"Nothing On (But the Radio)" is a song written by Billy Steinberg and Josh Alexander[1] in 2007[2] and recorded by Lady Gaga in 2010 during Born This Way recording sessions.
In 2012, Gaga reworked song with DJ White Shadow as titled "Heard It On The Radio" during ARTPOP recording sessions, however the song didn't make onto final cut of the album[3].
In 2016, the song was given to an artist named Paris Monroe. Paris decided not to release her version, however it leaked online in 2020, Paris later confirmed that this wasn’t her singing, it is unknown who sings the version of the song. In 2022, an early demo recorded by Addison Rae leaked on social media. The song was later officially released on August 18, 2023, apart of Rae’s debut EP.
Background
The song was written in 2007 and recorded during Born This Way recording sessions in late 2010. However the song didn't make onto final cut of the album. The full demo of the song leaked in October 2010.
On July 18, 2012, Gaga was leaving her hotel in Chicago before Pitchfork Festival when the car got stuck at a red light. Some fans ran to the car which prompted Gaga to roll down the window and stick half of her body out to sign autographs. During that short moment, the song was heard playing on the radio. The song was also a contender for ARTPOP, however, the song also did not make onto the final cut. That info was proven true after huge leak of legal papers and contracts belonging to Gaga in May 2020. The files were stolen from law firm of which Gaga was a client. ARTPOP version of the song was produced by DJ White Shadow.
When RuPaul was asked which Gaga song he likes the most, he replied: "You know, I believe it’s the one I did with her called "Fashion!"; I love that song. Also, there’s this other one that’s part of this unreleased package that floated around the internet called "Nothing On (But the Radio)". I don’t know the story behind it. I have a whole album of b-sides and unreleased Lady Gaga stuff. I don’t know how I got it."
The song is potentially a reference to a quote by Marilyn Monroe:
"It's not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on."
Lyrics
I'm calling 'cause I need you.
You know I need you so desperately.
You know how bad I can get,
And you know, how good I can be.
I'm calling just to tell you,
Get here and I'll make it worth your while.
I can make you some food.
Boy, and then I can make you smile.
'Cause I've got nothing on but the radio,
And I've got nothing on for tonight.
(Nothing) Nothing on but the radio,
And I'm tuned into your station tonight,
With me tonight.
You better get here soon,
Or you know what I will do.
Got too much time on my hands.
Wait 'til I get my hands on you.
'Cause I've got nothing on but the radio,
And I've got nothing on for tonight.
(Nothing) Nothing on but the radio,
And I'm tuned into your station tonight,
With me tonight.
When you get here, boy, we can dance.
My hands in the back pockets of your pants.
I've turned the lights down low,
And I've got nothing on but the radio.
Got too much time on my hands.
Wait 'til I get my hands on you.
'Cause I've got nothing on but the radio,
And I've got nothing on for tonight.
(Nothing) Nothing on but the radio,
And I'm tuned into your station tonight,
With me tonight.
Oh, Oh, Oh
I've got nothing on but the radio,
And I've got nothing on for tonight.
(Nothing) Nothing on but the radio,
And I'm tuned into your station tonight,
With me tonight.
Credits
Original version
| Written and produced by | Billy Steinberg and Josh Alexander |
| Published by |
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Reworked version
| Written and produced by | Lady Gaga, Billy Steinberg, Josh Alexander and DJ White Shadow |
| Co-Produced by | Nick Monson and Dino Zisis |
| Recorded by | Dave Russell and Bill Malina at Record Plant, Hollywood, CA  Assisted by Benjamin Rice |
| Mixed by | Dave Russell at Record Plant, Hollywood, CA and Heard IT! Studios, North Hollywood, CA Assisted by Benjamin Rice |
| Mastering | Gene Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering, Burbank, CA
|
| Published by |
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Addison Rae version
| Written by | Billy Steinberg, Josh Alexander, Addison Rae, Madison Love, Jacob Kasher |
| Produced by | Billy Steinberg, Josh Alexander, Jack & Coke |