Michael Jackson - You Can't Win

Song originally performed by Michael in the movie, The Wiz - premiered in Los Angeles in October 1978. Featured on the accompanying soundtrack double album, issued in September 1978 in the US and October 1978 in the UK.

Not featured on the Broadway musical on which the film was based - written especially for Michael's part as the Scarecrow.

First solo single by Michael released on CBS/Epic.

Charted at no.42 on the R&B singles chart and no.81 on the Hot 100 in the US - wasn't a hit in the UK.



Snippet heard, on the radio when the children are in a car, in Michael's favourite film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

It was also included on the first acetate version of the expanded, special edition of Michael's Off The Wall album in 2001 - later withdrawn.


You Can’t Win - Lyrics

You can't win
You can't break even
And you can't get out of the game
People kee sayin'
Things are gonna change
But they look us like
You're stayin' the same

You can't win
Get over your head
And you only have yourself to blame
You can't win Chile
(You can't win Chile)
You ain't break even
And you can't get out of the game

You can't win
The world keeps movin'
And you're standin' far behind
People keep sayin'
Things'll get better
(Just to ease your state of mind)
(So you lean back, and you smoke that smoke)
(And you drink your glass of wine)
So you can't win, Chile
You can't break even
And you can't get out of the game

You can't win, you can't win no way
If your story stays the same
(You ain't winnin'),
No, no,
(But it's nice to see you)
(I'm awfully glad you came)
(Better cool it 'cause
It ain't abour losin')
Then the world has got no shame
You can't win, Chile
You can't break even
You can't get out of the game

You can't win
You can't break even
Ain't the way it's supposed to be
(You'll be spendin'),
No, no
(Your little bit of money)
While someone else rides for free
(Learn your lesson), ooh,
(Refuel your mind)
(Before someone blows out your flame)

You can't win, Chile. No!
You can't win
You can't win, Chile. No!
You can't win
You can't win, Chile. No!
You can't win
You can't win, Chile. No!
You can't win

You can't win, Chile
You can't break even
And you can't get out of the game
You can't get out of the game
You can't get out (ugh!) of the game
No, no...