Oldies Country Music

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Kenny Rogers – The Gambler

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About The Song

Background

In 1978, country music singer Kenny Rogers released “The Gambler,” a song that would become his signature tune and one of the most iconic songs in country music history. The song was written by Don Schlitz, who was inspired by a story he heard about a gambler who always knew when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. The song was originally intended for Johnny Cash, but Cash turned it down, and it eventually found its way to Rogers.

Musical Style

“The Gambler” is a classic country ballad with a strong melody and a simple, yet effective arrangement. The song features a prominent acoustic guitar part, as well as backing vocals and strings. Rogers’s vocals are smooth and expressive, and he delivers the lyrics with a sense of conviction.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “The Gambler” tell the story of a gambler who teaches a young man a valuable lesson about life. The gambler tells the young man that you’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. The song also touches on themes of risk-taking, perseverance, and the importance of making your own decisions.

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Cultural Impact

“The Gambler” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also won several awards, including the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year.

The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson. It has also been featured in several films and television shows.

“The Gambler” has become a cultural touchstone, and it is often cited as one of the most influential country songs of all time. The song’s message of wisdom and perseverance has resonated with audiences for generations.

Conclusion

“The Gambler” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics, combined with Rogers’s soulful vocals, have made it a beloved anthem for country music fans around the world. The song’s message of wisdom and perseverance continues to resonate with audiences today, and it is sure to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤 
On a warm summer’s eveningOn a train bound for nowhereI met up with the gamblerWe were both too tired to sleepSo we took turns a-starin’Out the window at the darknessThe boredom overtook usAnd he began to speak
He said, “Son, I’ve made a lifeOut of readin’ people’s facesKnowin’ what the cards wereBy the way they held their eyesSo if you don’t mind my sayin’I can see you’re out of acesFor a taste of your whiskeyI’ll give you some advice”
So I handed him my bottleAnd he drank down my last swallowThen he bummed a cigaretteAnd asked me for a lightAnd the night got deathly quietAnd his face lost all expressionSaid, “If you’re gonna play the game, boyYou gotta learn to play it right
You’ve got to know when to hold ’emKnow when to fold ’emKnow when to walk awayAnd know when to runYou never count your moneyWhen you’re sittin’ at the tableThere’ll be time enough for countin’When the dealin’s done
Every gambler knowsThat the secret to survivin’Is knowin’ what to throw awayAnd knowin’ what to keep‘Cause every hand’s a winnerAnd every hand’s a loserAnd the best that you can hope forIs to die in your sleep”
And when he’d finished speakin’He turned back toward the windowCrushed out his cigaretteFaded off to sleepAnd somewhere in the darknessThe gambler he broke evenBut in his final wordsI found an ace that I could keep
You’ve got to know when to hold ’emKnow when to fold ’emKnow when to walk awayAnd know when to runYou never count your moneyWhen you’re sittin’ at the tableThere’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 awayAnd know when to runYou never count your moneyWhen you’re sittin’ at the tableThere’ll be time enough for countin’When the dealin’s done
You’ve got to know when to hold ’emKnow when to fold ’emKnow when to walk awayAnd know when to runYou never count your moneyWhen you’re sittin’ at the tableThere’ll be time enough for countin’When the dealin’s done
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