About the song
“Coward of the County,” a song forever linked to the smooth baritone of Kenny Rogers, is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a complex narrative that explores themes of masculinity, forgiveness, and the lengths we go to for those we love.
Released in 1979, the song tells the story of Tommy, a young man burdened by the legacy of his father. Raised with the philosophy of turning the other cheek, Tommy carries the label of “coward” throughout his life. This label stems from his father’s dying wish, urging him to avoid the mistakes that led him to prison.
The song takes a dramatic turn when Tommy’s girlfriend, Becky, is victimized by a group of men known as the “Gatlin brothers.” Torn between his father’s teachings and the burning desire to protect Becky, Tommy faces a defining moment. Should he adhere to his nonviolent upbringing or embrace his primal need to fight for what’s right?
The tension builds as Tommy enters the barroom where the Gatlin brothers gather. They mock him, expecting him to live up to his “coward” reputation. But in a shocking twist, Tommy locks the door, unleashing a torrent of pent-up emotions. Years of being labeled a coward ignite a fire within him, and he confronts the Gatlins head-on.
This act of courage isn’t just about defending Becky; it’s about reclaiming his own sense of identity. The lyrics, “sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man,” resonate deeply as Tommy proves that strength comes in many forms. He doesn’t have to become a violent man, but he can stand up for himself and those he cares about.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the song is the controversy surrounding the “Gatlin brothers” lyric. Was it a deliberate jab at the real-life singing group The Gatlin Brothers? The songwriters and Kenny Rogers himself have denied this connection, but the speculation lingers, adding another dimension to the narrative.
“Coward of the County” transcends the boundaries of a country song. It’s a story about overcoming labels, finding inner strength, and ultimately, doing what’s right, even if it means defying expectations. So, the next time you hear this iconic song, remember the battle within Tommy and the power of redemption that lies within us all.
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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
But 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
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”
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 an’ there was three of them
Tommy opened up the door and saw 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 bar room
One of them got up and met him half way cross the floor
When Tommy turned around they said, “Hey look! Old Yellow’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 bar room, 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 should hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man”
Everyone considered him the coward of the county