Only One Winner

[Ray Brookes]

So many people I've known who've been addicted to gambling ....

Got a winning hand
Got some cards right here that's gonna wipe the table clean
Gonna break the bank
Gonna be the biggest winner this casino ever seen
You gotta understand
I can quit this thing anytime but for the time being
All I need is just one more win

On a winning streak
Pushed in every coin and look out here goes in another
The flesh is weak
Gone the car, gone the home, gone the wife back to her mother
These machines speak
Above the noise I hear them whisper softly to each other
Look at all these fools needing just one more spin.

Here's another loser, here's another fool
Here's another loser yet to learn the rule
Whether you're a saint or a sinner
On this road there's only one winner.

We're a winning team
Me and this dream
From racetrack to card table to flashing slot machine
All I need is only one more win

Here's another loser, here's another fool
Here's another loser yet to learn the rule
Whether you're a saint or a sinner
On this road there's only one winner.
Whether you're a pro or beginner
On this road there's only one winner.

[Zoltan]

Great evocative song! The gentle sounding vocals really fit the song and lyrics. There's warmth and understanding in the song, and i especially liked the choruses. The soundscape was nicely built with little details like the "fingersnaps/clicks", and electric keyboard. The choruses are the real star of this song, and where the song really shines. The piano part works perfectly, and never draws the attention away from the vocals. The playout sections are handled with style, and the guitar playing shows a whole lot of class. The saxophone part at the end seals the deal. A clear and clean mix seals the deal

[Greeny]

For some reason the songwriting reminded me of ABBA when they got a bit melancholy on their last album - i.e. poignant songwriting excellence. Really nice use of space on the production - such a good atmosphere. And a beautiful, thoughtful lyric. Unlike gamblers, this track is a winner.

[StephenM]

this is beautiful Ray...stunningly so...

the backing vocals are stellar and way up there for me.

This is so perfect...including that almost Mark Knopfler ish lead..

the subtle beat provided a strong base for the song.

numerous auditory delights throughout send my senses reeling

[maxit]

what a fantastic song! I love everything, from the harmony to the small details .... at a certain point the synth make a sound that's just it, the sound of the game, the rush, the slots ... wow. Great everything here !

[BerryPatch]

Really engaging lyricism. Gambling is a horrible addiction to fall to and this track really hits with its message. Love the sparse arrangement: the pianos, the synth, the guitars are all great together. The solo spots are the icing on the cake, shades of Gilmour and Knophler abound. Great song indeed.

[Farrell Jackson]

I like this poignant lyric style that you do so well Ray. Beautiful vocals and harmonies that are as tight as a duck's bum. When the piano and subdued lead guitar enters the song steps up a notch. Awesome mellow sax...nice!

[Ferryman_1957]

This is a fantastic lesson in songwriting and also in "less is more". The open production with the subtle percussion (love the hi-hat!) and atmospheric keyboards creates wonderful space for the vocal, which comes through beautifully. There is plenty of light and shade and very well controlled guitar work which just adds to the overall effect. The lyrics are so thoughtful and well-observed and they combine with the music to make this a really compelling listen. Fantastic message in the lyrics as well.

This is really, really good.   

[Ted]

The irony of so much restraint in a song about compulsive behavior.

And I did not expect the sax solo. And I did not expect the song to fade out just as the solo started. A really great choice.

[tonyc]

fantastic song ray , light and dark , the lyrics are superb and as is the whole song , love the vocals . and that sax at the end and fade . brilliant ....cheers tony cee