Doesn't Mean Anything – English Lyrics

• By: Alicia Keys
• Album: The Element of Freedom

Lyrics & Translation

Explore the poignant lyrics of Alicia Keys' "Doesn't Mean Anything" and learn how this soulful ballad uses simple language to convey deep emotions about love, loss, and the importance of human connection over material wealth. Discover how Keys' powerful delivery makes this song a timeless anthem of self-empowerment and resilience.

[English]

Used to dream of being a millionaire, without a care

But if I'm seeing my dreams, and you aren't there

'Cause it's over, that just won't be fair, darling

Rather be a poor woman living on the street, no food to eat

'Cause I don't want nobody if I have it cry

'Cause it's over when you say goodbye

...

All at once, I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything now that you're gone

From above seems I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything since you're gone

Now I see myself through different eyes, it's no surprise

Being alone would make you realize

When it's over, all in love is fair

I should've been there, I should've been there, I should've should've

All at once, I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything now that you're gone

...

From above seems I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything since you're gone

...

I know I push you away

What can I do that will say how I love

...

Take these material things

They don't mean nothing

It's you that I want

All at once, I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything now that you're gone

...

From above, seems I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything since you're gone

(I should've been there've, I should've been there, I should've should've)

All at once, I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything now that you're gone

From above, seems I had it all

But it doesn't mean anything since you're gone

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
dream /driːm/ B1	noun - a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep verb - to experience dreams during sleep
millionaire /ˌmɪljəˈneər/ C1	noun - a person whose material wealth is valued at over a million dollars or currency units
care /keər/ A2	noun - serious attention or consideration applied to doing something correctly or to avoid damage or risk verb - to feel interested or concerned about someone or something
living /ˈlɪvɪŋ/ B2	noun - the way in which a person earns money to support their life adjective - being alive or in existence
fair /fɛər/ B2	adjective - just or unbiased; reasonable noun - a public event where products or entertainment are displayed and sold
heart /hɑːt/ A2	noun - the organ that pumps blood through the body
cry /kraɪ/ A2	verb - to produce tears from the eyes as a result of emotion or pain
lie /laɪ/ B1	verb - to be in or assume a horizontal position on a surface
push /pʊʃ/ A2	verb - to apply force to move someone or something away or forwards
love /lʌv/ A2	noun - an intense feeling of deep affection verb - to feel deep affection for someone or something
want /wɑːnt/ A2	verb - to desire or wish for something
material /məˈtɪəriəl/ C1	noun - the substances or content from which something is made

Key Grammar Structures

• But if I'm seeing my dreams, and you aren't there

  ➔ Present continuous tense

  ➔ The phrase "I'm seeing" indicates an ongoing action in the present.

• Rather be a poor woman living on the street, no food to eat

  ➔ Infinitive phrase

  ➔ The phrase "to be a poor woman" uses the infinitive form to express a preference.

• All at once, I had it all

  ➔ Past simple tense

  ➔ The phrase "I had" indicates a completed action in the past.

• It doesn't mean anything now that you're gone

  ➔ Present simple tense

  ➔ The phrase "doesn't mean" indicates a general truth in the present.

• I know I push you away

  ➔ Present simple tense

  ➔ The phrase "I know" indicates a current state of awareness.

• Take these material things

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The phrase "Take these" is a command or request.

• What can I do that will say how I love

  ➔ Modal verb usage

  ➔ The phrase "can I do" expresses ability or possibility.