About the song
Let’s journey into the captivating world of “The Gambler” by the legendary Kenny Rogers. Penned by the talented songwriter Don Schlitz, this iconic country ballad was released in 1978 as part of Rogers’ album of the same name.
“The Gambler” quickly captured the hearts of listeners, climbing the charts to claim the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossing over to mainstream success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its timeless tale of wisdom gained through life’s gambles struck a chord with audiences, resonating with the universal themes of risk, redemption, and the power of intuition.
Rogers’ rich, velvety voice brings Schlitz’s poignant lyrics to life, weaving a narrative of a chance encounter with a seasoned gambler who imparts sage advice on navigating the highs and lows of life’s journey. With its memorable chorus and infectious melody, “The Gambler” became an anthem for resilience and self-discovery, inspiring listeners to trust their instincts and embrace the uncertainties that lie ahead.
Decades after its release, “The Gambler” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its timeless message and unforgettable melody. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Kenny Rogers’ storytelling prowess and his ability to touch the hearts of listeners across generations. So, let’s ante up and embark on a musical adventure with “The Gambler,” a timeless testament to the wisdom gained through life’s gambles.
Video
Let’s journey into the captivating world of “The Gambler” by the legendary Kenny Rogers. Penned by the talented songwriter Don Schlitz, this iconic country ballad was released in 1978 as part of Rogers’ album of the same name.
“The Gambler” quickly captured the hearts of listeners, climbing the charts to claim the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossing over to mainstream success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its timeless tale of wisdom gained through life’s gambles struck a chord with audiences, resonating with the universal themes of risk, redemption, and the power of intuition.
Rogers’ rich, velvety voice brings Schlitz’s poignant lyrics to life, weaving a narrative of a chance encounter with a seasoned gambler who imparts sage advice on navigating the highs and lows of life’s journey. With its memorable chorus and infectious melody, “The Gambler” became an anthem for resilience and self-discovery, inspiring listeners to trust their instincts and embrace the uncertainties that lie ahead.
Decades after its release, “The Gambler” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its timeless message and unforgettable melody. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Kenny Rogers’ storytelling prowess and his ability to touch the hearts of listeners across generations. So, let’s ante up and embark on a musical adventure with “The Gambler,” a timeless testament to the wisdom gained through life’s gambles.
Lyrics
Everyone considered him the coward of the county
He’d never stood one single time to prove the county wrong
His mama named him Tommy, but folks just called him Yellow
But something always told me, they were reading Tommy wrong
He was only ten years old when his daddy died in prison
I looked after Tommy, ’cause he was my brother’s son
I still recall the final words my brother said to Tommy
“Son, my life is over, but yours has just begun”
“Promise me, son, not to do the things I’ve done
Walk away from trouble if you can
Now it won’t mean you’re weak if you turn the other cheek
I hope you’re old enough to understand
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man”
There’s someone for everyone and Tommy’s love was Becky
In her arms, he didn’t have to prove he was a man
One day while he was working, the Gatlin boys came calling
They took turns at Becky an’ there was three of them
Tommy opened up the door and saw Becky crying
The torn dress, the shattered look was more than he could stand
He reached above the fireplace and took down his daddy’s picture
As his tears fell on his daddy’s face, he heard these words again
“Promise me, Son, not to do the things I’ve done
Walk away from trouble if you can
Now it won’t mean you’re weak if you turn the other cheek
I hope you’re old enough to understand
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man”
The Gatlin boys just laughed at him when he walked into the bar room
One of them got up and met him half way cross the floor
When Tommy turned around they said, “Hey look! Old Yellow’s leaving”
But you could’ve heard a pin drop when Tommy stopped and locked the door
Twenty years of crawling was bottled up inside him
He wasn’t holding nothing back, he let ’em have it all
When Tommy left the bar room, not a Gatlin boy was standing
He said, “This one’s for Becky”, as he watched the last one fall
And I heard him say
“I promised you, Dad, not to do the things you’ve done
I walk away from trouble when I can
Now please don’t think I’m weak, I didn’t turn the other cheek
And Papa, I should hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man”
Everyone considered him the coward of the county