When Bob Seger was recording his 1978 album “Stranger in Town,” he moved from his home state of Michigan to Hollywood for a change of pace–and place.
He felt that a new environment would help stir his creativity, and it worked–to a certain degree.  One of the songs he came up with was  “Still the Same.”
As Bob became more and more involved in the Hollywood scene, he began to realize that the city (and Los Angeles in general) was full of

charismatic people who were not only Incredibly talented…but incredibly flawed–something both  fascinating…and disturbing.

In his heart, Bob knew that he and Hollywood were not a good fit, and after recording a few songs for the album, he moved out.
“Still the Same” was written as a metaphor for his experience. It’s about a charismatic gambler who never changes–spectacular faults and all.
At first, Bob seems enamored with him, but realizes it’s like meeting up with an old friend –only to remember why you haven’t stayed in touch.
“Still the Same reached #4 in both the US and Canada, and remains a Great Song of 1978.