Although the band started out playing at Christian music festivals, they shun the label of "Christian rock," with singer and guitarist Jon Foreman saying, "For us, it's a faith, not a genre. We've always been very open and honest about where the songs are coming from. For us, these songs are for everyone. Calling us `Christian rock' tends to be a box that closes some people out and excludes them. And that's not what we're trying to do. Music has always opened my mind -- and that's what we want." They started out on Charlie Peacock's label "re:think" and spent several years appearing at Christian festivals and enjoying Christian radio hits. Most of their early tours were with Christian bands and both of the band's new members were borrowed from Christian bands.
Switchfoot did not see success outside of the Christian rock scene until they were featured alongside singer Mandy Moore on the A Walk To Remember soundtrack. The band's first true commercial success came in 2003 with the release of their fourth major label (and first mainstream label) offering, The Beautiful Letdown. The album went on to sell more than 2 million albums and Switchfoot became the most popular rock band to be associated with Christian music.
They were featured on the British Edition of the Spiderman II soundtrack along with the likes of Taking Back Sunday and Dashboard Confessional to name a few, in 2004 with the song 'Meant To Live'.
In 2005 Switchfoot released "Nothing Is Sound". The album went gold within 3 months and received much critical acclaim.
Switchfoot's highly anticipated album, titled "Oh! Gravity." was released on December 26th, 2006.
On November 10th, 2009, Switchfoot released their first album produced under their own label, lowercase people. "Mess of Me", a single from the album released months before the CD, has enjoy chart-topping radio plays since its release.
In 2010 Switchfoot released their album, "Hello Hurricane".
On September 27th, 2011, to much anticipation and excitement, Switchfoot released their newest album, "Vice Verses".
Sites:
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The Loser
Switchfoot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They've got nothin to prove
They'll leave the world with nothing to lose
You can laugh at the weirdos now
wait till wrongs are right
They'll be the ones with nothing to hide
'Cause I've been thinking, thinking
I've got a contract pending on eternity
If I haven't already given it away
I've got a plan to lose it all
I've been the burnout kid
I've been the idiot
I'll turn the other cheek to be hit
You can take what you want from me
Empty me till I'm depleated
I'll be around if I'm ever needed
I wrote this song for you
To show how I'm selling out
I'll take the benefit of the doubt
Switchfoot's "The Loser" is a song about the idea that those who are viewed as "losers" in society might actually be the ones who have it all figured out. The chorus of the song repeats the idea, "only the losers win," suggesting that those who society views as successful may not actually have anything to show for it in the end. The first verse speaks of the confidence and lack of pressure that "losers" feel because they have nothing to prove, whereas the second verse talks about the resilience and strength they have developed from being outsiders.
The following verses speak of the singer's personal plan to lose it all, stating that they will willingly give everything away, including their opportunities for eternal life, and sacrifice themselves for the betterment of others. They describe how they have been seen as both a burnout kid and an idiot, but they will continue to turn the other cheek, even when they are hit. The song is ultimately a message of humility and selflessness, urging the listener to rethink their perception of what it means to be a "winner" or "loser."
Line by Line Meaning
Only the losers win
The people who do not conform to societal norms and are considered losers actually end up succeeding in life.
They've got nothing to prove
These so-called losers are not trying to prove anything to anyone.
They'll leave the world with nothing to lose
Since these people are not striving for material possessions or societal acceptance, they are at peace with themselves and leave the world with nothing to lose.
You can laugh at the weirdos now
The people who are not understood or accepted by society are often ridiculed and bullied.
Wait till wrongs are right
Society often realizes the value of these individuals only after they achieve something significant in life.
They'll be the ones with nothing to hide
These individuals have nothing to hide as they are true to themselves and do not pretend to be someone else.
Cause I've been thinking, thinking
The singer has been contemplating something significant.
I've got a plan to lose it all
The artist has come up with a plan to let go of everything they hold dear and embrace a simpler way of life.
I've got a contract pending on eternity
The artist is referring to their faith and belief in an afterlife, and how they are willing to give up everything in this life to secure their place in the afterlife.
If I haven't already given it away
The artist may have already given up everything for the sake of their beliefs and values.
I've been the burnout kid
The singer has been in a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion at some point in their life.
I've been the idiot
The artist has made foolish decisions or acted foolishly at some point in their life.
I'll turn the other cheek to be hit
The singer is willing to tolerate abuse or ill-treatment from others without retaliation.
You can take what you want from me
The singer is willing to let go of their possessions, status, or respect if it means staying true to themselves.
Empty me till I'm depleted
The singer is willing to give up everything they have until they have nothing left to give.
I'll be around if I'm ever needed
Despite everything, the artist is still available to help and support others.
I wrote this song for you
The artist is addressing someone specific, perhaps a loved one or a friend.
To show how I'm selling out
The singer is admitting that they have compromised their values and beliefs for the sake of success or acceptance.
I'll take the benefit of the doubt
The singer wants the listener to give them the benefit of the doubt, to trust that they are still trying to stay true to themselves despite their actions.
I've got a plan to lose it all
The artist repeats this line to emphasize that they are serious about giving up everything for the sake of their beliefs and values.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David
I want this song played at my funeral. Hopefully that's not anytime soon, I still have so much to lose.
Craftyskills17
Yeah I want YET to be played at mine
SixthBlood
Switchfoot is such an underrated band...
natethehero
SixthBlood amen brother
JBlanked
This song got me through so much in high school and even know post-graduation!! These guys deserve WAY more recognition. To me this songs says "Its okay to lose, and the losers come out on top because we aren't afraid to take a loss"
LodgeyisBored
the early 2000's where great because of music like this. thanks switchfoot :)
Crazy Drew Cheshire
Introducing my nine-year-old to Switchfoot, played him this album today and realized I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THIS SONG!!! How on EARTH did I forget about THIS song??
Nathan Gallion
My 9 & 6 year olds are digging them, too! We took them to see SF for their first concert last October and now we're SO glad we did. It might be a while before we get to do that again.
Crazy Drew Cheshire
@Nathan Gallion Dude, I saw them in 2007 and have been trying to see them ever since, but life gets in the way. Kids, money, death viruses, you know.
Nathan Gallion
@Crazy Drew Cheshire Kids, money, and death viruses - the trifecta! They're playing this whole album front to back on a livestream this Saturday. Not quite the same as an in-person show, but it's something. Their shows are still phenomenal!