About the song
“Coward of the County,” penned by Roger Bowling and Billy Edd Wheeler, stands as a compelling narrative within American country music, immortalized by Kenny Rogers’ emotive interpretation. Released in November 1979 as the second single from Rogers’ highly successful album “Kenny,” the song swiftly became a cultural phenomenon and a major crossover hit.
At its core, “Coward of the County” tells the story of Tommy, a young man whose pacifist nature earns him the reputation of being a coward in his small town. Raised by his Uncle, Tommy’s outlook on life is shaped by his father’s dying words, urging him to avoid violence and conflict whenever possible. The song delves into Tommy’s internal conflict when faced with a critical moment: upon learning that his love interest Becky has been assaulted by the Gatlin brothers, he must decide whether to uphold his father’s advice or take a stand to defend her honor.
The song’s emotional depth and powerful storytelling resonated deeply with audiences, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Country chart and reaching number three on the Hot 100. Its success extended internationally, topping charts in Canada, the UK, and Ireland for six consecutive weeks, solidifying its status as a global hit.
Beyond its chart achievements, “Coward of the County” sparked discussions and interpretations about bravery, morality, and the complexities of human behavior under pressure. The song’s poignant lyrics and Kenny Rogers’ heartfelt delivery captured the essence of Tommy’s transformation from perceived cowardice to a symbol of righteous courage in a defining moment.
Moreover, the song’s impact was not without controversy, particularly concerning its reference to the “Gatlin boys,” which led to speculation about its connection to the country music group The Gatlin Brothers. Despite conflicting claims, the enduring popularity of “Coward of the County” underscored its universal themes and timeless appeal in the country music canon.
In conclusion, “Coward of the County” remains a testament to Kenny Rogers’ prowess as an interpreter of storytelling ballads and the songwriting talents of Bowling and Wheeler. Its enduring legacy as a chart-topping, cross-genre hit continues to resonate, making it a beloved classic that transcends generations and musical boundaries.
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Lyrics
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
But 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
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”
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 an’ there was three of them
Tommy opened up the door and saw 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 his 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 bar room
One of them got up and met him half way cross the floor
When Tommy turned around they said, “Hey look! Old Yellow’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 nothing back, he let ’em have it all
When Tommy left the bar room, 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 should hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man”
Everyone considered him the coward of the county