"You May Already Be A Winner" is a song by John Hiatt, an American singer-songwriter. The song tells the story of a couple who receive a letter stating that they may already be winners of a prize. The protagonist, addressing his partner as "pretty girl," shares the news that he has received a letter from the outside world informing them that they may be lucky winners. The couple is surprised as they wonder how their names were obtained for this opportunity. The letter addresses them as Mr. and Mrs. Resident Dweller, adding an air of mystery to the situation. The letter also mentions their lucky number, further emphasizing the unexpected nature of the news. The protagonist, having suspected something like this for a long time, is glad to finally hear that someone is rooting for them. He raises a toast to celebrate their potential good fortune. The lyrics mention various prizes they could win, such as a dream house, an El Dorado (a luxury car), or a ten-speed blender. Despite the excitement, the protagonist acknowledges that he shouldn't count his chickens before they're hatched and that there's likely a catch to this offer. However, from the beginning, he has felt a strong connection between their hearts, implying that their love is a prize in itself. The song beautifully portrays the couple's current struggles, including the woman's tiredness with her limited wardrobe and the repossession of their car. Their house is described as a "shack," but amidst all these challenges, the love they share is something they cannot contain. The song ends with the protagonist asking if his partner would like a beer with her TV dinner, expressing his affection and implying that their love and connection already make them winners. The lyrics evoke a sense of hope and appreciation for the simple joys in life, despite their circumstances. Overall, "You May Already Be A Winner" captures the story of a couple who receive unexpected news, reminding them of the love they share and the potential for hope and opportunity in their lives.
