Nobody’s Child

Mark Knopfler's song 'Nobody’s Child' tells the poignant story of a young boy who is abandoned and left to fend for himself in a harsh and unforgiving world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 'ragged kid' who is 'left alone to ramble wild,' highlighting the theme of abandonment and the struggles of growing up without guidance or support. This child, who 'never smiles and never chatters,' becomes hardened by his experiences, much like the rugged landscapes of the Sierras and the Western Plains that he roams.

As the song progresses, we learn that the boy has had to adapt to his harsh environment by learning to defend himself with 'a broken bottle,' 'his fists,' and 'a knife.' These skills are honed in the rough settings of 'bar rooms and bordellos,' suggesting a life filled with violence and vice. The boy's journey takes him towards the borders, where he encounters 'the meanest pistoleros' and falls in with a group of desperadoes. This association with outlaws further emphasizes his descent into a life of crime and lawlessness.

The refrain 'Come a'cow cow yicky yicky yea' adds a haunting, almost mocking tone to the narrative, underscoring the inevitability of the boy's fate. By the end of the song, the 'ragged kid' who was 'nobody's child' has become a figure who 'rides beside the Devil,' symbolizing his complete transformation into a hardened, morally ambiguous character. Knopfler's storytelling, combined with his evocative musical style, creates a powerful narrative about the impact of abandonment and the harsh realities of survival in a world that offers little compassion.