Poor Loser
Rick Nelson Lyrics


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Why did you have to take my heart and break it
Why did you run away with someone new
Everybody know's I'm strong but I just can't take it
'Cause I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you

If I were a king and I lost my riches
I know that it wouldn't break my heart in two
Now my hearts in little bitty pieces
'Cause I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you

Many people lose, some are winners
So I'm left to face this world alone
This is not a game for beginners
But you were the very first love I've ever known

I know I shouldn't let you see me crying
But I feel so bad that I don't know what to do
I guess I'll hide my tears and keep on trying
'Cause I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you

Many people lose, some are winners
So I'm left to face this world alone
This is not a game for beginners
But you were the very first love I've ever known

I know I shouldn't let you see me crying
But I feel so bad that I don't know what to do
I guess I'll hide my tears and keep on trying
'Cause I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you




Yes I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you
Well I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you

Overall Meaning

In Rick Nelson's "Poor Loser" the singer laments the end of a relationship, expressing his deep sadness, hurt, and vulnerability at the loss of the love he once had. The song is framed in terms of a game or competition, where some people lose and some people win, but for the singer losing this relationship is particularly devastating. He asks his former love why she had to break his heart and run away, and notes that while he might be able to handle other losses in life, losing her has left him in pieces. He acknowledges that he shouldn't let her see him cry, but can't help feeling so bad that he doesn't know what to do.


The metaphor of losing in a game or competition is particularly resonant for the singer, as he notes that he is a "poor loser" when it comes to losing this particular love. He acknowledges that this is not a game for beginners, and that she was the first love he ever knew. The emphasis on competition and winning/losing brings up the idea of power dynamics within a relationship, perhaps suggesting that the singer feels he was at a disadvantage or that his former partner held more sway. Overall, the song paints a portrait of deep heartbreak and emotional devastation, with the singer struggling to come to terms with the loss of a love he thought would last forever.


Line by Line Meaning

Why did you have to take my heart and break it
I am hurt and heartbroken that you left me for someone else


Why did you run away with someone new
I am confused and wondering why you had to go and find someone else


Everybody know's I'm strong but I just can't take it
I am usually a strong person but this heartbreak has made me feel weak and vulnerable


'Cause I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you
I find it hard to cope when I lose the person I love


If I were a king and I lost my riches
If I had wealth and power and lost it, it wouldn't hurt me as much as losing you


I know that it wouldn't break my heart in two
Losing material things would be less painful than losing the person I love


Now my hearts in little bitty pieces
My heart has been shattered into tiny fragments by losing you


Many people lose, some are winners
In life, some people come out on top, while others don't


So I'm left to face this world alone
After losing you, I feel lonely and like I have to face the world by myself


This is not a game for beginners
Life is not easy, and it takes a strong person to face its challenges


But you were the very first love I've ever known
You were my first love, and losing you has been especially difficult for me


I know I shouldn't let you see me crying
I know I should try to hide my emotions and not let you see me feeling sad


But I feel so bad that I don't know what to do
I am overwhelmed by my emotions and don't know how to handle them


I guess I'll hide my tears and keep on trying
I will try to hide my pain and keep moving forward


'Cause I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you
Losing you has made me feel defeated and like I have lost the game of love


Yes I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you
I find it hard to cope when I lose the person I love


Well I'm a poor loser when it comes to losing you
Losing you has been especially difficult for me, and I'm not handling it well




Contributed by Caden M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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David Chernofsky

Poor LoserWritten-By – Jerry Fuller

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