The Pool Shark

Dave Dudley

About The Pool Shark

"The Pool Shark" is a song written by Tom T. Hall and recorded by American country music artist Dave Dudley. It was released in February 1970 as the lead single from the album of the same name, The Pool Shark. The song was Dave Dudley's twenty-first release on the country chart and his only number one. The single stayed at the top of the country charts for one week and spent a total of fourteen weeks on the chart.


Year:
2012
2:53
93 
#3

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He said, "Pardon me for bein' so bold
But you got a cigarette that's already rolled"
I gave him one, he lit it in his own good time
The smoke in that poolroom hung like a fog
When he talked it sounded like a growling dog
He said, "Would you care for a dollar on the five or nine?"

Now this man was ugly and his eyes were mean
His clothes were dirty but his hands were clean
He held that stick like a mother holds the hand of her child
Well, I've been known to hustle a few
When the waitress said, "Was he playing you?"
And I said, "Yeah, bring me brandy water by"

Little Red Parker was way in the back taking quarters and handling racks
And I told him, "Red, come up here, glue 'em up tight
That brandy had me feeling warm, I tipped that waitress
And I checked her form
And I said, "Honey, you like a winner", and she just smiled

I played like a man with a broken wrist, I won two and he won six
And I had him set up so I said, "Let's play for five"
But this time the crowd had gathered round
To see this fish and just watch him drown
I told that waitress, "More brandy water by"

Then he went out and got a custom cue
He said, "It's no offense to you
But I don't play off the wall with nobody but friends"
He had a gold initials in a leather grip pearly and silver inlaid tip
He smiled at me and he said, "Hell-a-way, we play for ten"

Well, I never seen a man that walk who made those balls and table talk
They're speaking English, he sure didn't need my help
He broke the ball and kept that string
For a hundred and eighty seven bucks and a ring
Till I gave up and said, "Friend, you're gonna have to play by yourself"

Well, he racked it up and walked outside
And I strolled out just to watch him ride
And there was a blond in their caddy built like the rest of that car
The boys in the poolroom they had 'em a laugh
And I hung it up and just let it pass
And had nothin' but my elbows to put on the bar

And the waitress smiled said, "Water by?"
I took the charity and thanked her polite
And sittin' there sippin' and suddenly I had me a thought
Unlucky gambler and lucky in love
Guess you know what I was thinking of
When I said waitress, "Honey, what time you get off?"

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Dave Dudley

Dave Dudley (May 3, 1928 – December 22, 2003), born David Darwin Pedruska, was an American country music singer best known for his truck-driving country anthems of the 1960s and 1970s and his semi-slurred baritone. His signature song was "Six Days on the Road," and he is also remembered for "Vietnam Blues," "Truck Drivin' Son-of-a-Gun," and "Me and ol' C.B.". Other recordings included Dudley's duet with Tom T. Hall, "Day Drinking," and his own Top 10 hit, "Fireball Rolled A Seven," supposedly based on the career and death of Edward Glenn "Fireball" Roberts. more »

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Written by: BRADLEY NOWELL

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"The Pool Shark" is a song in the country genre. It is a classic country hit that embodies the story-telling lyrics and acoustic melodies typical of the style.
Artist Note
The song is performed by Dave Dudley, an American country music singer known for his truck-driving anthems. "The Pool Shark" is one of Dudley's hits that doesn't pertain to trucking, showcasing his versatile talent.
Release Details
The song "The Pool Shark" was released in 1970, becoming one of the notable country singles of that year.
Chart Success
"The Pool Shark" reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the United States. It was Dudley's only number one hit but cemented his influence in country music.
Song Themes
The song tells the story of a man who loses everything to his addiction to playing pool. The narrative showcases Dudley’s storytelling abilities, a crucial skill for country artists.
Songwriting Credit
The writer behind "The Pool Shark" is Tom T. Hall, a revered figure in country music known as "The Storyteller" for his knack for vivid lyricism.
Recording Label
"The Pool Shark" was released under Mercury Records, a leading record label that worked with some of the biggest names in music at the time.
Influence
Despite being his only number one hit, "The Pool Shark" became a signature tune for Dave Dudley and influenced the narrative structure in future country songs.
Album Listing
"The Pool Shark" was also the title track of Dudley's 1970 studio album.
Cover Versions
Due to its popularity, "The Pool Shark" has been covered by other artists in the country music genre, further spreading its fame and popularity.

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