Along with Parsons, Chris Hillman was a key figure in the development of country rock, virtually defining America's most successful genre through his seminal work in the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers.
Lucky In Love
Chris Hillman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm lucky in love and I'm always a loser
I don't have to worry about playing to win
If somebody's heart breaks it's mine I can take it
Dumb luck and smart money's got me losin' again
I'm lucky in love and I've learned to fall easy
I can't stand bein' lonely gonna beg you to stay
Before you get to it I'm walkin' away
You rejected advances that I wasn't makin'
And you ruined the chances that I just wasn't takin'
Instrumental (Sax + Electric Guitar)
I'm lucky in love and I've left myself open
For romance with a vengeance one last rendezvous
I just can't refuse to show up for a showdown
It happened all over what can I do
I'm lucky in love and I've paid for my safety
It used to be simple a smile and a prayer
I've taken my chances but now if you need me
I'm safe and I'm sorry if I just can't be there
You rejected advances that I wasn't makin'
And you ruined the chances that I just wasn't takin'
I'm so lucky
Oh, lucky in love
Mmm, Mmm
The lyrics of Chris Hillman's "Lucky In Love" convey a sense of resignation to the inevitability of heartbreak, despite having experienced luck in finding love. The line "I'm lucky in love and I'm always a loser" sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Hillman goes on to explain that he doesn't have to try to win someone's heart because if it breaks, it's his own heart that bears the brunt of the pain. The second verse highlights his fear of loneliness, which he tries to avoid by holding onto love, even when he knows it may not last. He then recognizes that sometimes it's better to leave before getting hurt, even if it means walking away first.
The third verse reveals that Hillman may have missed out on love in the past because he didn't take enough risks or make advances, which may explain why he struggles to keep love in the present. The instrumental section that follows creates a sense of introspection, as if Hillman is reflecting on his past mistakes. In the final verse, Hillman seems to accept his fate as someone who is "lucky in love" but has paid for his safety by not taking enough chances. He acknowledges that he may not always be there for someone when they need him, but he is sorry for it nonetheless. The repeated line "You rejected advances that I wasn't makin', And you ruined the chances that I just wasn't takin'" reinforces the theme of missed opportunities and regret.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm lucky in love and I'm always a loser
Although I seem fortunate in love, I never actually win because I don't try to play the game of love to win.
I don't have to worry about playing to win
I don't feel the need to strategize or put effort into winning someone's love because I believe I am already lucky in love.
If somebody's heart breaks it's mine I can take it
If my romantic partner breaks my heart, I can handle it because I feel lucky to have even had somebody care for me in the first place.
Dumb luck and smart money's got me losin' again
Despite my apparent luck in love, my lack of strategy and financial means often cause me to end up losing my romantic relationships.
I'm lucky in love and I've learned to fall easy
Having had many romantic relationships, I've learned to fall in love quickly and easily, since I believe myself to be lucky in love.
I can't stand bein' lonely gonna beg you to stay
I hate being alone, so I'll try to make my romantic partner stay with me, even if they don't truly love me.
And then if it's certain I know you will leave me
I can tell when my partner is about to leave me, which is why I'll walk away before they can do so.
Before you get to it I'm walkin' away
If I feel like my romantic partner is going to break up with me, I'll break up with them first to save myself from heartbreak.
You rejected advances that I wasn't makin'
I was attracted to you, but didn't have the courage to make any romantic moves towards you.
And you ruined the chances that I just wasn't takin'
You indirectly prevented me from taking advantage of the romantic opportunities that were available to me, because I was so focused on you.
I'm lucky in love and I've left myself open
I'm always putting myself out there and being vulnerable in order to find new romantic relationships, despite my previous failures.
For romance with a vengeance one last rendezvous
I'm seeking a new romance with a lot of passion and enthusiasm, because I believe it will be the one that will finally work out for me.
I just can't refuse to show up for a showdown
I'll do whatever it takes to make this romantic relationship work, even if it means having a disagreement or confrontation with my partner.
It happened all over what can I do
Despite my best efforts, this romantic relationship ended up failing like so many others before it.
I'm lucky in love and I've paid for my safety
I've learned to be relatively cautious when it comes to romantic relationships, even though I believe myself to be lucky in love.
It used to be simple a smile and a prayer
In the past, I was able to easily attract romantic partners with little effort, but now it takes more than just a smile and a prayer.
I've taken my chances but now if you need me
I've put myself out there and taken risks in the past, but now I'm not as willing to do so if it means getting hurt again.
I'm safe and I'm sorry if I just can't be there
I'm more focused on my own safety and protecting myself from emotional harm, so I may not be able to be there for you emotionally the way you want me to.
I'm so lucky
Despite everything, I still feel lucky to have experienced love and its ups and downs.
Oh, lucky in love
I have a deep-rooted belief that I am lucky in love, despite my past failures and current struggles.
Mmm, Mmm
There is an unspoken feeling of ambiguity or uncertainty that accompanies the belief in being lucky in love.
Contributed by Colton K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.