Nobody Wins

Elton John · The Fox [1981]

They must have loved each other once

but that was many years ago

and by the time i came along

things were already going wrong

i felt the pain in their pretence

the side they tried hard not to show

but through the simple eyes of youth

it wasn't hard to see the truth



And in the end nobody wins

when loves begins to fall apart

and it's the innocent who pay

when broken dreams get in the way

the game begins

the game nobody wins



they must have loved each other once

before the magic slipped away

and as their life became a lie

what love remained began to die

i used to hide beneath the sheets

i prayed that time would find a way

but with the passing of the years

i watched as laughter turned to tears



and in the end nobody wins...



We used to love each other once

with all the passion we posessed

but people change as time goes by

some feelings grow while others die

but if we can learn from what we'll see

and face the truth while we still can

then, though the passion may be gone

some kind of love can still live on

Nobody Wins

Nobody Wins stands as a poignant song in Elton John's extensive discography, appearing on the 1981 album The Fox. During this period, John was exploring a more introspective and rock-infused sound, moving away from the pure pop dominance of his earlier years. The track reflects the emotional complexity often found in his work from the early eighties, characterized by dramatic piano arrangements and a melancholic vocal delivery. While not always cited among his most ubiquitous chart-toppers, the song remains a significant part of his broader catalogue, showcasing his ability to craft deeply personal narratives within a polished production style. It serves as a reminder of the artist's versatility and his consistent capacity to deliver emotionally resonant performances throughout his long career.