Sportsman
The Busters Lyrics


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the tie-break makes me nervous
my nerves are made of steel
if i would have the racket
i would make the deal

splish-splash into the pool
these guys swim far too slow
this is not a bathtub
that's what i would let them know

i'm a sportsman and i never lose
no game is too rough, no race is too tough
i'm a sportsman, can't you see?
i'm the champion in front of my tv screen

i survive all accidents
on the grand prix race and track
even if a car explodes
it's just a little gag

they sometimes need some doping
it's controls that they fear
but i don't need those dirty tricks
i rather drink my beer

i'm a sportsman and i never lose
no game is too rough, no race is too tough
i'm a sportsman, can't you see?
i'm the champion in front of my tv screen

shooting goals for victory
it's the job i would never fail
the silver for the losers
send them all to jail

i'm a sportsman and i never lose
no game is too rough, no race is too tough




i'm a sportsman, can't you see?
i'm the champion in front of my tv screen

Overall Meaning

The song 'Sportsman' by The Busters is a satirical take on the hyper-masculine culture surrounding sports and athletes. The tone is set in the first verse, where the singer claims that, despite being nervous during a tie-break, their nerves are "made of steel." This exaggerated bravado continues throughout the song, as the singer mocks the slow swimmers, the need for doping, and expresses their desire to send losers to jail.


While the lyrics may seem quite tongue-in-cheek, they also highlight the unhealthy obsession that people can have with winning and losing in the world of sports. The lyrics also bring attention to the use of performance-enhancing drugs by some athletes, which has been a controversial issue in the sports world for decades. Ultimately, the song suggests that while sports can be a fun and healthy way to stay active, it's important to keep a sense of perspective and not take winning or losing too seriously.


Line by Line Meaning

the tie-break makes me nervous
I get a bit anxious during tie-breaks


my nerves are made of steel
However, I'm pretty tough when it comes to nerves


if i would have the racket, i would make the deal
If given the opportunity, I could win the game


splish-splash into the pool
I'll jump into the pool with graceful ease


these guys swim far too slow
Compared to me, they are slow swimmers


this is not a bathtub
I want them to know that we're not just casually swimming


i'm a sportsman and i never lose
I always win because I play fair and I'm a true sportsman


no game is too rough, no race is too tough
I can handle any game or race, no matter how difficult


i'm a sportsman, can't you see?
It's obvious that I'm a true sportsman


i'm the champion in front of my tv screen
I may not compete in person, but I'm still a champion


i survive all accidents
Even if there's an accident or mishap during a race, I'll come out unscathed


on the grand prix race and track
I'm specifically referring to the high-speed racing in the Grand Prix circuit


even if a car explodes
Even something as dramatic as a car exploding won't phase me


it's just a little gag
I'm treating it like it's not a big deal


they sometimes need some doping
Competitors may resort to using performance-enhancing drugs


it's controls that they fear
The fear of getting caught by drug testing is what deters them


but i don't need those dirty tricks
However, I don't need underhanded tactics to win


i rather drink my beer
I'll stick with a celebratory drink instead


shooting goals for victory
In a sport like soccer, I'm confident in my ability to score game-winning goals


it's the job i would never fail
I know I'll never fail at doing my job on the field


the silver for the losers
Only first place (the gold medal) is worth anything to me


send them all to jail
Metaphorically speaking, I don't have time for losers




Contributed by Isabella P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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