If you’re not familiar with Garfunkle and Oats, I can’t recommend this comedic singing duo enough. They are almost never safe for work, but if you’re into music and comedy that speaks truth through hilarity, these women are for you.
This song is especially compelling. It’s one of their most earnest songs, and the message is so necessary for people — children and alike — today:
You’re going to fail. You’re going to try like hell and fail spectacularly.
You’re a loser. You’ve been a loser before and will be a loser again.
The song playfully attempts to destigmatize the word, which I love.
I’m constantly reminding my students that in every competition, there is almost always one winner. When you agree to play a sport, enter a competition, play a game, or compete in any way, the chances of losing are high since only one person or team will ultimately finish on top.
Be prepared to lose.
Most will.
A lot of people seem afraid to lose today. Children don’t handle it especially well, but some adults have an uncommonly difficult time, too.
Even worse are parents who can’t stand the thought that their child might lose, which creates problems in their children’s lives and the lives of others. They shout and swear and sometimes threaten Little League umpires. They complain about rules and regulations that cause their little ones to suffer the indignity of not taking home a trophy. They are found to be helping their children gain access to elite colleges via nefarious means.
I spoke to a group of content creators this week — writers, YouTube producers, TicTok creators, and comedians — and they seemed to argue that their lack of traction and success was the fault of algorithms, gatekeepers, and other factors beyond their control.
I was forced to remind them:
Van Gogh sold one painting in his lifetime.
Edgar Allen Poe died penniless and unrecognized for his talent.
“Moby Dick” only sold 3,000 copies in Melville’s lifetime.
Nick Drake’s music didn’t receive wide acclaim until two decades after his death.
Edgar Allen Poe died penniless and unrecognized for his talent.
“Moby Dick” only sold 3,000 copies in Melville’s lifetime.
Nick Drake’s music didn’t receive wide acclaim until two decades after his death.
I could go on.
Not to mention all the unrecognized geniuses who might never be recognized. Or might still be recognized years or decades after their death.
Winning is not guaranteed. Artists starve. Your work may never be seen by anyone beyond your friends and immediate family. If you decide to pursue a creative career, be prepared to lose.
You’ll likely be a loser. Embrace it. Celebrate it.
This is what Garfunkle and Oats are signing about. Some of my favorite lyrics from the song include:
You’re a loser but a dreamerYou’re tired but you’re strongYou’re going on no evidenceYou don’t listen to common senseYou went all in and you were wrong
You are such a loser, good for you
Also:
At least you tried
At least you’re not that guy watching from the sideWho thinks he’s doing better cause he wasn’t defeatedWhen he’s just a non-entity who never competedYou’re the one who’s out there reaching for something greaterAnd you know it’s better to be a loser than a spectator
The lyrics sound a hell of a lot better when sung, so go listen.
Then bookmark this clip for moments when things are not going well, and you need to be reminded that losing is normal, expected, and a sign that you’re doing something right.
