Madison Steibruck’s “losers” is a witty, self-aware indie-pop confession that transforms romantic self-sabotage into an irresistibly catchy anthem. Equal parts humorous and heartbreaking, the song explores that frustrating cycle of repeatedly falling for emotionally unavailable partners while fully recognizing the pattern. Rather than portraying herself as a victim, Steinbruck embraces vulnerability with sharp humor and brutal honesty, making “losers” feel refreshingly authentic.
From its opening verse, Steinbruck wastes no time establishing the song’s playful yet emotionally layered perspective.
“I like boys with bad tattoos / They bite my thigh and leave a bruise / Boys who might make the news / The world to gain no shame to lost.”
These opening lines immediately paint vivid character sketches. The “bad tattoos” aren’t simply a physical description, they symbolize rebellion, impulsiveness, and people who wear their mistakes proudly. Likewise, “boys who might make the news” exaggerates the idea of dating people who constantly live on the edge, suggesting an attraction to chaos rather than stability.
The lyric “The world to gain, no shame to lose” perfectly encapsulates the reckless confidence these partners possess. They move through life unconcerned with consequences, and it’s precisely that carefree attitude that becomes alluring despite the inevitable emotional fallout.
Steinbruck continues building this portrait with biting honesty.
“I like boys who like to lie / Who say they’re cool and don’t have to try / Cheek to cheek and eye for eye / They leave me lonely every time.”
This verse highlights the contradiction at the center of the song. She understands exactly who these people are and recognizes every red flag before becoming emotionally invested. The phrase “they leave me lonely every time” is particularly impactful because it strips away any romanticism. The excitement eventually fades leaving only disappointment, a cycle she knows all too well.
One of the strongest moments arrives in the chorus.
“I’m not picky / Just call me pretty / I used to deny it / Why even fight it?”
These lyrics are deceptively simple but incredible revealing. On the surface, they’re humorous, almost sarcastic, but underneath lies a commentary on validation and self-worth. “Just call me pretty” isn’t merely vanity, it suggests how easily affection and compliments can override better judgement.
The following lines,
“I can see the humor / No there ain’t a future / Can’t deny the rumors / I love losers.”
Demonstrates complete self-awareness. Steinbruck isn’t pretending these relationships are healthy. She knows they won’t last. She knows her friends are right. Yet instead of resisting the truth, she laughs alongside it. Calling herself out before anyone else can becomes part of the song’s charm.
The second verse broadens the commentary by introducing a different kind of emotionally unavailable partner.
“I like boys with sleepy eyes / Who paint their nails and say they’re bi / A feminist who like to therapize / Until he’s drinking with the guys.”
Rather than criticizing appearance or identity, Steinbruck points to performative behavior and hypocrisy. The subject presents himself as emotionally intelligent and progressive, yet abandons those ideals when social pressure enters the picture. It’s a clever observation about people whose words and actions rarely align.
Another standout lyric comes shortly after.
“Calls his friends and waiter boss / Threw a fit when his team lost / Spends my time I pay the cost / Don’t know how he’s just so hot.”
This sequence brilliantly balances comedy with frustration. These are ordinary, almost mundane personality flaws, yet together they create someone who is immature, inconsiderate, and emotionally draining. The finally admission, “Don’t know how he’s just so hot,” perfectly captures the irrationality of attraction. Sometimes chemistry ignores every logical warning sign, and Steinbruck embraces that contradiction rather than trying to explain it away.
The bridge delivers the emotional heart of the song.
“I can’t fix him / But I can’t resist him / Hear my friends opinions / But I just won’t listen.”
This is the moment where humor gives way to vulnerability. The fantasy of changing someone has disappeared, she’s no longer pretending she’ll be the exception. Instead, she’s acknowledging that attraction often exists independent of reason.
Perhaps the most poignant lyrics follow.
“I know there’s a person / Behind the curtain / I’m not perfect / Maybe I deserve it.”
These lines reveal the emotional complexity hidden beneath the song’s playful exterior. Wanting to believe there’s “a person behind the curtain” reflects the hope that someone can become better than their current actions suggest. It’s a familiar impulse, to separate someone’s potential from who they consistently show themselves to be.
The repeated admission,
“I’m not perfect / Maybe I deserve it.”
Introduces a painful layer of self-blame. Rather than simply criticizing her partners, Steinbruck briefly turns inward, questioning whether her repeated disappointments stem from something within herself. It’s an emotionally honest moment that many listeners will recognize, illustrating how unhealthy relationship patterns often become intertwined with self-esteem.
Musically, “losers” complements its storytelling with an effortlessly infectious indie-pop sound. The production remains bright and energetic, creating an interesting contrast with the emotional weight of the lyrics. That allows difficult themes, self-sabotage, insecurity, and toxic attraction, to feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
Madison Steinbruck’s vocal performance is equally effective. She delivers each line with controversial confidence, balancing sarcasm, humor, and vulnerability without overplaying any one emotion. The performance feels natural, as though she’s recounting stories she’s finally learned to laugh about, even if they once hurt deeply.
Ultimately, “losers” succeeds because it refuses to present love as either purely romantic or purely tragic. Instead, Steinbruck captures something far more realistic, the frustrating tendency to repeat familiar mistakes despite knowing better. It’s a song about recognizing unhealthy patterns without pretending breaking them is easy.
By pairing razor sharp observations with irresistible melodies and genuine emotional honesty, Madison Steinbruck has crafted a track that’s as entertaining as it is relatable. “losers” isn’t simply about dating the wrong people, it’s about the uncomfortable space where self-awareness exists without immediate change, making it one of those songs that feels simultaneously funny, frustrating, and deeply human.
Written by Vicktoria Wright
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