I'm a songwriter who loves to collaborate with other songwriters, vocalists, musicians and producers.
For songwriters who dont sing or perform it is extremely hard to make ones mark in the music business because they dont have a platform to present and promote their work. This is more or less the situation that I, Robert Baitinger, have been confronted with since I started writing songs in 1978.
My idea is to complement my songwriting capabilities with the "helping hands" of excellent artists, musicians and innovative producers. In the age of the internet it has become easier to communicate and collaborate with musicians and producers all over the world. I am utilizing the internet and pursuing the idea of a conceptual studio band with a frequently changing lineup of artists. I call this project the "Rob B. Project" since I supply the melodies and/or lyrics of a song and other musicians/producers/songwriters contribute their talents and skills to make it come to life.
Story behind the song
At its core, the song depicts a figure - the "Don" - who refuses to accept reality when it doesn't favor him. The lyrics suggest a world where "winning’s just a better lie" and "if the count don’t work... the count don’t exist".
It’s about the power of persistent gaslighting - the idea that if you say something "until the doubt sounds right," you can effectively rewrite history and rules to ensure you never truly lose. The "Don" is portrayed as a master of "spin," turning every failure or "lost notch" into a rigged game rather than a personal defeat.
I view this as a masterclass in satirical swing. The song utilizes a theatrical, big-band swing style that feels both grand and frantic. The brass sections and driving rhythm create an "unstoppable" momentum that mirrors the character's relentless ego. The vocals are delivered with a charismatic, "showman" flair, perfectly capturing the persuasive yet untrustworthy nature of the protagonist. While the beat is catchy enough for a dance floor, the lyrics are biting and cynical. It’s a clever commentary on how people in power can use rhetoric to create an "alternate state of mind" where they are the perpetual victors. It feels like a villain song from a modern musical - infectious and dark.
Lyrics
Do It Again, Don
[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse]
Headlines in the dead of night
Same excuse, another fight
If the truth won’t take your side
You just say it’s all a lie
[Pre-chorus]
Say it once, say it twice
Say it till the doubt sounds right
If losing’s just a state of mind
Then winning’s just a better lie
[Chorus]
Whoa, do it again, Don
Spin it till it fits
If the count don’t work
Say the count don’t exist
Whoa, do it again, Don
Same old plan
If you don’t win
Just do it again
[Break]
[Verse]
Rules are fine if you you win
If not, you swear they’re rigged again
Funny how “fair" disappears
When the mirror shows a loss, not cheers
[Pre-chorus]
Say it once, say it twice
Say it till the doubt sounds nice
If losing’s just a state of mind
Then winning’s just a better lie
[Chorus]
Whoa, do it again, Don
Spin it till it fits
If the count don’t work
Say the count don’t exist
Whoa, do it again, Don
Same old plan
If you don’t win
Just do it again
[Bridge]
Truth don’t shout
It waits its turn
Ticks like a clock
While stories burn
[Final chorus]
Whoa, do it again, Don
Spin it till it fits
If the count don’t work
Say the count don’t exist
Whoa, do it again, Don
Same old plan
If you don’t win
Just do it again
[Outro]
Whoa, do it again, Don
Whoa, do it again, Don
Whoa, do it again, Don
If you don’t win
Just do it again
