Gambler
Kenny Rogers
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
On a warm summer's eve 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 me 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 faced lost all expression He 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 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 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
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Don Schlitz
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
AwardsThe song "The Gambler" earned Kenny Rogers a Grammy award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980.
|
Song OriginThe song was written by songwriter Don Schlitz. Before it became popular with Kenny Rogers, the song was also recorded by Bobby Bare, Johnny Cash, and others.
|
Release Date"The Gambler" was released in November 1978 as the title track to Rogers' album "The Gambler".
|
Chart SuccessThe song hit number 1 on the Billboard Country Chart and reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
|
Cover VersionsNumerous artists across various genres have covered "The Gambler". This includes versions from artists like Blake Shelton, Bon Jovi, and Mike Doughty.
|
Role in Pop-CultureThe song is known for its catchy refrain, "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em," which has permeated into pop culture and is often quoted or referenced in various forms of media.
|
Thematic ElementsThe song uses a poker metaphor to discuss life's risks and rewards, about taking opportunities when they present themselves – a theme that resonated with many listeners.
|
Television AdaptationThe song's storyline about the mysterious gambler inspired a series of successful TV movies starring Kenny Rogers, beginning with 1980’s 'Kenny Rogers as The Gambler'.
|
In TributeThe song was played in many tributes across media, events, and concerts following the passing of Kenny Rogers in March 2020.
|
LegacyDespite being over four decades old, the song continues to be one of Kenny Rogers’ most beloved and recognized songs, demonstrating its timeless appeal and Roger's enduring legacy in the country music genre.
|
Song LengthThe song "The Gambler" runs for a totality of 3 minutes and 32 seconds.
|
Song RecordingThe song was recorded in the United States in the English Language.
|
GenreThe song leans into the country genre with a storytelling lyrical style.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Gambler Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18292660/Kenny+Rogers/Gambler>.
Discuss the Gambler Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In