Nobody Wins
Elton John · The Fox [1981]
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.

