It's been a long, strange trip for this outfit, which formed from the ashes of various collegiate bar bands in and around Berkeley, CA in 1994. The band has since released 7 albums on 5 different national labels, had 12 different members, logged over 50,000 miles, played hundreds of shows, contributed music to numerous film and television projects, and generally endured all manner of threats and pitfalls that haunt any band who dares to shoulder the Mantle of Rock. However, some things have never changed: Kelly on the skins, Scanlin on the wires/mics, and an unswerving dedication to and obsession with writing Songs. For Actionslacks the melody is key. It doesn't always have to be pretty, but if you don't have one, you don't have a song.
The penultimate album, Kids with Guitars, was an EP the band produced over the course of seven days in May of 2008, following a year of songwriting, demoing, and practicing (though never in the same room). It was initially released on-line (http://slacksaction.com/) on a pay-what-you-want basis, but is now available through iTunes and similar digital retailers or, more recently, as a CD release available through CDBaby.
The self-titled Actionslacks was recorded in mid-November 2009 and while it was slated for a Spring 2010 release, delays resulted in a release in early-October 2012.
We Are Not the Losers
Actionslacks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That no one ever does
My observations though the days
We did it just because
We've come a long way, baby, now
And how
And she won't like us now
It's never gonna end
But please don't worry
'Cause I am not alone
And you are not alone
And we will always have the right to say
That we are not the losers anymore, anymore
Yeah we are not the losers anymore
It's the way you play those things
It kills me every time
It's the way you keep your cool
When I lose my mind
You're not singing
But you'll never be unsung
Unsung
And it's true, that he didn't like us then
She won't like us now
It's never gonna end
But please don't worry
'Cause I am not alone
And you are not alone
And we will always have the right to say
That we are not the losers anymore, anymore
Yeah we are not the losers
We are not the losers
We are not the losers anymore, anymore
The lyrics to Actionslacks's song We Are Not the Losers convey a message of resilience and defiance in the face of rejection and adversity. The opening lines, "It's the little things you say, that no one ever does", suggest a sense of disappointment and disillusionment, possibly with society or with people in general. However, the following line, "My observations though the days, we did it just because", seems to imply that the lack of action or follow-through has not deterred the singer from trying to make a difference.
The chorus, "And it's true, that he didn't like us then, and she won't like us now, it's never gonna end, but please don't worry", acknowledges that the disapproval or indifference of others is a recurring theme in the singer's life, but reassures themself and others that they are not alone in their struggle. The repetition of the phrase "we are not the losers anymore" reinforces the idea that the singer and their allies are actively pushing back against the idea that they are somehow lesser or inferior.
The second verse, "It's the way you play those things, it kills me every time, it's the way you keep your cool, when I lose my mind", suggests that the singer has a close relationship with someone who inspires them or gives them strength. The line "you're not singing, but you'll never be unsung" implies that this person may not be in the spotlight or receive recognition, but their contributions are still meaningful and valuable.
Overall, We Are Not the Losers is a song about perseverance and support in the face of adversity. It encourages listeners to not give up on their beliefs or their goals, even if others don't understand or approve.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the little things you say
The singer is impressed by the small acts of kindness in their relationship.
That no one ever does
Despite being common sense, it seems like no one else in the world demonstrates the same level of care.
My observations through the days
Over time, the singer has noticed and appreciated the consistent loving gestures in their relationship.
We did it just because
The actions were done out of love and affection, without any ulterior motive or expectation of reward.
We've come a long way, baby, now
The artist reflects on the progress they've made in their relationship over time.
And how
The singer enthusiastically agrees with the previous line, emphasizing how far they've come.
And it's true, that he didn't like us then
Someone in the past was against the singer and their loved one, but they persisted and overcame this negativity.
And she won't like us now
Someone in the present is not supportive of the artist and their loved one, but they choose not to dwell on this negativity.
It's never gonna end
Negativity towards their relationship will always exist in some form, but the artist and their loved one choose not to let it affect them.
But please don't worry
The artist reassures their loved one that they have nothing to fear, as they are not alone in their relationship struggles.
'Cause I am not alone
The singer feels like a united force with their loved one against the negativity aimed towards them.
And you are not alone
The artist reminds their loved one that they too have the artist's support in their relationship.
And we will always have the right to say
The singer and their loved one maintain their agency and the right to express themselves despite any external negativity.
That we are not the losers anymore, anymore
They will no longer be defeated by the negativity aimed towards them and can confidently claim that they are not losers in their relationship.
It's the way you play those things
The singer admires the way their loved one handles challenges and obstacles in their relationship.
It kills me every time
The artist is emotionally moved and impressed by their loved one's strength and resilience.
It's the way you keep your cool
The artist values their loved one's ability to remain calm and rational in difficult and stressful situations.
When I lose my mind
The singer acknowledges that they can be emotional and passionate in their reactions, but their loved one's ability to stay composed balances them out.
You're not singing
The singer acknowledges that their loved one is not the most vocal or expressive about their emotions, but they still appreciate and value their presence in their life.
But you'll never be unsung
Despite not being outwardly expressive, the artist will always hold their loved one in high esteem and appreciate their contribution to their relationship.
We are not the losers
The artist reiterates that they refuse to be beaten down by the negativity aimed towards them, and choose to see themselves as winners in their relationship.
Anymore, anymore
They will no longer tolerate or succumb to the negativity aimed towards them in their relationship.
Contributed by Logan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.