’t make me close one more door
I don’t wanna hurt anymore
Stay in my arms if you dare
Or must I imagine you there
Don’t walk away from me
No, don’t walk away from me
Don’t you dare walk away from me
I have nothing, nothing, nothing
If I don’t have you, you
If I don’t have you, oh, oh