“The Gambler” a song penned by Don Schlitz and famously performed by Kenny Rogers in 1978, stands as a monumental piece in the country music genre. Featured in the album of the same name, the song quickly captured the hearts of listeners and solidified its place as one of Rogers’ classic hits.
The narrative follows a gambler aboard a train, imparting valuable life lessons to an acquaintance. While the lyrics surface around the theme of gambling, they delve deeper into profound life philosophies, offering insights on when to take action, when to hold back, and highlighting the importance of patience.
Critically acclaimed, “The Gambler” achieved significant commercial success and has been covered by numerous artists, becoming a lasting icon in country music. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its captivating melody but also in the meaningful message that resonates with audiences worldwide. The song reminds us that life, much like a game of cards, requires wisdom and discernment.
Lyrics “The Gambler”
On a warm summer’s evening 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 my 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 face lost all expression 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’d finished speakin’ He turned back toward the window Crushed out his cigarette 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
