About the Song
The iconic ballad, “The Gambler”, sung by the legendary country music artist Kenny Rogers, has transcended its genre to become a timeless classic, resonating with audiences for over four decades. Released in 1978, the song’s captivating lyrics and poignant melody weave a tale of chance encounters, life lessons, and the wisdom gained through experience.
Rogers, known for his gentle baritone and storytelling ability, delivers the song with a heartfelt sincerity that draws the listener into the narrative. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man encountering a seasoned gambler on a train, seeking advice on the game of life. The gambler, sharing his own journey of triumphs and losses, imparts valuable life lessons that transcend the realm of gambling.
“The Gambler” is more than just a song; it’s a metaphor for life’s journey. The lyrics offer profound observations on the nature of chance, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the wisdom gained through experience. Lines like, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run,” have become ingrained in popular culture, offering a timeless approach to navigating life’s challenges.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal. It speaks to the collective human experience, offering words of wisdom and encouragement to audiences of all ages. Whether facing personal or professional challenges, “The Gambler” serves as a reminder to approach life with courage, resilience, and a willingness to learn from every experience.
Beyond its lyrical depth, the song’s success is also attributed to its masterful musical composition. The simple yet evocative melody, featuring a gentle guitar and harmonica accompaniment, perfectly complements the song’s message. Rogers’s warm and inviting vocals draw the listener in, creating a sense of intimacy and shared understanding.
“The Gambler” is a true masterpiece that has earned its place in the pantheon of musical history. Its enduring popularity and timeless message continue to inspire and uplift audiences, reminding us that life, like a game of chance, requires both wisdom and courage to navigate.
Lyrics
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