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

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.