About the song
Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” is a quintessential piece of American country music, penned by the talented songwriter Don Schlitz. While several artists recorded the song, it was Rogers’ rendition that catapulted it to mainstream success. Released in November 1978 as the title track of his album “The Gambler,” the song not only topped the country charts but also made a significant impact on the pop charts, a rare feat for country music at the time.
The narrative of “The Gambler” unfolds on a train one summer evening, where the protagonist encounters a seasoned gambler. Recognizing the narrator’s dire straits, the gambler offers his wisdom in exchange for a drink of whiskey. As the gambler shares his life philosophy through poker metaphors, he delivers some of the most iconic lines in country music:
“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em,
Know when to walk away, 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.”
The gambler’s advice underscores the importance of discerning which battles to fight and which to let go, a universal lesson wrapped in the guise of a poker game. After imparting his wisdom, the gambler falls asleep and passes away, leaving the narrator to reflect on the profound guidance he received.
Accompanied by the vocal group The Jordanaires, Rogers’ performance imbues the song with a sense of warmth and gravity. “The Gambler” became Rogers’ signature song and one of his most enduring hits, contributing to his legacy as a country music legend. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard country music charts and peaked at No. 16 on the pop chart, as well as No. 3 on the Easy Listening chart.
The cultural impact of “The Gambler” extended beyond music. It inspired a series of television movies starring Kenny Rogers, beginning with “Kenny Rogers as The Gambler” in 1980, followed by several sequels. These films brought the song’s narrative to life, set against the backdrop of the Old West.
In recognition of its significance, “The Gambler” was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2018. This honor is reserved for recordings deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The song’s legacy was further cemented following Rogers’ death on March 20, 2020, when it soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart.
With over 798,000 digital sales as of November 2013, “The Gambler” continues to resonate with audiences, its timeless wisdom and memorable melody securing its place in the annals of country music history.
Video
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