Chris Stapleton – The Gambler
The heartfelt moments at Kenny Rogers’ farewell concert in 2017 just keep on coming. This time, it was Chris Stapleton’s turn to take to the stage at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for Kennys ‘All In For The Gambler’ gig.
The song, written by the legendary Don Schlitz, released in 1978, lands in the lap of the TEN time grammy award winner at this special showdown, celebrating Kenny Rogers’ 60 year-long career… and we can confirm, his vocals, as ever, were as smooth as Tennessee Whiskey.
Stapleton’s rendition had the crowd clapping along to the infamous song, which was of course a #1 Country hit back in the day. Other performers of this magical night included Dolly Parton, Little Big Town and Lionel Richie… a Nashville arena full of three chords and the truth, that’s for sure!
Lyrics –
[Verse 1]
On a warm summer’s evenin’ on a train bound for nowhere
I met up with a gambler, we were both too tired to sleep
So we took turns a-starin’ out the window at the darkness
‘Til boredom overtook us and he began to speak
[Verse 2]
He said, “Son, I’ve made a life out of readin’ people’s faces
And knowin’ what their 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”
[Verse 3]
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”
[Chorus]
You 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 dealing’s done
[Verse 4]
Every gambler knows that the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ what to throw away and knowing 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
[Verse 5]
And when he finished speakin’, he turned back toward the window
Crushed out his cigarette and 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
[Chorus]
You 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 dealing’s done
[Outro]
You 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 dealing’s done
You 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 dealing’s done