Kris Kristofferson, synonymous with masterful storytelling in country music, lends his remarkable talent to the poignant track “The Winner.” An iconic songwriter and performer, Kristofferson is widely acknowledged not only for his illustrious career but also for his collaborations with other influential musicians.
In this instance, “The Winner” showcases the lyrical genius of Shel Silverstein, whose literary background brought a distinctive flavor to the music world.
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The Story Behind “The Winner”
“The Winner,” featured on Bob Bare’s 1974 album “Lullabys, Legends, and Lies,” is not just a song but a narrative that resonates with the complexities of human emotions and experiences.
The collaboration between Kristofferson and Silverstein elevates the song beyond mere words, embedding it with a depth that many listeners find relatable. The song encapsulates the theme of loss and the ironic twist of fate—elements frequently prevalent in Kristofferson’s work.
Shel Silverstein, who penned “The Winner,” was a multifaceted artist known primarily for his children’s literature, poetry, and songwriting. His influence on country music stems from his ability to weave whimsical yet profound narratives that capture the nuances of life.
Observers frequently note that searching for Silverstein may reveal a blend of humor, melancholy, and stark realism—qualities that reveal themselves in “The Winner.”
The Musical Composition
The song is characterized by a simple yet evocative melody, allowing listeners to focus on its poignant lyrics. Kristofferson’s gravelly yet tender voice provides the perfect vessel through which Silverstein’s words come alive.
The arrangement employs traditional country instrumentation, enhancing the emotional weight of the narration. Listeners are invited to join the reflective journey, where they confront their perceptions of winning and losing.
Whether it’s a lost love, an unfulfilled dream, or a life that didn’t go as planned, “The Winner” provokes an introspective look at what it truly means to “win” in life.
This theme resonates deeply within the American psyche—a testament to Kristofferson’s understanding of the human condition and his unique ability to communicate it through music.
Legacy and Influence
Kris Kristofferson’s impact on country music is nothing short of significant. He is not merely a performer; he is a storyteller, a poet, and a philosopher in his own right. His work inspires new generations of artists who seek to follow in his footsteps.
“The Winner,” emblematic of his lyrical prowess and Silverstein’s unique vision, remains a powerful reminder that triumph and defeat often exist in tandem.
The combination of Kristofferson’s artistry and Silverstein’s keen insights results in a piece that stands the test of time, inviting audiences to reflect on their experiences as they listen to the soul-stirring lyrics and melody.
In exploring “The Winner,” one discovers a microcosm of life’s struggles framed within a timeless musical arrangement, solidifying its place in the canon of classic American country music.
Video
Lyrics
Well the hulk of a man
With a beer in his hand
He looked like a drunk old fool
I knew if I hit him right
Well I could knock him off that stool
But everybody said watch out
Hey that’s Tigerman McCool
He’s had a whole lotta fights
And he’s always come out a winner
But I had myself about 5 too many
So I walked up tall and proud
And I faced his back faced the fact
That he’d never stooped or bowed
I said Tigerman you’re a pussycat
And a hush fell on the crowd
I said let’s you and me go outside
And see who’s the winner
Well he gripped the bar
With one big hairy hand
Then he braced against the wall
He slowly looked up from his beer
My God that man was tall
He said boy I see you’re a scrapper
So just before you fall
I’m gonna tell you a little
About what it means to be a winner
He said you know these bright
White smiling teeth
You know they ain’t my own
Mine rolled away like chicklets
Down a street in San Antone
But I left that person cursin
Nursin seven broken bones
And he only broke three of mine
So that makes me the winner
He said behind this grin
I got a steel pin that
Holds my jaw in place
A trophy of my most successful
Motorcycle race
And every morning when I wake
And touch this scar across my face
It reminds me of all I got
By being a winner
Now this broken back
Was a dying act of ole
Handsome Harry Clay
That sticky Cincinnati night
I stole his wife away
But that woman she gets meaner
And uglier every day
But I got her boy
And that makes me a winner?
I got arthritic elbows boy
I got dislocated knees
From pickin fights with thunderstorms
And charging in the trees
And my nose been broke so often
I might lose it if I sneeze
Son you say you still wanna be a winner?
You gotta speak loud
When you challenge me son
Cause it’s hard for me to hear
With this twisted neck
And these migraine pains
And this big ole cauliflower ear
And if it wasn’t for this glass eye of mine
Why I’d shed a happy tear
To think of all you’ll get
By being a winner
Now as I kick in your family jewels
You’ll see my left leg drags
And this jacket’s kind of padded up
Where my right shoulder sags
There’s a special part of me
I keep in this brown paper bag
And I’ll show it to you
If you wanna see all of the winner
Now you remind me of my younger days
With your knuckles clenching white
But boy I’m gonna sit right here
And sip this beer all night
If there’s something you gotta prove
By winning some dumb fight
Ok I quit you win you’re the winner
So I stumbled from that barroom
Not so tall and not so proud
And behind me I could still hear
The hoots and laughter of the crowd
But my eyes still see
And my nose still works
And my teeth are still in my mouth
And you know I guess
That makes me the winner
