A Small Victory

Album: Angel Dust (1992)
Charted: 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frontman Mike Patton was born and raised in Eureka, California. His father, Pat Patton was a PE teacher at high school there and this song reveals how the vocalist has inherited his dad's competitive streak. He explained: "My dad was a coach, so I grew up and I always wanted to win. And well, I found out that I just can't win every game... darn it." (Source Faith No More FAQ)

Comments: 1

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganI always heard "The lips on my face", as "The little nothings". IDK, makes more sense with the following line, "They keep me thinking that someday, I might beat you." I always thought that "little nothings" were like, runner-up trophies/plaques or something. Anyway great song. The whole Angel Dust album is classic!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?Fact or Fiction

Bradley Cooper, Michael J. Fox, Rami Malek, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and George Clooney: Which actors really sang in their movies?

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.