About the song
Let’s explore the timeless tale woven into Kenny Rogers’ classic hit “The Gambler.” Released in 1978, this song is not just a catchy tune but a narrative filled with wisdom and life lessons.
Written by Don Schlitz, “The Gambler” tells the story of a chance encounter between the narrator and a seasoned gambler aboard a train. Through their conversation, the gambler imparts invaluable advice about life and taking risks.
The song was featured on Kenny Rogers’ album also titled “The Gambler,” released in 1978. This album marked a significant milestone in Rogers’ career and solidified his status as a country music legend.
Upon its release, “The Gambler” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its compelling narrative and memorable melody resonated with audiences, earning Rogers widespread acclaim.
Decades later, “The Gambler” remains one of Kenny Rogers’ most beloved songs and a timeless classic in the country music genre. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universal truths embedded within its lyrics and Rogers’ masterful storytelling.
Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or someone navigating the game of life, “The Gambler” offers sage advice and a melody that’s bound to stay with you long after the song ends. So, take a chance and give it a listen—you won’t be disappointed.
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