About the song
“The Gambler” is a timeless country music classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Written by Don Schlitz and recorded by several artists, the song has become synonymous with the legendary American country singer Kenny Rogers. Released in 1978, “The Gambler” was the title track from Rogers’ album of the same name and marked a significant turning point in his career.
The song’s origins are shrouded in mystery, with Schlitz claiming that the lyrics were inspired by his father, who had passed away in 1976. Schlitz wrote the song in August 1976, but it wasn’t until six weeks later that he received the final verse. The song was initially recorded by Bobby Bare, but it was Rogers’ version that brought the song to mainstream success.
Rogers’ version of “The Gambler” was a No. 1 country hit and crossed over to the pop charts, winning him the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980. The song’s lyrics are a poignant reflection on the human experience, with the narrator meeting a gambler on a train who imparts wisdom on how to navigate life’s challenges.
The song’s famous chorus, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run,” has become a cultural phenomenon, with its poker metaphors offering a timeless message on how to approach life’s uncertainties. The song’s themes of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of knowing when to take risks have resonated with listeners across generations, cementing “The Gambler” as a country music staple.
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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