Tom T. Hall's song "What Have You Got To Lose" is about the "drinking game" that people play to try to forget their problems, but ultimately end up losing. The song talks about how the way a drink is served doesn't matter, whether it's in fancy silver goblets or basic paper cups, everyone who plays the "drinking game" is looking for the same thing – to forget one woman who loved them and another who didn't. The chorus of the song asks the question "What have you got to lose?", implying that people turn to drinking in order to escape their problems and forget their troubles. The song mentions different types of people, including high rollers, unknown new stars, and old country boys, who all find solace in drinking. However, the song suggests that no matter what they are trying to achieve, they all ultimately end up losing. The song paints a picture of a world where everyone is chasing after something, whether it's fame, money, or love, but ultimately ends up feeling as though they have nothing left to lose. The lyrics suggest that the drinking game is a way for people to numb their pain and forget their troubles, but it doesn't lead to any real solutions or happiness. Overall, Tom T. Hall's "What Have You Got To Lose" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning to drinking as a way to escape problems. It suggests that no matter how much someone drinks, they will never truly be able to forget their troubles or find lasting happiness.
