You always won, everytime you placed a bet
You’re still damn good, no one’s gotten to you yet
Everytime they were sure they had you caught
You were quicker than they thought
You’d just turn your back and walk
You always said, the cards would never do you wrong
The trick you said was never play the game too long
A gambler’s share, the only risk that you would take
The only loss you could forsake
The only bluff you couldn’t fake
And you’re still the same
I caught up with you yesterday
Moving game to game
No one standing in your way
Turning on the charm
Long enough to get you by
You’re still the same
You still aim high
There you stood, everybody watched you play
I just turned and walked away
I had nothing left to say
‘Cause you’re still the same
You’re still the same
Moving game to game
Some things never change
You’re still the same
The Elusive Gambler: A Life in Motion
“Still The Same” by Bob Seger paints a vivid portrait of a charismatic gambler, always a step ahead, never caught or changed by the world around him. The lyrics use the metaphor of gambling to explore themes of self-preservation, independence, and the allure of risk. Seger’s storytelling captures someone who moves effortlessly through life’s challenges, refusing to let anyone get too close or uncover their vulnerabilities. Each verse highlights the subject’s unwavering nature, emphasizing how some people remain true to themselves, regardless of time or circumstance.
Unchanging Yet Admirable
The narrator’s perspective is tinged with admiration and resignation. There’s a sense of distance, as if the narrator has accepted that the gambler’s charm and evasiveness are unchangeable. The phrase “still the same” becomes a refrain, underlining the timelessness of the character’s spirit and the inevitability of their solitary path. It’s a reflective look at how some people are destined to remain unchanged, for better or worse.
Song Credits
Songwriter: Bob Seger
Release Year: 1978
Label: Capitol Records