About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Who’s to Bless and Who’s to Blame”: A Song of Moral Ambiguity and the Human Condition
In the realm of country music, Kris Kristofferson stands as a towering figure, a songwriter’s songwriter whose lyrics have delved into the depths of the human experience with profound honesty and poetic grace. Among his rich tapestry of songs, “Who’s to Bless and Who’s to Blame” stands out as a poignant ballad that grapples with the complexities of morality, the inevitability of loss, and the enduring power of love.
Released in 1975 as the title track of Kristofferson’s sixth studio album, “Who’s to Bless and Who’s to Blame” carries a timeless message that resonates deeply with listeners across generations. The song’s opening lines, “All the cards are on the table, you done laid your money down,” set the stage for a narrative that unfolds like a weathered tale, whispered from one soul to another.
A Lyrical Tapestry of Moral Ambiguity
Kristofferson’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, where individuals grapple with the consequences of their choices and the weight of their past. The song’s narrator, a weathered observer of life’s trials and tribulations, poses a series of thought-provoking questions, challenging listeners to confront their own moral compasses.
“Who’s to bless and who’s to blame, who’s to win and who’s to lose?” he sings, his voice laced with a world-weary wisdom. The answer, he suggests, lies not in simple judgments but in the intricate tapestry of human experiences that shape our actions and define our destinies.
The Inevitability of Loss and the Enduring Power of Love
As the song progresses, Kristofferson delves into the inevitability of loss and the profound impact it has on the human spirit. He sings of “love that’s lost and found again,” of “hearts that break and mend,” capturing the bittersweet symphony of life’s emotional journey.
Yet, amidst the darkness, Kristofferson offers a glimmer of hope, a testament to the enduring power of love. “Love’s the only winner in the end,” he declares, his voice resonating with conviction. Love, in its myriad forms, serves as the beacon that guides us through the storms of life, offering solace and the promise of renewal.
A Song that Resonates Across Generations
“Who’s to Bless and Who’s to Blame” is more than just a song; it’s a profound meditation on the human condition, a testament to the power of music to transcend time and touch the hearts of listeners across generations. Kristofferson’s lyrics, imbued with wisdom and empathy, invite us to confront our own moral dilemmas, to embrace the complexities of life, and to cherish the enduring power of love.
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Lyrics
“Who’s To Bless And Who’s To Blame”
If a cheated man’s a loser
And a cheater never wins
And if beggars can’t be choosers
‘Til they’re weak and wealthy menAnd the old keep gettin’ older
And the young must do the same
And it’s never gettin’ better
Who’s to bless, and who’s to blame[Chorus:]
All the cards are on the table
You done laid your money down
Don’t complain about your chances, boy
It’s the only game in townAnd the meaning doesn’t matter
Nor the way you play the game
To the winner or the loser
Who’s to bless, and who’s to blame[Chorus:]
Keep your hands above the table
And your back against the wall
Toss your chips in with your chances, boy
Let ’em lay the way they fallCause the moral doesn’t matter
Broken rules are all the same
To the broken or the breaker
Who’s to bless, and who’s to blame