Coward of the County
Kenny Rogers
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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 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 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, n'there was three of them Tommy opened up the door, and saw his 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 the 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 barroom One of them got up and met him halfway 'cross the floor When Tommy turned around they said, "hey look, old yeller'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 nothin' back, he let 'em have it all When Tommy left the barroom, 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 sure hope you understand Sometimes you gotta fight when you're a man" Everyone considered him the coward of the county
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Roger Dale Bowling, Billy Edd Wheeler
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
8 facts about this song
Historical Significance"Coward of the County" is a country song released in 1979 by American singer Kenny Rogers. The song was written by Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler.
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Plot SummaryThe song tells the story of Tommy, a young man who is known as the "Coward of the County" because he avoids violence and conflict. However, when a group of men harm his woman, Becky, Tommy seeks revenge and stands up for himself.
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Chart Success"Coward of the County" became one of Kenny Rogers' biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Inspirational MessageThe song's lyrics convey a message of courage, standing up for what is right, and the importance of choosing non-violence whenever possible.
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Impact"Coward of the County" resonated with listeners and became an iconic song in Kenny Rogers' repertoire, showcasing his storytelling ability and emotional vocal delivery.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Alan Jackson, Boyzone, and Dolly Parton.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Coward of the County" features scenes that reflect the song's storyline, including Tommy's transformation from a passive young man to a courageous hero.
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Legacy"Coward of the County" remains a classic country song that continues to be popular among fans of Kenny Rogers and the genre as a whole.
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"Coward of the County Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/909221/Kenny+Rogers/Coward+of+the+County>.
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