you got to lose to know how to win

Every time that I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dusk to dawn
Isn't that the way
Everybody's got their dues in life to pay

Yeah, I know nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know it's everybody's sin
You got to lose to know how to win

- Aerosmith, "Dream On," June 1973


"Dream On" has always been one of my favorite songs. The line, "You got to lose to know how to win" has always been my favorite line from the song. It makes so much sense...how can someone be successful in anything or even have substantial knowledge of it if they've never failed, or lost? The answer is that you can't. My Saturday thoughts aren't much: don't be discouraged if something doesn't work or if someone hurts you. Know that now, you are really the one with the upper hand. You've been hurt, or something hasn't gone right - but now, you know what you don't want. Who you don't want to be. 

"Dream On" can also be used to demonstrate the theme of losing/winning. In my opinion, it is one of the greatest songs of all time. However, Rolling Stone magazine listed it as #173 on its '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list...not that being listed at all is a loss, but #173? Really, Rolling Stone? The Beach Boys were listed several times before Aerosmith was even mentioned. Not that there's anything wrong with the Beach Boys (I'm actually rather fond of them), but listing many of their songs before any Aerosmith song, especially before "Dream On"? Oh, Rolling Stone. You really have lost it.

Well, now I need to run to the grocery store because, well, I guess I have to eat. And, as always, homework is calling. But in case you were wondering more about "Dream On", you can read all about it here. And if you wanted to read Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, you can check that out here. - Alex