About the song
Kenny Rogers: The Gambler is more than just a country song; it’s a timeless piece that has resonated with audiences for generations. Released in 1978, this iconic track by the legendary Kenny Rogers quickly climbed the charts and solidified its place in music history.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of risk, reward, and the unpredictability of life. With its catchy melody and thoughtful lyrics, The Gambler paints a vivid picture of a seasoned gambler sharing his wisdom with a young man. The core message is simple yet profound: life is a gamble, and the decisions we make can shape our destinies.
Don Schlitz’s lyrics are filled with evocative imagery and memorable lines that have become part of our cultural lexicon. The famous refrain, “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run,” encapsulates the song’s central theme of knowing when to take a chance and when to cut your losses.
Beyond its catchy tune and relatable lyrics, The Gambler also benefits from Kenny Rogers’ distinctive vocals. His smooth, warm voice conveys a sense of world-weariness and wisdom that perfectly complements the song’s narrative. Rogers’ performance gives the song an emotional depth that resonates with listeners on a personal level.
The song’s popularity has extended far beyond the realm of country music. The Gambler has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, and its enduring appeal has led to the creation of several sequels and a television film starring Rogers himself. The song’s success can be attributed to its ability to connect with people on a deep level, regardless of their age or background.
In conclusion, Kenny Rogers: The Gambler is a masterpiece of songwriting and performance. Its timeless message, combined with its catchy melody and iconic status, have ensured its place in the hearts of music lovers for decades to come. Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, The Gambler is a must-listen.
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Lyrics
On a warm summer’s evening
On a train bound for nowhere
I met up with the gambler
We were both too tired to sleep
So we took turns a-starin’
Out the window at the darkness
The boredom overtook us
And he began to speak
He said, “Son, I’ve made a life
Out of readin’ people’s faces
Knowin’ what the cards were
By the way they held their eyes
So if you don’t mind my sayin’
I can see you’re out of aces
For a taste of your whiskey
I’ll give you some advice”
So I handed him my bottle
And he drank down my last swallow
Then he bummed a cigarette
And asked me for a light
And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, “If you’re gonna play the game, boy
You gotta learn to play it right
You’ve got to know when to hold ’em
Know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’
When the dealin’s done
Every gambler knows
That the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ what to throw away
And knowin’ what to keep
‘Cause every hand’s a winner
And every hand’s a loser
And the best that you can hope for
Is to die in your sleep”
And when he’d finished speakin’
He turned back toward the window
Crushed out his cigarette
Faded off to sleep
And somewhere in the darkness
The gambler he broke even
But in his final words
I found an ace that I could keep
You’ve got to know when to hold ’em
Know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’
When the dealin’s done
You’ve got to know when to hold ’em (when to hold ’em)
Know when to fold ’em (when to fold ’em)
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’
When the dealin’s done
You’ve got to know when to hold ’em
Know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’
When the dealin’s done
