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Beck — Lost Cause
Album: Sea Change
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2818









Released: 2002
Length: 3:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Your sorry eyes, they cut through bone
They make it hard to leave you alone
Leave you here wearing your wounds
Waving your guns at somebody new

Baby, you're lost
Baby, you're lost
Baby, you're a lost cause

There's too many people you used to know
They see you coming, they see you go
They know your secrets and you know theirs
This town is crazy, but nobody cares

Baby, you're lost
Baby, you're lost
Baby, you're a lost cause

I'm tired of fighting
I'm tired of fighting
Fighting for a lost cause

There's a place where you are going
You ain't never been before
There's no one laughing at your back now
No one standing at your door
Is that what you thought love was for?

Baby, you're lost
Baby, you're lost
Baby, you're a lost cause

I'm tired of fighting
I'm tired of fighting
Fighting for a lost cause
Comments (244)add comment
Can this really be 20 years old?! 
Gets better and better with every listen...... oooh look at that! It's a 10 now!
Godlike
Still a stunner!
 jahgirl8 wrote:


I feel that way about some of his lyrics too!


We're all struggling to move on from Loser
I guess I just hear the same story as in Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone", and then Toto's "Who Going To Drive You Home" -- sort of Beck's own take on his experience with 'damaged' women, but a lot less interestingly done...
I love this album.
really, really, really, really good song writing.
Not my fave song on the album (though I hate criticizing music); it just sounds like the 'single'. The rest of the album is my favourite of all time!
 dischuckin wrote:
dunno if it's my self esteem or just the way he sings, but unless i listen close i hear 'baby, i'm a lost... cause'
 

I feel that way about some of his lyrics too!
 PublicMentor wrote:

What about now, how are you right now?
 
It's a loaded question and I refuse to answer it, but the song is pretty good =)
 zigzag wrote:

Ahh, the inevitable categorical "worst" (or "best", for that matter).

I've always enjoyed Beck's sound and I'm quite a fan of Tom Waits. Two of the more interesting voices to appear in American popular music IMHO. Certainly two of the more interesting songwriters.

It just so happened that Sea Change was released at one of the worst emotional times of my tiny existence. It barely left the car cd player for 3 months as I traveled through New Zealands thoroughly amazing South Island...totally depressed.

Perfectly depressed. 
 
What about now, how are you right now?
dunno if it's my self esteem or just the way he sings, but unless i listen close i hear 'baby, i'm a lost... cause'
 zigzag wrote:

Ahh, the inevitable categorical "worst" (or "best", for that matter).

I've always enjoyed Beck's sound and I'm quite a fan of Tom Waits. Two of the more interesting voices to appear in American popular music IMHO. Certainly two of the more interesting songwriters.

It just so happened that Sea Change was released at one of the worst emotional times of my tiny existence. It barely left the car cd player for 3 months as I traveled through New Zealands thoroughly amazing South Island...totally depressed.

Perfectly depressed. 
 
Cheers, zigzag.  
 lizardking wrote:

YES!!  I do that a LOT...although I think it has as much to do with BillG's mastery of segue, theme and flow as much as a bad memory or poor song quality.  Trust me, had the "in-between" song been crap you would have noticed.

I came to post on this song that this is a Beck song I actually like!  An 8 from me, whereas he has maybe 2 or 3 other 7+ songs for me at most.
 
wow....only a year + later and I can say that I have a lot of Beck songs in the 8 & 9 range, and would consider this album (Sea Change) to be one of the best post-divorce albums in the 21st century for sure....this one's a 9 and so is the album...Long Live RP!!
One of my favourite albums of all time.
One of his best!
 parrothead wrote:


A scientologist verses a morman....Which is worst?
 
Well your spelling is the worst. Also, Beck was raised by Scientologists and I never got a clear indication he was all in. Should I have the same view of your kids if you raised them as Christians? How do I know you're a Christian? An atheist would never say such stupid shit. 
This one got me through at least one good break-up.

"...is that what you think love was for?..." 
Stands the test of time. 8 => 9
 thewaxtadpole wrote:
I wish this wasn't so apt.

 
It turned out a lot better.
This really is a great song. 

Love the play on words...lost cause.

I've known a few too many.    
 run4more wrote:
Ungar, Mason & friends — Ashokan Farewell
Beck — Lost Cause
The Psychedelic Furs — The Ghost In You

Anyone else ever do this... look up another song in the current queue and upon returning to look at "now playing" see a song that you don't remember at all? I mean, for Pete's sake, I go take a look at Ungar, Mason & Friends, read a few comments, come back, Psychedelic Furs are playing and I can't remember a single thing about the Beck song that just played. I like to think at those times that the song was just so immemorable as to be forgotten easily and not a sign of failing faculties. Next time maybe I'll pay attention and hope for confirmation (if I remember). {#Stupid} 

In my case its just my age! I’ve become so forgetful that I could organise my own surprise party and still not spoil the surprise!


 run4more wrote:
Ungar, Mason & friends — Ashokan Farewell
Beck — Lost Cause
The Psychedelic Furs — The Ghost In You

Anyone else ever do this... look up another song in the current queue and upon returning to look at "now playing" see a song that you don't remember at all? I mean, for Pete's sake, I go take a look at Ungar, Mason & Friends, read a few comments, come back, Psychedelic Furs are playing and I can't remember a single thing about the Beck song that just played. I like to think at those times that the song was just so immemorable as to be forgotten easily and not a sign of failing faculties. Next time maybe I'll pay attention and hope for confirmation (if I remember). {#Stupid}



 
YES!!  I do that a LOT...although I think it has as much to do with BillG's mastery of segue, theme and flow as much as a bad memory or poor song quality.  Trust me, had the "in-between" song been crap you would have noticed.

I came to post on this song that this is a Beck song I actually like!  An 8 from me, whereas he has maybe 2 or 3 other 7+ songs for me at most.
 unclehud wrote:
Gonna pass on the obvious religious baiting, and say that you should have used the comparative form "worse" since there are only two items in your list.  "Worst" is the superlative form, used when the list extends to three or more. 
Example, "What are the worst Jimmy Buffet tunes every recorded?"  You see, since Mr. Buffet has recorded more than three songs, I used the superlative form.
(PS: Another 5 points off for misspelling and 5 points off for each failure to capitalize the religion names.)
 
Not to mention "verses" versus "versus".  ; )
I am happy that she's listening.
Ungar, Mason & friends — Ashokan Farewell
Beck — Lost Cause
The Psychedelic Furs — The Ghost In You

Anyone else ever do this... look up another song in the current queue and upon returning to look at "now playing" see a song that you don't remember at all? I mean, for Pete's sake, I go take a look at Ungar, Mason & Friends, read a few comments, come back, Psychedelic Furs are playing and I can't remember a single thing about the Beck song that just played. I like to think at those times that the song was just so immemorable as to be forgotten easily and not a sign of failing faculties. Next time maybe I'll pay attention and hope for confirmation (if I remember). {#Stupid}


 mgkiwi wrote:
Hmmm, DULL!

 
He's not dull. He's very dull.
There is something too bourgeoisie about him.  I need more revolutionary fervor.
 melzabutch wrote:


 
offside but Buddy should quit biting his nails - better ways to get your fiber intake...


Takes me to a special place whenever I listen
Hmmm, DULL!

 parrothead wrote:

A scientologist verses a morman....Which is worst?
 
Gonna pass on the obvious religious baiting, and say that you should have used the comparative form "worse" since there are only two items in your list.  "Worst" is the superlative form, used when the list extends to three or more. 

Example, "What are the worst Jimmy Buffet tunes every recorded?"  You see, since Mr. Buffet has recorded more than three songs, I used the superlative form.

(PS: Another 5 points off for misspelling and 5 points off for each failure to capitalize the religion names.)
 flyboy wrote:

romeotuma's hotel room seems to be a consistantly rocking place.  I'd like to visit.

 

Now it is a church...  you are welcome here anytime...

everybody in my church loves this song...
 
2:32 pm; Sometime Around Midnight - The Airborne Toxic Effect
2:37 pm; Lost Cause - Beck

Man, I was having a perfectly fine afternoon and then you got me feeling all wistful. I know exactly the feeling these songs sound like, if that makes any sense.
 And yet you like the National? The vocal delivery is quite similar.

rdo wrote:

His vocals makes me think of someone impersonating a network news anchor trying to sing.  The worst voice in music, save Tom Waits.  Neither of whom I would call singers.

 


I recently picked up Beck's Mutations at a used record store for $2.
I was immediately transfixed by the 2nd track, 'Nobody's Fault But My Own', which has yet to make RP airplay- how 'bout it Bill?
I would say I am almost as transfixed by this perfect tune.
As for voices, Beck's voice is not great, but it's unique and varied.  His voice in this song reminds me of a lower-octave Neil Halstead (who I enjoy hearing on RP).
 Aud wrote:


{#Foot-in-mouth}
 



Lol ...story of my life...
 rdo wrote:

His vocals makes me think of someone impersonating a network news anchor trying to sing.  The worst voice in music, save Tom Waits.  Neither of whom I would call singers.

 

{#Foot-in-mouth}
 rdo wrote:

His vocals makes me think of someone impersonating a network news anchor trying to sing.  The worst voice in music, save Tom Waits.  Neither of whom I would call singers.

 
Ahh, the inevitable categorical "worst" (or "best", for that matter).

I've always enjoyed Beck's sound and I'm quite a fan of Tom Waits. Two of the more interesting voices to appear in American popular music IMHO. Certainly two of the more interesting songwriters.

It just so happened that Sea Change was released at one of the worst emotional times of my tiny existence. It barely left the car cd player for 3 months as I traveled through New Zealands thoroughly amazing South Island...totally depressed.

Perfectly depressed. 

His vocals makes me think of someone impersonating a network news anchor trying to sing.  The worst voice in music, save Tom Waits.  Neither of whom I would call singers.


 HearsayDave wrote:
The most engaging Beck album, IMHO.  Great artist.
 
Hear, hear. A great one from beginning to end.


Really, really like this song!
LOVE
This one just never gets old. Unlike me. Hail Sir Beck.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

. . . except Glenn Beck!

 

A scientologist verses a morman....Which is worst?
I suspect that Beck has just begun to tap the artistic fountain of his talent. We are lucky to be living with artists like him among us. {#Clap}
Very Nice!
A lot from this album was played at this year's Bridge School Benefit....Good stuff!!!
 flyboy wrote:
romeotuma's hotel room seems to be a consistantly rocking place.  I'd like to visit.
 
Let me know when you're going; you can fly by and pick me up.  Vegas hotel room with an RP soundtrack ....  sounds dangerous, eh?
 romeotuma wrote:

Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
 
 
romeotuma's hotel room seems to be a consistantly rocking place.  I'd like to visit.

I get all choked up when I hear this tune.......it's like my anthen
I'm a lost cause so this song kind of resounds with me    {#Cheers}
I'm so-so about Beck, but man, I love this song.
The most engaging Beck album, IMHO.  Great artist.
Budgie approved. 

Best Beck.


 themotion wrote:
any beck rules.
 
. . . except Glenn Beck!

 ziakut wrote:
From 'Loser' to this? Maturity is a beautiful thing.
 

I actually think that he was just as "mature" when he wrote loser, it is just a different direction this album and IMO his best to date!
From 'Loser' to this? Maturity is a beautiful thing.
I'm not a big Beck fan, but this album was recommended to me by a reputable source based on the quality of the music and the incredible audio fidelity, especially as a 5.1 SACD.  I picked up the SACD.  In short, it's incredible — a real musical and audio experience in surround sound and still great in stereo.  This is an especially strong track, but some of the songs with denser arrangements (sweet strings, etc.) are equally engaging.
 Johnny-smooth wrote:
Sometimes, like now, I can really relate to this song - I'm right there
 
Me, too. 
Sometimes, like now, I can really relate to this song - I'm right there
would give this a 12 if i could
This man is a wonder what ever you will call his diversity and genius!
I may need to get this CD.
 Det wrote:
wait all my days for this song...{#Meditate}
 
I have been wanting to hear this one too...curiouser and curiouser.

wait all my days for this song...{#Meditate}
 bpkengor wrote:
OK, i have to get this off my chest.     To me, his voice does not match his face/body/persona/whatever.        That voice sounds like it comes from a much older, much more serious, fellow.    anyone agree or want to throw javelins at my little theory?  
 
I, for one, would have to agree.

wow, a Beck song that i am actually enjoying... surprised to say the least {#Surprised}
One of my top 5 albums of the 00's
Imagine my surprize when I realized Jeff had an illigitimate son ! Bing , bang, twang, but 
geeeezzzze I'd think he would have the guitar down by now .{#Ask} 
hey junior wanna know a secret ?   ok !  {#Whisper}. . . . psst psst ahhhhh, get ready,  there's a train a comin"

I got turned on to Beck back in Oh de lay...and I grew to love that CD almost against my wishes.  And that pretty much is how I find myself with all of his music.  I don't think I will like it..and then it grows on me.  I have never know any artist to so consistently make me like them against my intent like he does. And yes, this one was no different...it comes from a much darker place, right was I expecting more fun stuff...and yet...I like it :)
I remember getting this album way back when and being very amazed.... this guy is actually really consistently good.   impressive.
Maybe it's the music... Every time I hear Beck, I picture someone looking a lot like Leonard Cohen or Warren Zevon. Beck is far too young-looking for his voice. I think it works in his favor, though - if a person were to listen to him without knowing a thing about him, they'd be more inclined to purchase his music than they might be if they'd seen a picture of him.

Proof, once again, that you can't judge a book by its cover. Beck is just amazing to me.
OK, i have to get this off my chest.     To me, his voice does not match his face/body/persona/whatever.        That voice sounds like it comes from a much older, much more serious, fellow.    anyone agree or want to throw javelins at my little theory?  
*bump*
 
themotion wrote:
any beck rules.

I wish this wasn't so apt.
 Darkmatter wrote:
Maybe a horrible thing to say, but Beck is at his best when he is heartbroken.
 
That goes for most musicians, or at least when they are truly feeling their feelings. 

Maybe a horrible thing to say, but Beck is at his best when he is heartbroken.
Never realized how much the Nationals sound like Beck {#Think}
 FluorideFreeMN wrote:


I said the exact same thing back when this comment was made (Dec 2006), I was even ready to write Beck off as a has-been that went to a strange place (that I wasn't going to follow)

That was then, but this album- particularly this song- has really grown on me.

Apples to apples, I'd prefer that Beck stays a "fun" artist and not as dark and introspective as Sea Change.
 

Yes, but this album by far IMO represents his greatest, most creative, beautiful and just overall best songs that he has ever created, before or since.{#Clap} If it happens to be dark, so be it.
wow, just looked up the lyrics...all this time I thought he was saying "Maybe I'm a lost cause" but it's "Baby, you're a lost cause". Whole new meaning to this song. It's less sad now. Yay!
 FluorideFreeMN wrote:

Apples to apples, I'd prefer that Beck stays a "fun" artist and not as dark and introspective as Sea Change.
 
He'd probably agree with you.  I doubt that he ever wants to endure a heartbreak like that again.

Achingly beautiful. Devastatingly true.
i could listen to this song on repeat
I so relate to and love this song even though I really don't relate to it in any meaningful way, isn't that what great music is about?
Gish05 wrote:
I prefer the Guero or Odelay version of Beck.
I said the exact same thing back when this comment was made (Dec 2006), I was even ready to write Beck off as a has-been that went to a strange place (that I wasn't going to follow) That was then, but this album- particularly this song- has really grown on me. Apples to apples, I'd prefer that Beck stays a "fun" artist and not as dark and introspective as Sea Change.
One of the songs of my life. So sad, so sweet, so sweet sadness...
musikalia wrote:
Sea Change is the best break-up album ever.
quite true. he does a wonderful job of communicating his whole range of feelings on this album, and I'm pretty sure you can find something that rings true to your place in life. It even rings true if you're happily married :)
musikalia wrote:
Sea Change is the best break-up album ever.
So true!
I absolutely love Sea Change and Mutations
DoctorHooey wrote:
Best Beck album by a MILE.
Agree. His other albums are good to excellent for me but this one is most excellent.  Some people comment that it is depressing but maybe "melancholy" is better.  I guess that sort of describes Beck in general. Even when he rocks.
Best Beck album by a MILE.
sandpebble wrote:
This is a beautiful song. The rest of the album is pretty dull IMO.
I have to agree. This cut in the diamond in the rough which is this album.
99 wrote:
Depressed Beck rules.
any beck rules.
Love this song. The melody and the lyrics. His voice is like buttah.
you can play beck ANYTIME RP! love it all!
This is a beautiful song. The rest of the album is pretty dull IMO.
When going through a break-up, this album is the only acceptable one.
Always depressingly awesome.
Wow! So much better today for some reason.
Sea Change is the best break-up album ever.
Just stay with Beck and he'll help you pop rock your way into an even better relationship!
Thank you Beck. Beautiful song.
Depressed Beck rules.
definitely feeling this today. good play.
teeyodi wrote:
I learned to play this after my divorce a few years ago. It still makes me cry.
Same thing here - still chokes me up to hear it. Beck's best IMHO
Despite the Scientology, Beck is great.
Absolutely beautiful.
I've always liked Beck, but never owned any until I got Guerro for Christmas this year, which I like. I never really paid attention to what songs were on what albums before, but I've noticed in the last few weeks that this album keeps popping up on RP and it's always a Beck song that I like. Guess I need to go get this album.
I learned to play this after my divorce a few years ago. It still makes me cry.
I prefer the Guero or Odelay version of Beck.
This is one of my all time favorites. This album never gets old for me.
I want to have Beck's baby - whoops, Marissa Ribisi already did that! Anyways, 8 for this. I love Sea Change. And Guero. Midnight Vultures, not so much
Ah yes. Odelay's been getting so much play lately, I'd almost forgotten there was a Beck that didn't make me want to jam sharp objects into my ears. I'm lovin' this.
Love this and hate it at the same time. The love comes from the fact that the song is so flipping fantastic. The hate comes from the fact that he is so flipping right.
one of my favourite albums ever :)