Even The Losers Ukulele Chords – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This song uses the chords: D,A,G, C. You can change the key for free, as needed.
Even The Losers Ukulele Chords – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
INTRO: (A-G-F#-E)
A
VERSE 1:
“Even The Losers” History:
🎵 Basic Facts
- Artist: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
- Album: Damn the Torpedoes (1979)
- Recorded: 1979 at Sound City (Van Nuys, CA) & Cherokee Studios (Hollywood)
- Released: October 19, 1979 (album) / 1980 (released as a single in select regions, such as Australia)
- Genre: Heartland rock, power pop, garage rock
- Length: ~3:38 (album version)
- Writer: Tom Petty
- Producer: Tom Petty & Jimmy Iovine
Although not a major single in the U.S., the song achieved enduring popularity on radio and became one of the band’s most celebrated tracks.
🧠 Background & Inspiration
Tom Petty wrote “Even the Losers” about a memorable night from his youth in Gainesville, Florida. He once described how a girl he had long admired suddenly showed interest one night — a fleeting connection that left a lasting emotional mark and later inspired the song’s narrative of hope mixed with defeat.
The classic guitar solo — recorded quickly during the session — came after Petty asked guitarist Mike Campbell, “Well, what would Chuck Berry do?” and with that prompt, Campbell nailed the solo.
🎶 Musical & Lyrical Themes
- Sound: Bright, jangly rock with classic Heartbreakers’ guitar work and a driving rhythm.
- Lyrics: The chorus — “Even the losers get lucky sometimes” — captures the idea that even those who feel overlooked or unlucky can have moments of triumph or joy, no matter how brief.
- The song blends nostalgia, heartache, resilience, and a kind of bittersweet optimism.
A small spoken intro (“It’s just the normal noises in here!”) is a snippet of guitarist Mike Campbell’s wife, taken from a home demo.
📈 Legacy & Reception
- Although it wasn’t widely released as a single at the time, “Even the Losers” has become one of Petty’s most revered songs and is frequently cited in critics’ lists of his best work.
- It appears on compilation albums like the band’s 1993 Greatest Hits.
- The song remains a fan favorite and a staple in discussions of Petty’s classic catalog.
👥 Personnel on the Track
- Tom Petty: vocals & rhythm guitar
- Mike Campbell: lead guitar
- Ron Blair: bass
- Stan Lynch: drums
- Benmont Tench: piano & organ
📌 Fun Facts
- The song wasn’t originally released as a single in the U.S., but it still became hugely popular through radio play and fans’ appreciation.
- It was inspired by a personal story from Petty’s younger years and has become symbolic of the heartland rock era’s mix of optimism and realism.
