The Gambler by Kenny Rogers (1978)

Introduction:

Released in 1978, The Gambler is a narrative country song that became a signature tune for the legendary Kenny Rogers. The song, written by Don Schlitz, tells a captivating story set on a train. A seasoned gambler, weary from years on the road, shares wisdom with a young man just entering the world of chance.

The Gambler is a prime example of country music’s strength in storytelling. Schlitz’s lyrics paint vivid images with characters the listener can connect with. The unnamed gambler, imbued with experience and a touch of mystery, offers the young man advice that extends far beyond the poker table. The song explores themes of risk, regret, and the lessons learned through the triumphs and failures of life’s journey.

The Gambler was a massive commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and achieved the even more impressive feat of reaching number one on the overall Billboard Hot 100 chart. This crossover success brought country music to a wider audience and solidified Kenny Rogers’ place as a superstar. The song’s influence extended beyond the music world. Its quotable lyrics, particularly the famous line “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em,” became ingrained in popular culture.

The Gambler’s impact was further cemented by its critical acclaim. In 1979, it won Kenny Rogers a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in the numerous cover versions by artists across various genres, further solidifying its place as a country music 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