About the song
“The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers is more than just a country song; it’s a narrative masterpiece, a story told through music that resonates with listeners of all walks of life. Released in 1978, this song quickly became an anthem, a set of life lessons disguised as a country tune.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Don Schlitz, tell the story of a chance encounter on a late-night train. An old gambler imparts wisdom to a younger man, offering advice on how to navigate the game of life. This narrative, simple yet profound, is what gives the song its enduring appeal.
Kenny Rogers’s vocal delivery is characteristically smooth and engaging. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he narrates them, bringing the characters to life with his distinctive baritone. His ability to convey the wisdom of the gambler with a sense of warmth and sincerity is a testament to his storytelling prowess.
The song’s arrangement, characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar and subtle rhythm section, creates a sense of intimacy and reflection. It’s as if we’re eavesdropping on a private conversation, privy to the sage advice being shared.
“The Gambler” is more than just a song; it’s a parable, a set of guidelines for living a successful life. It’s a reminder to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. These timeless pieces of advice, delivered with the charm and sincerity of Kenny Rogers, have made this song a classic.
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
