I'm A Loser
by UFO

Album: No Heavy Petting (1976)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a song about homelessness and desperation; vocalist and lyricist Phil Mogg is a Londoner born and bred, and his reference to Euston Station "cold as ice" where "all night specials" move you on, is obviously based on personal observation. This is one of the places in Central London frequented by runaways, winos, down-and-outs and all manner of people who have ended up on the streets for a plethora of reasons. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 3

  • Crowking from CaPretty sure it's Euston Station, which is a stop on the London Underground, not Houston station
  • Bleepyf from Edinburgh, ScotlandAs an interesting aside (I hope) to a great social commentary song:

    As per Alexander Baron's comment above, the Euston, Kings Cross and St Pancras rail stations are a pretty desolate place to find yourself in the wee small hours, even passing through. The "all night Specials" are a reference to the Special Constables, who were volunteer police officers, and as such used to get the night shifts because they usually had daytime jobs. Often, with the demand to become a police officer in England & Wales, becoming a "Special" was seen as the best way to selection. These days*, the two options are Police Community Support Officers (who work with police officers and have some, but not all of their powers) and the volunteer Special constables who have the same powers as full-time police. Becoming a PCSO was my son's route into becoming a f/t police officer, as it happens.

    *Scotland has a separate legal system and police service, and does not have PCSOs.
  • Jim from Long Beach, CaGreat song and it tells a story. UFO is a very underrated rock band.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.