Kenny Rogers – The Gambler

About the song

Kenny Rogers: The Gambler and the Gambler Within

Introduction

In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the enduring legacy of Kenny Rogers. His rich, baritone voice and heartfelt melodies have captivated audiences for decades, cementing his status as an iconic figure in the genre. Among his vast repertoire of chart-topping hits, one song stands out as a timeless classic, a poignant ballad that has transcended generations and cultural boundaries: “The Gambler.”

A Song’s Journey

Released in 1978, “The Gambler” emerged from the songwriting prowess of Don Schlitz, who crafted a tale that would resonate deeply with listeners. The song’s narrative revolves around an unnamed gambler, a seasoned veteran of the card table, imparting his wisdom and life lessons to a young traveler he encounters along the way.

Lyrical Depth and Timeless Wisdom

The song’s lyrics are imbued with profound wisdom, offering insights into the human condition, the nature of chance, and the importance of self-awareness. The gambler’s words serve as a cautionary tale, advising the young traveler to know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em, a metaphor that extends beyond the realm of gaming into the complexities of life itself.

Kenny Rogers’ Unparalleled Delivery

Kenny Rogers’ rendition of “The Gambler” elevates the song to an extraordinary level. His voice, imbued with warmth and experience, perfectly captures the essence of the weathered gambler, imbuing each word with gravitas and emotional depth. The song’s arrangement, a gentle blend of acoustic guitar and subtle orchestration, provides a fitting backdrop for Rogers’ masterful delivery.

A Cultural Touchstone and Enduring Legacy

“The Gambler” quickly ascended to the top of the charts, becoming Kenny Rogers’ fourth solo number-one hit. Its impact extended far beyond the confines of country music, garnering widespread popularity and critical acclaim. The song’s influence permeated popular culture, appearing in films, television shows, and even inspiring a television series based on the song’s narrative.

Conclusion

Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Its timeless message of wisdom, self-reflection, and the vagaries of life continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring its place as an enduring classic in the annals of music history.

Video

Lyrics

“The Gambler”

 

On a warm summer’s evening
On a train bound for nowhere
I met up with a 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
And 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 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 dealing’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 finished speakin’
He turned back toward the window
Crushed out his cigarette
And faded off to sleep
And somewhere in the darkness
The gambler he broke even
And in his final words
I found an ace that I could keep

You 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 dealing’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 dealing’s done

You 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 dealing’s done