Kenny Rogers: Coward of the County – A Timeless Tale of Courage

About the song

Remember the days when a song could tell a whole story? When lyrics painted vivid pictures in your mind and melodies tugged at your heartstrings? Kenny Rogers’ classic, “Coward of the County,” is one of those timeless tunes that has stood the test of time. Released in 1979, this song has resonated with generations of listeners, offering a poignant exploration of courage, pacifism, and the complexities of masculinity.

At its core, “Coward of the County” is a tale of a man who defies societal expectations. Tommy Spencer, the song’s protagonist, refuses to be drawn into the violence and aggression that seems to permeate his small town. His decision to not participate in World War II makes him an outcast, labeled a coward by his peers. However, the song reveals that true courage often lies not in physical strength or acts of aggression, but in the strength of one’s convictions and the willingness to stand alone.

Rogers’ soulful vocals, combined with the song’s evocative lyrics, create a powerful and moving listening experience. The imagery of the “gatling boys” laughing at Tommy and the tension that builds as he confronts his tormentor paints a vivid picture of a small-town America that’s both familiar and distant. The song’s climax, when Tommy finally stands up for himself, is both cathartic and inspiring.

Beyond its narrative, “Coward of the County” also offers a commentary on the nature of masculinity. The song challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man, suggesting that there are multiple ways to be strong and courageous. Tommy’s refusal to conform to societal expectations is a powerful statement about the importance of individuality and the dangers of toxic masculinity.

One of the reasons why “Coward of the County” has endured for so many years is its universal themes. The song speaks to our shared human experiences of fear, courage, and the desire to belong. Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, there’s something in this song for everyone. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find the strength to be true to ourselves.

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Lyrics

Everyone considered him the coward of the county
He’d never stood one single time
To prove the county wrong

His mama named him Tommy
But folks just called him “Yellow”
Something always told me
They were reading Tommy wrong

He was only ten years old
When his daddy died in prison
I looked after Tommy
‘Cause he was my brother’s son

I still recall the final words my brother said to Tommy
“Son my life is over, but yours has just begun”

“Promise me, son
Not to do the things I’ve done
Walk away from trouble if you can
It won’t mean you’re weak
If you turn the other cheek
I hope you’re old enough to understand
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man”

There’s someone for everyone
And Tommy’s love was Becky
In her arms, he didn’t have to prove he was a man

One day while he was working
The Gatlin boys came calling
They took turns at Becky
And there was three of them

Tommy opened up the door
And saw his Becky crying
The torn dress, the shattered look
Was more than he could stand

He reached above the fireplace
And took down his daddy’s picture
As his tears fell on his daddy’s face
He heard these words again

“Promise me, son
Not to do the things I’ve done
Walk away from trouble if you can
Now, it won’t mean you’re weak
If you turn the other cheek
I hope you’re old enough to understand
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man”

The Gatlin boys just laughed at him
When he walked into the barroom
One of them got up
And met him half way ‘cross the floor

When Tommy turned around they said
“Hey look! Old Yeller’s leaving”
But you could’ve heard a pin drop
When Tommy stopped and locked the door

Twenty years of crawling
Was bottled up inside him
He wasn’t holding nothing back
He let ’em have it all

When Tommy left the barroom
Not a Gatlin boy was standing
He said, “This one’s for Becky
As he watched the last one fall
And I heard him say

“I promised you, Dad
Not to do the things you’ve done
I walk away from trouble when I can
Now please don’t think I’m weak
I didn’t turn the other cheek
And papa, I sure hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man”

Everyone considered him the coward of the county