Kenny Rogers – The Gambler

About The Song

Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler: A Song of Wisdom and Survival

In the vast landscape of country music, few songs have achieved the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”. Released in 1978, this poignant ballad has transcended the boundaries of genre, resonating with listeners worldwide and earning its place among the most iconic songs of all time.

“The Gambler” tells the story of a young man, down on his luck, who encounters a seasoned gambler on a train. As they share a bottle of whiskey, the older gambler imparts words of wisdom, offering life lessons disguised in the language of poker. The lyrics, simple yet profound, paint vivid images of life’s challenges and the strategies needed to navigate them.

Rogers’ voice, imbued with warmth and depth, perfectly captures the essence of the song’s message. He delivers the gambler’s advice with a gentle authority, conveying both the wisdom of experience and the understanding of life’s complexities. The lyrics, “You’ve gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run”, have become timeless proverbs, applicable to a wide range of life’s situations.

Beyond its surface level of poker metaphors, “The Gambler” delves into deeper themes of survival, risk-taking, and the pursuit of happiness. The song suggests that life, like a game of poker, is filled with uncertainty and requires careful decision-making. It encourages listeners to assess their situations, recognize their limitations, and make informed choices that align with their values and goals.

The gambler’s advice extends beyond the realm of material gain, touching upon the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The lyrics, “Every gambler knows the secret to surviving is knowing what to throw away, knowing what to keep”, emphasize the need to let go of negative influences and embrace those that contribute to personal growth and fulfillment.

“The Gambler” has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless interpretations and adaptations. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, offering timeless guidance and solace in the face of life’s challenges. It is a song that transcends generations and genres, reminding us of the importance of self-knowledge, wise decision-making, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hx4gdlfamo

Kenny Rogers – The Gambler (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hx4gdlfamo)

Lyric

🎶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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