About the song
Have you ever sat around a campfire, listening to a seasoned storyteller weave tales of adventure and wisdom? Kenny Rogers’ classic hit, “The Gambler,” is much like one of those stories. It’s a song that has resonated with audiences for decades, offering a simple yet profound message about life, choices, and taking risks.
Released in 1978, “The Gambler” quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Written by Don Schlitz, the song paints a vivid picture of a weathered gambler sharing his life philosophy with a young boy. The lyrics, filled with metaphors and poetic imagery, invite listeners to ponder the risks and rewards of various life decisions.
At its core, “The Gambler” is a song about making choices. The gambler’s advice – “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away” – has become one of the most quoted lines in popular music. It’s a timeless adage that can be applied to countless situations, from playing poker to making career decisions.
Beyond its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “The Gambler” also benefits from Rogers’ distinctive vocals. His smooth, baritone voice lends a sense of authority and wisdom to the song, making it easy to imagine the old gambler sharing his hard-earned knowledge. The song’s success can be attributed in part to Rogers’ ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Over the years, “The Gambler” has been covered by numerous artists and has inspired countless adaptations, from sequels and television movies to books and even a Broadway musical. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal themes and Rogers’ masterful storytelling.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, “The Gambler” is a timeless classic that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, remember the words of the gambler: “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away.”
Video
Lyrics
On a warm summer’s evening
On a train bound for nowhere
I met up with a gambler
We were both too tired to sleep
So we took turns a-staring
Out the window at the darkness
‘Til boredom overtook us
And he began to speakHe said, “Son, I’ve made a life
Out of readin’ people’s faces
Knowing what the cards were
By the way they held their eyes
So if you don’t mind my saying
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 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 dealing’s doneEvery gambler knows
That the secret to surviving
Is knowing what to throw away
Knowing 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 sleepAnd when he finished speaking
He turned back toward the window
Crushed out his cigarette
And faded off to sleep
And somewhere in the darkness
The gambler, he broke even
And in his final words
I found an ace that I could keepYou 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 dealing’s doneYou 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 dealing’s doneYou 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 dealing’s done
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