Kentucky Gambler
Merle Haggard, Merle Haggard & the Strangers
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I wanted more from life, than four kids and a wife And a job in a dark Kentucky mine A twenty-acre farm, with a shackey house and barn That's all I had and all I left behind But at gambling, I was lucky, and so I left Kentucky And left behind my woman and my kids Into the gay casinos, in Nevada's town of Reno This Kentucky Gambler planned to get rich quick (Kentucky gambler who's going to love your woman in Kentucky?) Yeah, and who's going to be the one to give her everything she needs? (Kentucky gambler, who's going to raise your children in Kentucky?) And who's going to keep them fed and keep them shoes on their feet? There at the gambler's paradise, Lady luck was on my side And this Kentucky gambler played just right Yeah, I won at everything I played, I really thought I had it made But I should have quit and gone on home that night But when you love the green-backed dollar, sorrow's always bound to follow And Reno's dreams fade into neon amber And Lady Luck, she'll lead you on She'll stay a while, and then she's gone You better go on home, Kentucky gambler But a gambler never seems to stop, till he loses all he's got And with a money-hungry fever, I played on I played till I'd lost all I'd won, I was right back where I'd started from Then I started wanting to go home (Kentucky gambler, there ain't nobody, waiting in Kentucky) When I ran out, somebody else walked in (Kentucky gambler, looks like you ain't really very lucky) And it seems to me a gambler loses much more than he wins Much more than he wins
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Written by: DOLLY PARTON
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
4 facts about this song
Song Production and Release"Kentucky Gambler" is a song that was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton, one of the most successful and admired country musicians of all time.
- The song was part of Parton's 16th solo studio album, "The Bargain Store", released in 1975 through RCA Victor.
- The tune enjoyed a successful release, with Parton's own version of the track peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
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Merle Haggard's VersionThe legendary country musician Merle Haggard also recorded a version of "Kentucky Gambler".
- His rendition of the song was included in his 1985 studio album "Kern River". Although Haggard remained primarily a traditional country artist, the album featured a blend of Western swing, folk, and blues.
- Despite Parton's version being more popular, Haggard's version of "Kentucky Gambler" remains a favourite among his fans due to his unique musical interpretation and soulful singing style.
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Song Content"Kentucky Gambler" tells a tale of a man who leaves his wife back in Kentucky to gamble in Nevada, deciding to bet everything on fortune. However, eventually, he loses everything and returns back home, only to find out that his wife has moved on.
- The song is distinctively characterized by its storytelling lyrics and modern country instrumentation, particularly incorporating guitar and pedal steel elements.
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Awards and Interesting FactsDolly Parton won a Grammy award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for the song "Kentucky Gambler".
- Dolly Parton is known for her narrative songwriting, and "Kentucky Gambler" is a perfect example of her ability to craft compelling narratives within a song.
- Interestingly, Dolly Parton did not only write the track but also co-produced the album "The Bargain Store" with Bob Ferguson, marking an important step in her music industry career.
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Citation
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"Kentucky Gambler Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26351364/Merle+Haggard/Kentucky+Gambler>.
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