Descendents – I'm Not A Loser

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  General Comment:"Back in the day" When I was a looser @ 14 y/o (still am @ 42 y/o) This song was NOT about slander or putting down someones choice in sexual preferences. Gay, Fag, and homo were a common curse word. (The way I see it...) Is about a punk being picked on by a jock (the norm at the time) It has nothing to do with being gay! In today society teen/tweens/adults are more politically correct and sensitive to the Gay rights movement and these words have become obsolete in out potty mouth Rolodex. (though I still slip and may say "That's so gay" But never with a picture of a same sex person, rainbow flag etc. in mind) And that's the truth! Kisses, xxx Batshit Betty

  Flag batshiton May 15, 2013   Link

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  My Interpretation:Well, as someone who is actually gay, I interpreted differently like a giant 'fuck you' to the "arrogant assholes" of privileged rich society. "Your pants are too tight, You fucking homo" to me, are somewhat of a quote from the jocks as to what Milo was wore, looked or acted like. You know? He didn't conform to the mainstream ideals of the time and I identify with this song because shit like "You don't belong here" and "Go away you fucking gay" is something I encountered a lot growing up.

  Flag rexhaon January 30, 2013   Link

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  General Comment:To all who think the Descendants were homophobic:
  
  I was in high school in the eighties and know the exact jock types he's talking about. If you wanted to insult one of them, the biggest possible insult would be to say (or even slightly insinuate) that they're gay, because THEY were so homophobic, not the Descendants. Sorry that it happens to be true. That's the way it was in the eighties. So the Descendants yelled it into the mike with as much gusto as they could muster and didn't think about the results. so ZERKUND - THEY ARE NOT AN ANTIGAY, PRO HETERO "SEX" BAND (find some other lyrics of theirs that go in this direction and then I'll be very surprised)

  Flag sense1bullon December 29, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:Here's what Milo has to say about the last part:
  
  "A song like 'I'm Not a Loser' is completely unfiltered. That can come with some negatives too. Frank wrote that and at the time, it was the ultimate teenage rage. It was targeting not gay people but the jocks at our school. The language is the hot button. These days, I've altered that. I want to get across the point of 'you suck,' but it's been misunderstood. We have a few songs that we've come to regret how they've been interpreted."

  Flag JJ_Ramoneon August 21, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:Yeah in the 80's using gay as a derogatory term was acceptable. It still is now. when someone calls someone gay (most of the time), they mean uncool, not homosexual. all you guys are ruining this song that's against conformity by trying to act all liberal about using the word "gay". You guys take punk ideology to seriously.

  Flag epicmikenomoreon March 13, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:Descendents were a very anti-drug, anti-gay, pro-hetero sex band.

  Flag Zerkundon August 25, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:some people missed the point entirely here.
  
  milo's saying that just because a guy works 60 hours a week, has some worn clothing, doesn't go out on friday nights, do drugs and try to get laid, that does not make him a loser. no matter what the "cool", privileged people may think.

  Flag gmouraon June 01, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:This song reminds me of people from my hometown.
  And I think it's "You spent all your money on shitty drugs." It only says coke once. And it's definitely "Daddy" who won't buy the new car, not Pappy.

  Flag Traddon November 30, 2008   Link

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  General Comment:i love how this song was written over 20 years ago and is still so relevant

  Flag Hendrixjr08on June 04, 2008   Link

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  General Comment:The lyrics to this song are cool, aside from the homophobia near the end. I agree with AppleShampoo, the music sounds angry and fits well with the lyrics.

  Flag Richard Enahoboon April 02, 2008   Link

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