Kenny Rogers – The Gambler (Official Music Video)

Introduction:

In the tapestry of American country music, few songs resonate quite like Kenny Rogers’ 1978 masterpiece, “The Gambler.” Released on his album of the same name, this hauntingly beautiful ballad transcended genre lines, becoming a cultural phenomenon and solidifying Rogers’ place as a country music legend.

Composed by relatively unknown songwriter Don Schlitz, “The Gambler” wasn’t an immediate hit. Schlitz, a young aspiring writer, struggled to find a home for his introspective lyrics that weaved a tale of life lessons through the metaphor of a card game. The song eventually landed in the hands of producer Larry Butler and Kenny Rogers, a seasoned artist already known for hits like “Lucille.” Though some in the industry doubted the song’s length and unconventional storytelling, Rogers recognized its potential.

“The Gambler” unfolds on a train, a common motif in country music symbolizing journeys and transitions. The narrator, a young man, finds himself sharing a seat with a weathered gambler, a man whose life has been shaped by the cards. The gambler, with a world-weary wisdom, offers cryptic yet profound advice in exchange for a sip of whiskey. The lyrics, delivered in Rogers’ smooth baritone, delve into themes of experience, taking chances, and learning from life’s inevitable losses. Lines like “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away and know when to run” became part of popular culture, offering a simple yet powerful metaphor for navigating life’s challenges.

“The Gambler” proved to be a runaway success. It topped the country charts for six weeks and crossed over to pop audiences, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song earned Rogers a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and became his signature tune. “The Gambler” wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural touchstone. It spawned a series of successful television movies featuring Rogers as The Gambler, further cementing the song’s place in American consciousness.

The enduring legacy of “The Gambler” lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. The song’s timeless wisdom transcends generations, offering solace, guidance, and a reminder of the universal lessons learned through life’s experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or simply someone navigating the complexities of life, “The Gambler” continues to resonate, reminding us that the most valuable lessons often come from the most unexpected encounters.

Video:

Lyrics:

“The Gambler”

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-starin’
Out the window at the darkness
The boredom overtook us
And he began to speakHe said, “Son, I’ve made a life
Out of readin’ people’s faces
And 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 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.

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 finished speakin’
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 keep

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 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 dealing’s done

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 done