About the Song
Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” isn’t just a country song; it’s a timeless tale woven into a folksy melody that transcends genre. Released in 1978, it became an instant classic, a song that speaks not just to gamblers, but to anyone who has ever faced life’s uncertainties.
A Songwriter with a Story
“The Gambler” wasn’t penned by Rogers himself, but by songwriter Don Schlitz. Schlitz masterfully crafts a narrative around a chance encounter between a young, naive gambler and a seasoned pro. Through the weathered gambler’s wisdom-filled words, the song unfolds as a series of metaphors for life’s challenges.
Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em
The song’s iconic lyrics, “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run,” are more than just poker advice. They encapsulate the importance of discernment and calculated risk-taking in life. The gambler emphasizes the need to recognize opportunities, fight for what you believe in, but also to know when to cut your losses and walk away.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
The young gambler in the song represents anyone embarking on a new journey, be it a career, a relationship, or simply navigating life’s twists and turns. The seasoned gambler becomes a mentor, offering valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of learning from experience. The song doesn’t offer easy answers, but it encourages reflection and personal growth.
A Legacy That Endures
“The Gambler” resonated deeply with audiences. It topped the country music charts and became a crossover hit, reaching number three on the Adult Contemporary chart and even cracking the Billboard Hot 100. It earned Rogers a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and became his signature song. Even today, “The Gambler” continues to be a beloved classic, a reminder that life’s a gamble, and the most valuable lessons are often learned along the way.
So, whether you’re a seasoned player in the game of life or just starting to deal with your hand, Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” offers a timeless wisdom. Listen closely, ponder its metaphors, and you might just discover a valuable lesson or two tucked away within the lyrics of this enduring country classic.
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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 speakHe 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 keepYou 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 doneYou’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 doneYou 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