About the song
“The Gambler,” penned by Don Schlitz and famously recorded by Kenny Rogers, is a quintessential piece of Americana that transcends the boundaries of country music. Written in 1976 when Schlitz was just 23 years old, the song initially struggled to find its place until Rogers’ rendition catapulted it to mainstream success.
The song’s narrative unfolds as a chance encounter between the narrator and a seasoned gambler on a train ride one fateful summer evening. As they share a drink of whisky, the gambler imparts timeless wisdom through poker metaphors that extend far beyond the game itself. “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run,” encapsulates the gambler’s philosophy on life, urging the narrator to discern what’s truly important and when to let go.
Rogers’ masterful delivery, complemented by the harmonies of The Jordanaires, turned “The Gambler” into a chart-topping country hit upon its release in November 1978. More notably, it crossed over to the pop charts during a time when such crossovers were rare for country music. The song’s universal message about making choices, facing consequences, and embracing life’s uncertainties resonated deeply with listeners across genres.
Don Schlitz, reflecting on the song’s creation, revealed a deeply personal inspiration behind its lyrics. He believed the essence of the song was channeled through him, possibly as a gift from his late father, who had passed away just before Schlitz wrote the song. This poignant backstory adds another layer of emotional depth to the song, connecting it intimately to Schlitz’s own life journey.
“The Gambler” not only solidified Kenny Rogers’ career but also left an indelible mark on popular culture. It became synonymous with wisdom passed down through generations, its chorus becoming a mantra for navigating life’s uncertainties with grace and resilience.
In conclusion, “The Gambler” remains a timeless anthem of wisdom and reflection, showcasing the power of storytelling in music and the enduring legacy of Kenny Rogers and Don Schlitz in the country and pop music landscapes. Its profound impact continues to resonate, making it a beloved classic that transcends generations.
Video
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