The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I recall when I used to come home, never had a dime
Lord, I always had a good time
And I recall drinkin' wine with one of my friends
Lord, I can't go back again
Am I losin' my own way back home?
Am I losin' a good friend that I've known?
Am I losin'? Won't you tell me how I've sinned?
Why am I losin' one of my best friends?
And I recall this friend of mine I knew so well
It goes to show, Lord, you just can't tell
Now my friend won't talk to me, let me tell you why
He thinks I've changed because of a dollar sign
Am I losin' my own way back home?
Am I losin' a good friend that I've known?
Am I losin'? Won't you tell me how I've sinned?
Why am I losin' one of my good friends?
(It's so strange)
And it's so strange when you get just a little money
(It's so strange)
Your so called friends want to act just a little funny
Yes, they'll blame you
But I'm not the one that's here to blame
Its you, my friend, that has really changed
It's a shame, such a shame
Am I losin' once again?
Why these things happen, Lord, I don't understand
Lord, it can sure hurt a man
And why my friend won't take me as I am
'Cause your friend, Lord, is the most important thing
Am I losin' my own way back home?
Am I losin' a good friend that I've known?
Am I losin'? Won't you tell me how I've sinned?
Why am I losin' one of my best friends?
Tell me, people, what good is that?
Lord, I always had a good time
And I recall drinkin' wine with one of my friends
Lord, I can't go back again
Am I losin' my own way back home?
Am I losin' a good friend that I've known?
Am I losin'? Won't you tell me how I've sinned?
Why am I losin' one of my best friends?
And I recall this friend of mine I knew so well
It goes to show, Lord, you just can't tell
Now my friend won't talk to me, let me tell you why
He thinks I've changed because of a dollar sign
Am I losin' my own way back home?
Am I losin' a good friend that I've known?
Am I losin'? Won't you tell me how I've sinned?
Why am I losin' one of my good friends?
(It's so strange)
And it's so strange when you get just a little money
(It's so strange)
Your so called friends want to act just a little funny
Yes, they'll blame you
But I'm not the one that's here to blame
Its you, my friend, that has really changed
It's a shame, such a shame
Am I losin' once again?
Why these things happen, Lord, I don't understand
Lord, it can sure hurt a man
And why my friend won't take me as I am
'Cause your friend, Lord, is the most important thing
Am I losin' my own way back home?
Am I losin' a good friend that I've known?
Am I losin'? Won't you tell me how I've sinned?
Why am I losin' one of my best friends?
Tell me, people, what good is that?
Lyrics submitted by magicnudiesuit
Am I Losin' Lyrics as written by Gary Robert Rossington Ronnie Van Zant
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is by far my favorite Skynyrd song. It is a song about Ronnies struggle with fame and how he can't understand why people think he has changed when he really hasn't at all. Staying true to your roots was always Skynyrds message and this song is no exception. You can almost feel Ronnie's pain with every verse and his search for why things are they way they are. If anyone gets a chance check out Zakk Wylde's "The Color Green" and tell me this is not a homage to this song.
@Balljack70 it was about Bob Burns not Ronnies struggles
@Balljack70 it was about Bob Burns not Ronnies struggles
The friend he's singing about is original Skynyrd drummer Bob Burns.
Exactly right. I wish I knew more about the details though.
Powerful song. It hurts when you lose a buddy.
This song is amazing. I can relate. Not because of money but I know I've drifted away from friends because of the way they perceive me.
what an awesome song that deserves more comments.
The late Bob Burns and I were very good friends. Bob said after he heard the first line in this song when it came out he knew Ronnie had written it about him. It was a song Bob was so proud of. We jammed it a few times together him playing drums and my son and I singing and playing guitar. Talk about special.... There is millions of people who did not know just how close Ronnie and Bob were. I do. Peace.