About The Song
“The Gambler” is a country music song recorded by Kenny Rogers, released in 1978. Written by Don Schlitz, the song tells the story of a chance encounter between the narrator and a seasoned gambler on a train ride. The gambler imparts wisdom about life and gambling, with the famous refrain: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.”
The song’s narrative is filled with metaphorical advice about taking calculated risks and making wise decisions, both in gambling and in life. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and Rogers’ smooth vocal delivery contributed to its widespread popularity.
“The Gambler” became one of Kenny Rogers’ signature songs and one of the most iconic country music songs of all time. It topped the charts in several countries, including the United States and Canada, and won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
The success of “The Gambler” led to a franchise, including a made-for-TV movie starring Rogers as the gambler, which aired in 1980. The song’s enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a classic in the country music genre.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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