In December 1991, Randy Travis released “Better Class of Losers” as the third single from his album High Lonesome. It marked yet another hit in his impressive repertoire as the song peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, as well as Canada Country Tracks. It also helped him earn a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
The Meaning Behind The Song
Written by Randy Travis and fellow country star Alan Jackson, “Better Class of Losers” tells the story of a husband who married a woman from the upper class. However, he has grown tired of spending every dime he makes to finance their lavish lifestyle and to hang out with her elite friends who only look down on him.
So, he decided to get out of their high-rise penthouse suite where they pretend life is rosy and sweet and go back to the folks he used to know – the “better class of losers” that “buy their coffee beans already ground” and “drink three-dollar wine.”
However, we will never know if he just wants to stop going to fancy events with his wife or if he’s thinking about getting a divorce. His true intentions are unclear.
In 2007, Travis sang the song in the action-adventure film National Treasure: Book of Secrets, which stars Nicolas Stage in the lead role. He had a special appearance, performing for the President of the United States during a party at Mount Vernon.
Truly, “Better Class of Losers” became one of Randy Travis’ most enduring hits. You can listen to the song by playing the video below.