About the song
“The Gambler,” a song synonymous with country music legend Kenny Rogers, is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a life lesson disguised as a captivating narrative. Written in 1976 by the young Don Schlitz, the song’s journey to stardom is as intriguing as its lyrics.
Schlitz, barely out of his twenties, poured his heart into the song, possibly even channeling the wisdom of his recently deceased father. However, initial success proved elusive. Despite recordings by Bobby Bare and Schlitz himself, the song remained hidden, a gem waiting to be unearthed.
Then came Kenny Rogers. In 1978, Rogers took “The Gambler” under his wing, breathing new life into the lyrics with his signature smooth vocals. The result? A chart-topping sensation. The song not only dominated the country charts but also achieved the rare feat of crossing over to the pop charts, a testament to its universal appeal.
But what exactly makes “The Gambler” so special? The song unfolds like a chance encounter on a train. A young, weary traveler meets a seasoned gambler, a man etched with the lines of life’s experiences. In exchange for a drink and a cigarette, the gambler offers a wealth of wisdom – life lessons disguised as poker metaphors.
Lines like “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, know when to run” became cultural touchstones. They encapsulated the importance of discernment – knowing when to fight for something and when to let go. The gambler emphasizes that life, like a game of poker, is full of choices. Success lies in recognizing the right hand to play and learning to accept losses with grace.
The song takes a poignant turn as the gambler, having imparted his wisdom, fades away in the night. Left alone with the gambler’s words, the narrator is left to ponder their profound meaning. “The Gambler” isn’t just a song; it’s a conversation, a passing of the torch from experience to youth.
So, the next time you hear Kenny Rogers’ iconic rendition of “The Gambler,” remember the story behind the song. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from unexpected encounters, and that the wisdom gleaned from life’s journey is a treasure worth sharing.
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