[Brian_Linnen]

I'm usually pretty good with 80s trivia, but not this one. Someone at work is trying to figure out a song he remembers but can't put a name to - and I couldn't help him. NOw it's driving me mad!

Help!!

It was out at the same time as Centerfold by the J. Geils Band

It was a rock song—not as “poppy” as Loverboy but not as heavy as Sammy Hagar

He thinks it was made the Top 10 because it was on the radio all the time

It was about a guy gambling—maybe playing poker or roulette—and he was lucky, on a winning streak— but he doesn’t remember if the streak continued or if he lost in the end

[MatS]

longshot....

Santana "Winning" (as written by Leo Ballard)

One day I was on the ground
When I needed a hand
And it couldn't be found
I was so far down
That I couldn't get up
You know and
One day I was one of life's losers
Even my friends were my ac-cus-ers
And in my head
Lost before I'd begun


I had a dream
But it turned to dust
What I thought was love
That must have been lust
I was living in style
When the walls fell in
When I played my hand
I looked like a joker
Turn around
Fate must have woke her
'Cause lady luck she was
Waiting outside the door


Chorus:


I'm winning
I'm winning
I'm winning
And I don't intend on losing again


Too bad it belonged to me
It was the wrong time
And I meant to be
It took a long time
And I knew for now
I can see the day
That I breath for
Friends agree there's a need
To play the game
And to win again


Chorus:
(repeat first line 5x's)
(repeat last line 4x's)


Repeat Verse II


Chorus:
(repeat first line 5x's)

[Kevin M]

Are you talking about SAGA's song Wind Him Up?

Here are the lyrics:
Aldo's standing at his table
And he's wondering if he's able
To pick the number right this time
He watches as the wheel stops spinning
Sees the number that is winning
As he reaches for his glass of wine

Once he starts it's hard to stop
He's keepin' up a pace like a tight wound clock
Be sure you don't step in his way
He'll keep those numbers rolling
This may be his last day

As all the bets are taken
Aldo lights a smoke, he's shakin'
From carnation right to the ground
He knows tonight holds one last chance
'n give the wheel a final glance
Slippery fingers drop the money down

Once he starts it's hard to stop
He's keepin' up a pace like a tight wound clock
And as he leaves the table, "No luck today"
You can rest assured
He's comin' back to try again

(chorus)Wind him up, he can't stop
He's wound up tight just like the clock
That's winding its second hand down
Wind him up, he can't stop
He keeps on going 'round the clock
He's winding his second hand down

[Charles Gurganus]

or how about "Lonesome Loser" by the Little River Band?

[Kevin M]

Yeah but "Lonesome Loser" came out in the 70's, he's talking about an 80's released song, circa 81-83 I believe.

[Brian_Linnen]

You guys are the greatest!!! It was Saga - I never would have thought of that in a million years.
Thanks for everyone for helping out!

[Brian_Linnen]

Especially Kevin M!!

[Timber]

Kevin,
I don't know if that's the song Brian is looking for, but I'm glad you mentioned it. I haven't heard that song in ages. It brings back fond MTV memories, when they actually played videos. I'll have to download it when I get a chance. Thanks.

Tim

[Kevin M]

Yeah I thought that was the one, good song. You're certainly welcome.