The lyrics tell the story of someone who feels destined to make mistakes and lose things in life. They describe a sense of inevitability in their actions, as they reflect on their bad eyes and leg, mistakes made, and the feeling of being born to lose.

Meaning of "Born To Lose" by Jenny Owen Youngs

"Born To Lose" by Jenny Owen Youngs paints a bleak picture of life, with the protagonist feeling fated to make mistakes and suffer losses. The repeated references to bad eyes and a bad leg reflect physical and emotional wounds inherited or acquired through circumstances beyond their control. The imagery of sneaking out and responding to a mysterious man's offer symbolizes a willingness to engage in risky behavior and make poor choices. The mention of a girl crying upstairs emphasizes the theme of vulnerability and fragility in human relationships. The refrain about being prepared to offer up what you were born to lose conveys a sense of resignation to a predetermined fate of failure and disappointment. Overall, the lyrics explore themes of self-destructive tendencies, fatalism, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of negative outcomes.