The song "Loser" was written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. It was first performed by the Grateful Dead in 1971 and later released on their 1974 album titled "Live at the Cow Palace". The lyrics of "Loser" tell the story of a gambler or a card player who is down on his luck. The protagonist of the song is someone who has drawn many losing hands ("If I had a gun for every ace I have drawn") and is feeling frustrated and desperate. Despite his constant losses, he is determined to keep on playing for the chance of winning big ("you know I'm only in it for the gold"). The character asks for just ten gold dollars, a relatively small amount, in the hopes that he can turn that into a much larger sum with one good hand. He claims to be an honest man in a world where honesty is hard to find ("And you'll never find another honest man"). The lyrics also mention the "last fair deal" in both the country and the town, suggesting that the character believes he is nearing the end of his luck. He urges his love interest to put her money where her heart is before she walks away from their deal. There are references to drinking and gambling throughout the song, with lines like "Don't you touch hard liquor, just a cup of cold coffee", highlighting the protagonist's adherence to a relatively sober lifestyle compared to those around him. The Queen of Diamonds is also mentioned, symbolizing the allure of a winning hand and perhaps a potential love interest. Overall, "Loser" reflects the struggles and desperation of someone caught in a cycle of gambling and dreaming of striking it rich. The song captures a sense of resignation and acceptance of one's circumstances, even while still hoping for a turn of fortune.
