The Gambler song by Kenny Rogers
About The Song
“The Gambler” is a country song performed by Kenny Rogers. Here are the details:
Title: The Gambler
Artist: Kenny Rogers
Genre: Country
Release Date: November 15, 1978
Album: The Gambler (1978)
Songwriters: Don Schlitz
Key Themes: “The Gambler” tells the story of a conversation between the narrator and a seasoned gambler during a train journey. The gambler imparts wisdom about life through the metaphor of playing cards and gambling. The chorus includes the iconic advice, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run,” which became widely recognized.
Musical Style: The song features a traditional country sound, with Kenny Rogers’ distinctive vocals at the forefront. It’s characterized by acoustic instrumentation, including guitars and harmonicas, giving it a classic country and folk feel. The narrative quality of the lyrics adds to the storytelling tradition in country music.
Cultural Impact: “The Gambler” became one of Kenny Rogers’ signature songs and a crossover hit, not only in country music but also on pop charts. The song’s narrative and memorable chorus resonated with a broad audience, contributing to its widespread popularity. The success of the song led to a series of sequels, TV movies, and even inspired Rogers to adopt “The Gambler” as a nickname.
Legacy: “The Gambler” is considered one of Kenny Rogers’ most iconic songs and has left a lasting legacy in country music. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued recognition and use in various forms of media. The song remains a classic example of storytelling in country music.
“The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers stands as a timeless country classic that transcends genres. Its narrative, sage advice, and memorable chorus have made it a cultural touchstone and a defining song in Kenny Rogers’ illustrious career.
Video
Lyrics
“The Gambler”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
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