The song spent 21 weeks at the number-one position on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, an all-time record for the listing.

According to lead lyricist Brad Arnold, the song is written from the perspective of a childhood friend of his who became addicted to cocaine.

[15] "Loser" experienced withstanding popularity in Portugal, not reaching the top 10 until April 2003, when it climbed to number five on the AFP ranking.

[16] When 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold discovered that "Loser" had topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for 21 weeks, he was initially indifferent, explaining that they were still focusing on the success of their previous single, "Kryptonite".

[17] The music video, directed by Liz Friedlander, features the band performing the song in a dimly lit high school.