Before beginning his solo career, Fulks joined the Bluegrass band Special Consensus. Here he showcased his unique guitar playing, and appeared on the Grammy-nominated album "Hole In My Heart" released in 1989. Fulks' solo debut, "Country Love Songs" was released on Bloodshot Records in 1996 to positive reviews. This album was followed by 1997's South Mouth, which cemented Fulks' retro-alternative image.
As fans had grown used to Bloodshot's rough and sparse sound, many were shocked by the release of Fulks' third album, 1998's "Let's Kill Saturday Night," on Geffen Records. When Geffen disbanded shortly after the release of the record, Fulks found himself without a label, and did the logical thing, starting his own company, Boondoggle Records (distributed by Bloodshot), and releasing an album of previously unreleased material called "The Very Best of Robbie Fulks."
2001 saw the release of both "Couples in Trouble," a dark, brooding, and decidedly non-country album, and, just 3 months later, "13 Hillbilly Giants," a collection of covers of classic country numbers both obscure and well known.
Fulks would not release another album until 2005, when the release of "Georgia Hard" showed a return to his county roots. He also gained attention for a novelty single he wrote called "Fountains of Wayne Hotline," in which he imagined the power pop band Fountains of Wayne as having a hotline which struggling songwriters could call for help with their song structure.
Can't Win For Losing You
Robbie Fulks Lyrics
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Off running like the wind, leaving me blue
I take you back and then you break my heart again
It seems I just can't win for losing you.
We tried 1,000 times to keep this love alive
But your fickle heart just can't be true
Now I've pinned my every hope onto a lie
A man's a fool who makes the same mistake, time after time
And feels each heartache like it was brand new
Yes, I'd be rich if broken dreams were dimes
I just can't win for losing you.
The lyrics of Robbie Fulks's song Can't Win For Losing You appear to be about a relationship that is plagued with constant difficulties. The singer of the song appears to be in a dysfunctional and toxic relationship with someone who is constantly going out of control, running away, and leaving him feeling sad and blue. Despite this, the singer takes his lover back each time only to have his heart broken once again. The simple statement in the chorus, “I just can’t win for losing you”, encapsulates the frustration that the singer feels.
The second verse of the song appears to suggest that the couple have attempted to make the relationship work many times but have failed due to the fickle nature of the lover's heart. The singer even admits to pinning his hopes onto a lie, which suggests that he has been lying to himself about the true nature of the relationship. The final verse of the song suggests that the singer is aware of the futility of his situation, as he knows that he is making the same mistake repeatedly. "Yes, I'd be rich if broken dreams were dimes", indicates that the singer is used to being let down and disappointed by his partner. The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, suggesting that the struggle and disappointment will continue.
Line by Line Meaning
There you go again, out of control again
You're acting recklessly once more, ignoring any consequences or feelings I might have.
Off running like the wind, leaving me blue
You're rushing away from me like the breeze, hurting my emotions in the process.
I take you back and then you break my heart again
I forgive you each time, although you eventually hurt me again just as much.
It seems I just can't win for losing you.
No matter what I say or do, I end up worse off because I'm in love with you.
We tried 1,000 times to keep this love alive
We attempted many ways to keep the flame of our love burning brightly, but it wasn't successful.
But your fickle heart just can't be true
Unfortunately, your indecisive and inconsistent feelings prevent you from being honest or loyal.
Now I've pinned my every hope onto a lie
I've put all my trust and faith in something that is false, leading to my despair.
I just can't win for losing you.
It's always a losing situation for me, as I can never win when it comes to loving you.
A man's a fool who makes the same mistake, time after time
Repeating the same error on several occasions is a foolish act, as it never leads to positive effects.
And feels each heartache like it was brand new
Although I've experienced pain from you numerous times, each occurrence feels like a new injury.
Yes, I'd be rich if broken dreams were dimes
If every failed wish were a currency, I'd be wealthy with the wealth of disappointment from loving you.
I just can't win for losing you.
It's impossible for me to be successful when it comes to loving you because it always ends in heartbreak.
Contributed by Ella B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.