One of the finest of the Stax/Volt soul artists, he was, like Otis Redding, able to tell a story with great sincerity and flawless musicality. His song "You Don't Miss Your Water ('Til Your Well Runs Dry)" is a Memphis masterpiece.
Everybody Loves A Winner
William Bell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh I was full of pride
Had lots of friends
Always here right by my side
Well my fame oh it died
Now my friends all try to hide
Everybody loves a winner
But when you lose, you lose alone
Everywhere I turned
There was a hello and smile
I never thought
They'd be gone after a while
Well my friends let me down
And the smiles turned to frowns
Everybody loves a winner
Everybody loves a winner
But when you lose, you lose alone
Once I had love
Ah but I couldn't be true
To get back that love
There ain't nothing I wouldn't do
Well I've loved
And I've lost
And now I'll pay the cost
Everybody loves a winner
Everybody loves a winner
Everybody loves a winner
But when you lose, you lose alone
William Bell's song "Everybody Loves A Winner" delves into the theme of success and its ephemeral nature. The singer speaks of their experience with fame and how, at one point, they had all the friends in the world, only to be left alone after their fame faded. The singer's disappointment in people's fickleness is evident as they lament the fact that their friends who once stood by them disappeared when their success waned. The chorus, "Everybody loves a winner, but when you lose, you lose alone," is a poignant reminder of how fleeting success can be and how people tend to gravitate towards those who are already successful instead of helping those who need their support the most.
The lyrics also explore the idea of love and the sacrifices one must make to maintain it. The singer admits to not being true to their love and expresses regret at losing it. However, the cost of those actions must be paid, and the singer is willing to do so to get back the love they once had. The song's lyrics are a powerful commentary on the nature of success, love, and how people change when one loses the former or disregards the latter.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I had fame
There was a time when I was famous and well-known.
Oh I was full of pride
I felt a strong sense of self-confidence and self-importance.
Had lots of friends
I had many companions and people I spent time with.
Always here right by my side
They were always there to support and be with me.
Well my fame oh it died
Eventually, my fame and popularity dwindled.
Now my friends all try to hide
My former friends now avoid me or pretend they don't know me.
Everybody loves a winner
People are naturally drawn to successful and victorious individuals.
Everybody loves a winner
It's a universal feeling to admire and appreciate those who win.
But when you lose, you lose alone
However, when you experience defeat or failure, you often find yourself alone and unsupported.
Everywhere I turned
No matter where I went or looked.
There was a hello and smile
People greeted me warmly and were friendly.
I never thought
It never occurred to me.
They'd be gone after a while
Eventually, those friendly faces disappeared.
Well my friends let me down
My friends didn't provide the support or companionship I needed.
And the smiles turned to frowns
Those friendly smiles became unpleasant frowns.
Once I had love
At one point, I was in a loving relationship.
Ah but I couldn't be true
However, I was unfaithful and dishonest in that relationship.
To get back that love
Now, I want to regain that lost love.
There ain't nothing I wouldn't do
I am willing to do whatever it takes to make things right and win back that love.
Well I've loved
I have experienced love.
And I've lost
Unfortunately, I have also experienced heartache and loss.
And now I'll pay the cost
I will have to deal with the consequences of my actions and choices.
Everybody loves a winner
Again, there is a universal attraction and admiration for those who are successful.
Everybody loves a winner
Winners are often very popular and respected.
Everybody loves a winner
People are naturally drawn to those who are at the top of their game.
But when you lose, you lose alone
However, when you experience failure or defeat, you often find yourself without support or companionship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM BELL, BOOKER T. JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeancabrera1487
Once I had fame
Oh I was full of pride
Had lots of friends
Always here right by my side
Well my fame oh it died
Now my friends all try to hide
Everybody loves a winner
Everybody loves a winner
But when you lose, you lose alone
Everywhere I turned
There was a hello and smile
I never thought
They'd be gone after a while
Well my friends let me down
And the smiles turned to frowns
Everybody loves a winner
Everybody loves a winner
But when you lose, you lose alone
Once I had love
Ah but I couldn't be true
To get back that love
There ain't nothing I wouldn't do
Well I've loved
And I've lost
And now I'll pay the cost
Everybody loves a winner
Everybody loves a winner
Everybody loves a winner
But when you lose, you lose alone
@hadbl12
this is another great song from a great under appreciated singer from back in the days...
@ghostkidgamerez3917
agreed
@techstacker5361
What a great song! Love this guys voice.
@EvaDStruc
First heard this song by Linda Ronstadt in the early 70s. This original version is a KILLER. Probably my favorite song by the wonderful, underrated Mr. Bell.
@shakiya00
Amazing song...its so sad that its true! I love the words! One thing is for certain, MY God, will be there when Im on top, and when I come down!! I'm loving this song!!
@ghostkidgamerez3917
agreed
@romonagray1413
So true.
@rickhartline7883
William Bell is absolutely one of the best singers out there...Love this man
@susandiane311
Wonderful song and performer. This should have more views!
@greatmusicneverdies6253
This guy is fantastic!!!!!