The Loser
Background and Commentary
The piece is one of Rush’s earliest tracks, featuring John Rutsey on drums. It was recorded live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ont., in 1974, and released in 2014 as bonus track on the band’s 40-year anniversary DVD called R40.
The lyrics are from the point of view of a disgruntled boyfriend and are interesting for featuring what might be the only recorded instance in which Geddy Lee tries his hand at scat singing.
Recording
Lyrics
Never gave me no reason
Why you lied to me
Can’t get by with your teasing, baby
It doesn’t bother me
Why didn’t you tell me
That you really love me
Why didn’t you tell me
That you really love me, babe
Oh. No, you just . . .
I know you lie and you’re cheating
Well, you do it all the time
Well, I guess I was always
Hoping you’d be mine
Why didn’t you tell me
That you really love me
Why didn’t you tell me
That you really love me, babe
No, you just didn’t wait
[Scat section]
Oh, no, you just didn’t wait
Why did I ever wonder
That you would ever change
But now I’m a loser
And I’m always losing your game
Why didn’t you tell me
That you really love me
Why didn’t you tell me
That you really love me, babe
