About the song
“Still the Same,” a classic song from 1978, was both written and performed by the renowned American singer Bob Seger. This memorable track achieved significant success, climbing to #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning recognition internationally.
The song’s journey didn’t end with Seger’s original version. In 1987, Bonnie Guitar gave it a new twist on her album *What Can I Say*. Her rendition, which leaned into country music, gained its own popularity and made its mark by reaching No. 79 on the Billboard US Country chart in 1989.
Musically, “Still the Same” is a midtempo ballad known for its engaging piano introduction. The song features harmony vocals by Venetta Fields, Clydie King, and Sherlie Matthews, adding a rich R&B flavor to its sound. This blend of elements has contributed to the song’s lasting appeal.
The lyrics of “Still the Same” tell the story of a gambler whom the singer admires but ultimately decides to leave behind due to his unwillingness to change. Some listeners interpret the song as being about an ex-girlfriend rather than a literal gambler. Bob Seger himself has explained that the character in the song is a composite of various people he encountered when he first arrived in Hollywood. According to Seger, these individuals were captivating but flawed, with their charm being part of what made them interesting.
Overall, “Still the Same” stands out as a poignant reflection on personal flaws and the complexity of human relationships, delivered through Seger’s signature storytelling and soulful performance.
Video
Lyrics
You always won every time you placed a bet
You’re still damn good
No one’s gotten to you yet
Every time 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 (still the same, still the same)
Moving game to game
No one standing in your way
Turning on the charm
Long enough to get you by (still the same, still the same)
You’re still the same
You still aim high
Still the same, still the same
Still the same, still the same
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
Still the same, baby, baby, you’re still the same
You’re still the same
Still the same, baby, baby, you’re still the same
Moving game to game
Still the same, baby, baby, you’re still the same
Some things never change
Still the same, baby, baby, you’re still the same
You’re still the same
Still the same, baby, baby, you’re still the same
Still the same
Still the same, baby, baby, you’re still the same