You're gravitating towards Country because you're older--and you have enough life experience now to understand what they're singing about. And that speaks to you, now.
That's facts.. he's learning why all these old time music stars are legends.. dolly Parton will be his next probs but I hope he gets to George Jones and Conway Twitty.
@@graemeo3440I have never felt rap and country were similar. Maybe the new terrible country that is NOT country. I cannot stand rap, and I cannot stand newer country.
@@SpecterNeverSpectatorthis is what gets me every time-he shared his wisdom, said what he thought the best way to go was, and karma gave it to him, because he gave up the most precious thing he had-his wisdom.
"And somewhere in the darkness...the gambler he broke even....but, in his final words I found an ace that I could keep"...has always been my favorite part of this song.
@@andrewschliewe6392 What he's talking about is in poker there's no good or bad hands to an expert. You're playing the people at the table, not the cards. If you have high cards you make it seem like you don't so they keep running the pot up. If you have low you make them think you have high so they are more reserved. In life the hand you're dealt matters little either. Take Eminem, born in a trailer park in detroit, into poverty, into a drug laden household. Didn't let anyone tell him he was dealt a losing hand, made himself a millionaire and one of if not the best rappers of all time. Plenty of stories like that. It's not your hand you're dealt, it's what you do with it. in the words of Eminem: "That goes for you too, so what the f@ck you gon' do? Use the tools you're given! Or you're gon' use the cards you're dealt As an excuse for you to not do sh$t with 'em?" - Eminem, Believe
The writer of this song, Don Schlitz, wrote it about his father's life advice to him. Relationships, jobs, everything. Know when to walk away. The train was "bound for nowhere". It wasn't two guys who met gambling. It was two guys on a life journey, one older and wiser than the other, hitching a ride on a train. The poker talk is just a metaphor.
I still love the meme that said something like, "Kenny Rogers quietly dipping out during the pandemic, is the most "know when to fold 'em" shit, I have ever seen."
Coward of the County. Suprised mr. I have to pace myseldf because otherwise I would by up all the Kebnny Rogers Vinyl and CD's in the thrift stores here in The Netherlands.
When I was a kid, whenever Rogers showed up on tv, whether it was a movie, concert, even a commercial, we'd say "Mom, you're boyfriend's on tv!" and she'd come running.
U just made me crack up … my 2 daughters who are in their early 30’s and myself do the exact same thing…. My grandson, said one day to his mom….. gee how many boyfriends to u have ???? 😂😂😂😘
I love this song. It was 30 years before I realized that the whole song was a metaphor for life. Know your limits. Be the best at whatever you do, and know when to cut your losses and walk away. Kenny was a legend.
Coward of the County is a great one. The most profound lines he only says once. "Every gambler know the secret to survivin' is knowing what to throw away knowing what to keep, cause every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser, and the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep." That's life, right there.
Kenny Rogers (1938-2020) first got famous as the lead singer of the psychedelic band The First Edition. Take a listen to "Just Dropped In" (1967) sometime. But shortly after that, he broke out as a solo act and went Country. His sad story songs include "Coward of the County," "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," and "[You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me] Lucille." He had a hit with "Islands In the Stream" [written by The Bee Gees], recorded as duet with Dolly Parton. He starred in a movie adaptation of "Coward of the County," where they toned down the climax a bit (compared to the implied meaning in the song). He also starred in the movie Six Pack, as a racecar driver who's trying to get custody of six orphan kids. And he sang the film's theme song "Love Will Turn You Around."
You said “chills”. That means life and soul. I feel bad for folks who never get chills from music. My whole life is based on those chills. When the chills stop, life will be over.
"The best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep." I lost it when I heard that. I had to put my terrier dog down two days ago, my best friend. I watched as they injected him and he went to sleep. It was the best we could hope for.
Curious if you noticed the gambler died in his sleep? "Somewhere in the darkness the Gambler he broke even, and in his final words of wisdom I found an ace I could keep." And "Lady" and "Coward of the County" those two are on par with The Gambler. Kenney had a crystal voice that could tell a story that sank into your soul.
I'm not a country fan but Kenny Rogers will always hold a place in my heart because of how much he reminds me of my granny and grandpa. They use to LOVE listening to his music when I would stay with them
I WAS JUST GONNA SAY BECAUSE THIS SAYs “THE MOST GANGSTER SONG” AND THAT SHIT IS SOOOOOO GANGSTER ITS FUCKING CRAZZZZYYYYY THAT STORY IS VIVID!!! Good call my brother
The saying, "Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" originated with this song. It became an instant cultural phenomenon in America. People were saying it left and right, and still say it to this day, like your uncle. And you're right, it's game. I took it to mean, "Don't throw your energy willy-nilly toward everything. Be selective. Your life is too valuable. Know what to throw away, and what to keep." So very wise.
In 1980, Kenny called up this guy named Lionel Richie. The two didn't know each other, but Kenny wanted Lionel to write a song for him. Lionel originally said that he didn't have time. Kenny told him that he wanted to add it to a Greatest Hits Album that he was working on, and it would sell 4-5 million copies. Lionel asked if 7:00 the next night would be good. The story gets funnier from there. But the song went on to be a huge hit for Kenny, and later on in the decade, Lionel included it on one of his albums. The two became the absolute best of friends to the day Kenny passed away. The song was Lady.
“You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table” can mean a lot. Your life isn’t over yet - don’t get too hyped on what you have now, don’t get too low on what you don’t have. There will be ups and downs. When you’re at the end you can look back with a clearer eye.
I love Scarlet Fever, but I can't believe someone wrote a song like that. You'd be treated like you were Epstein if you tried to release that song today. Really strange that I was listening to that at about 10 years old.
You are drawn to (good) country songs because they are life songs. Relatable stories that anyone can see themselves in. The great ones can even make you look at life a little differently, either yours or someone else's. I believe that is the strength of country music as a genre.
@6:44 ish, ya ask "Why Country music!?".. I too didn't grow up listening to that genre, but as age sat in, respect for everything was found.. These old school bands are real musicians and that's where the love is shared!
I paid attention. The wife is raped by three men because he is a coward. Then he finally grows a pair and gets revenge. Maybe he should have been tougher from the start.
I’m a 61 yo Aussie & grew up with these songs. I watched your Devil Went Down to Georgia reaction and got hooked. Your reaction to the Coward of The County tells me you’re a great bloke. Thanks for the memories :)
As others have said, Lady, the live version, written and produced by Lionel Ritchie, and Coward of the County. Other hits include She Believes in Me, Ruby, Through yhe Years, Islands in the Stream with Dolly Parton, Lucille, You Decorated my Life, We've got Tonight, Dont fall in Love with a Dreamer, and Love will turn you around. RIP Silver Fox 😢 One of the best Singer/Song writers ever. Almost every song is a self-contained story.
When this song first came out, EVERYONE was singing and quoting this song. I just turned 60 and people my age STILL use this song when they want to make a point. So glad you found it, enjoy the rest of his library!
In 1978, on Sunday, the 10th of December, we were going to church. This song came on the radio and my little sister, Shelley, asked for the volume to be turned up. Early in the morning, on the 16th of December my mom found Shelley dead on the couch in our living room. She had been stabbed to death. I learned the lesson of this song then. And I always think of Shelley when I hear it.
The best Country music tells stories. Stories that are wholly relatable to the average person. Country can be funny, whimsical, tragic, philosophical, spiritual, trivial, observational, nostalgic, and/inspirational. Country also often employs turns of phrases, witty word plays, symbolism, and analogies. It is not "simple" music as some think. Country can be very sophisticated. John Cash and The Statler Brothers are absolute Masters of storytelling, as is Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and a good many others. Like most genres of music, Country is not monolithic and frequently it's more complex and poignant than many of its critical recognize.
I saw Kenny Rogers in concert back in the 1980s. He was a huge country star putting out hits in that period. Great concert. He enjoyed knowing that the audience was enjoying themselves. The Gatlin Brothers opened for him. Funny incident. Larry Gatlin did a number without his brothers. Just him, his guitar & a wooden stool. He strummed a few chords, then stopped playing and looked out into the audience right there by the stage, shaded his eyes from the lights. "Are those BINOCULARS?" he asked. Then: "Day-um, lady, you're in the second row. What the h*ll you lookin' at?" Biggest laugh of the night.
I took my beautiful grandmother to see Kenny Rogers decades ago in Melbourne Australia I too loved Kenny Rogers & I will never ever forget that concert absolutely 1 of the best story teller .
We were young with our little family of five. We didn’t have much money but we were okay and things didn’t much matter when had each other. We owned one cassette and the kids wanted it playing when we hopped in the car. I can still my children singing along with Kenny Roger’s The Gambler at the top of their voices. Good memories.
My father was a country music DJ, and sure he interviewed Kenny Rogers all he had to say was, " that's the biggest prick I've ever met," and Kenny was never played in my house again. Great music, diva artist.
My fav. song by Kenny was written by Lionel Ritchie and he asked Kenny to sing it. Imo it's so good I always got chills the way he sang it. Song of love🧡it's called Lady
The best songs, country or any other, tell a story. Heartbreak, life, romance, love, sorrow, the story has to be told with an economy of words and fit the music so that people sing it years later without realizing it, just out of nowhere.
My opinion is when people are young, they tend to really not care about the words, they'll pick up little quips that are fun to say but they basically could care less about any story. As we mature and understand just how important life is and the struggles and the principles we need to follow, then the more mature listener will actually begin to care more about the words and the story or the theme of the songs. Hence as people mature in their music appreciation they will gravitate to Country music because most good Country songs tell amazing stories and make us think about our own lives.
The source of the phrase "Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" was this song. Kenny Rogers' recording was such a huge hit that the phrase went viral. The rest is history. The phrase is still with us, and people who never heard or even know about the song might still know the phrase.
I love getting excited like you do about new music. Coward of the County is a great song. Kenny known for smooth tones and his groomed beard. His work with Dolly was great too.
I took "counting your money while you're sitting at the table" to mean, don't judge your life halfway through. Stay focused and you can reminisce later, when you retire.
Complimenting that idea, also don't start comparing your chip stacks of life to other people and decide on your worth based on where you may be at any moment. The game's not over until it's over, keep focused on the game and doing what needs to be done not worrying about your chip stack.
I've heard this a thousand times. Still get chills. I became a country fan through watching reactions on RUclips. There's so many great artists! Good music is good music regardless of genre.
Kenny was born in Houston and had a local group called the Scholars, after that he became a member of the folk ensemble the New Christy Minstrels, playing double bass and bass guitar as well as singing. In 1967, he and several members of the New Christy Minstrels left to form the group the First Edition, with whom he scored his first major hit, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)", a psychedelic rock song which peaked at number five on the Billboard charts. They followed that success with 1969's "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town."
It is not a surprise the country music hits your soul, country is storytelling at its best, lessons in life, songs about love, heartbreak, happiness, anger, loss, patrotism, all facets of life. It has country, blues, rock influences. It is about our experiences as humans. It includes all the muscians, great song writers, entertainers. Rap is storytelling too, just different rythyms. Cpuntry has music for crying in your beer, celebrating life, dancing in your boots or sneakers. It has great sing alongs for its listeners. It is just about all facets of life.
I was never a big country fan, but some music is so powerful that it transcends genre, and this is one of them songs. Another is The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel. Just classics that make us feel all the things.
@dom6512 THIS!! It's not about the hand you're dealt, because "every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser." It's how you choose to play your hand. ❤❤
I can't remember who said it first but country music is the working class white mans blues. No other genre can compare to the two. I grew up listening to metal and it took me a long time to open my mind now I can't believe I missed out on so much art.
Kenny Rogers was a legend! I saw him in concert numerous times and met him twice as I was doing a lot of concerts promoting back in my day in my hometown.. He was so down to earth and funny I am happy I had the chance to meet him and shake his hand.
Best line “every hands a winner and every hands a loser”. Even a bad hand in life can become a good one (and vice versa) depending on how you play it. Even if we all break even in the end. Great Reaction!
Coward of the County is also an example of how to live your life. County music started changing as I grew up in the 60s. I listened to the older County with my grandmother but didn't really like the twang. Now I think it speaks to the heart and soul.
Are you kidding? It has 3 men rape his wife because he never stands up to anyone. Who cares that he got revenge, she was still raped by three men. Cowards suck.
As you get older your mind opens to more things! You now have a life resume so you can understand the meaning of these songs. Country music is comprised of life lessons and stories! My Mother and Dad made me listen to country music growing up, I hated it until I got older!
"Coward of the County" is a must, as well as "Lady" (the live version - *he's wearing an all white suit)
Yeah the Silver Fox was a big sexy in the Lady video! The women absolutely loved him back then!
Listen to, uneasy rider CDB...
Yes yes yes
Here to second 'Coward of the County'.
Lady is one of my all time favorites
You're gravitating towards Country because you're older--and you have enough life experience now to understand what they're singing about. And that speaks to you, now.
Came here to say the same thing!
this right here!!!
I have always felt that Rap and Country are very similar. The best songs are those that tell a story.
That's facts.. he's learning why all these old time music stars are legends.. dolly Parton will be his next probs but I hope he gets to George Jones and Conway Twitty.
@@graemeo3440I have never felt rap and country were similar. Maybe the new terrible country that is NOT country. I cannot stand rap, and I cannot stand newer country.
Kenny has a ton of hits. You really should check out Coward of the County. It's a powerful song
I came here to say the same thing
That's exactly what I was about to say!
Definitely!
Reuben James too.
That song makes me all emotional in the best of ways
'the gambler, he broke even' has got to be one of the euphemisms for death
I don't think I caught that before re-listening to it just now.
Yup, he died in his sleep as he wished for
I'm with you. I've loved this song since it came out and this is the first time I realized that the gambler "broke even."
@@SpecterNeverSpectatorthis is what gets me every time-he shared his wisdom, said what he thought the best way to go was, and karma gave it to him, because he gave up the most precious thing he had-his wisdom.
it is
From a 60 year old who was 40 yesterday....it's so gratifying to watch the youngsters grow up....
“The secret to surviving is knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep.” That’s pure gold right there.
It ties into the next verse, "every hand is a winner, every hand is a loser" amazing metaphor for one's life.
Super Golden lyrics!
"And somewhere in the darkness...the gambler he broke even....but, in his final words I found an ace that I could keep"...has always been my favorite part of this song.
Yes, and many people miss the fact that the old gambler died. He had his last drink, smoke, and passing of knowledge.
“Every hands a winner. And every hands a loser.” That gets me every time.
Words to live by. I love it!
He's talking about one's life and based on the choices you make its a winner or a loser.
@@andrewschliewe6392 What he's talking about is in poker there's no good or bad hands to an expert. You're playing the people at the table, not the cards. If you have high cards you make it seem like you don't so they keep running the pot up. If you have low you make them think you have high so they are more reserved.
In life the hand you're dealt matters little either. Take Eminem, born in a trailer park in detroit, into poverty, into a drug laden household. Didn't let anyone tell him he was dealt a losing hand, made himself a millionaire and one of if not the best rappers of all time. Plenty of stories like that.
It's not your hand you're dealt, it's what you do with it. in the words of Eminem:
"That goes for you too, so what the f@ck you gon' do?
Use the tools you're given!
Or you're gon' use the cards you're dealt
As an excuse for you to not do sh$t with 'em?"
- Eminem, Believe
@@andrewschliewe6392exactly, what matters is what you choose to do with the hand your dealt.
@@andrewschliewe6392 yes but it is also True in Poker every Hands is a Winner and Every Hand is a Loser
The writer of this song, Don Schlitz, wrote it about his father's life advice to him. Relationships, jobs, everything. Know when to walk away. The train was "bound for nowhere". It wasn't two guys who met gambling. It was two guys on a life journey, one older and wiser than the other, hitching a ride on a train. The poker talk is just a metaphor.
The same writer wrote The Greatest too.
He did the Gambler on the Muppet Show, back in the 80’s and that is where I realized that the gambler died on that train ride after giving his advice.
I was traumatized by that episode
I still love the meme that said something like, "Kenny Rogers quietly dipping out during the pandemic, is the most "know when to fold 'em" shit, I have ever seen."
He missed it. I often thought that he got the blessing of never knowing it happened
I would recommend Coward of the County. Very powerful song with another powerful lesson from Uncle Kenny.
Agree! You will love Coward of the County! Please react.
Reuben James is another good one with a powerful message.
It's a stupid message. If he had been a man from the start,,,,, his girl wouldn't have been raped by three men.
was about to say same
Coward of the County. Suprised mr. I have to pace myseldf because otherwise I would by up all the Kebnny Rogers Vinyl and CD's in the thrift stores here in The Netherlands.
This hook is the greatest life advice you will ever receive.
Very true.
Know when to hold em. Know when to fold em. Know when to walk away…and know when to run.
When I was a kid, whenever Rogers showed up on tv, whether it was a movie, concert, even a commercial, we'd say "Mom, you're boyfriend's on tv!" and she'd come running.
that's sweet.... good memory to keep
Haha that's cool.
❤😂❤ with my Mama it was Neil Diamond... ❤
U just made me crack up … my 2 daughters who are in their early 30’s
and myself do the exact same thing….
My grandson, said one day to his mom….. gee how many boyfriends to u have ???? 😂😂😂😘
I did too lol love that man
I love this song. It was 30 years before I realized that the whole song was a metaphor for life. Know your limits. Be the best at whatever you do, and know when to cut your losses and walk away. Kenny was a legend.
Coward of the County is a great one. The most profound lines he only says once. "Every gambler know the secret to survivin' is knowing what to throw away knowing what to keep, cause every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser, and the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep." That's life, right there.
Kenny Rogers (1938-2020) first got famous as the lead singer of the psychedelic band The First Edition. Take a listen to "Just Dropped In" (1967) sometime. But shortly after that, he broke out as a solo act and went Country.
His sad story songs include "Coward of the County," "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," and "[You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me] Lucille."
He had a hit with "Islands In the Stream" [written by The Bee Gees], recorded as duet with Dolly Parton.
He starred in a movie adaptation of "Coward of the County," where they toned down the climax a bit (compared to the implied meaning in the song).
He also starred in the movie Six Pack, as a racecar driver who's trying to get custody of six orphan kids. And he sang the film's theme song "Love Will Turn You Around."
I own the Six Pack movie! So great. For the First Edition add "Something's Burning" - that was my fave.
Six Pack featured Rocky Top, a song I latched onto at the time for some reason.
You covered this great!!
Didn't Willie do a cover of "Just Dropped In?"
He did several Gambler movies as well.
A little talked about story song of his Long Arm of the Law
LADY. Written by Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers sang it just beautifully
100%
When Lionel originally wrote it Lady was called Baby. Good change I think.
This song had such a story they made a movie. Love seeing the younger generations exploring all styles of music.
Growing up on the 70s we all knew the words to Kenny’s songs.
Kenny made 4 TV Movies inspired by his song "The Gambler".....
Kenny made a TV Movie based on his song "Coward of the County"
5 Gambler Movies.
@@mikematusek4233 Thank You..... I typed the wrong number......
@@CoastalNomad no problem, I thought 4 until I caught 5 this last week on Outlaw.
He also made Six Pack.
@@donkeysaurusrex7881 True.... I was listing his songs he turned into movies.....
*Coward Of The County* should be your next Kenny Rogers song. Amazing storytelling and deep meaning with so much truth.
The meaning? you mean like " be a coward and 3 men will rape your wife"?
What about 'The Greatest'?
the gambler he broke even. what a great euphemism for death
You said “chills”. That means life and soul. I feel bad for folks who never get chills from music. My whole life is based on those chills. When the chills stop, life will be over.
This dude was a song writing mastermind, he had 120 hit singles in country and pop.
Kenny is an amazing story teller. Coward of the County will MESS YOU UP
No lie, I love it but it makes me cry every single time.
I agree. Must. Listen.
"The best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep." I lost it when I heard that. I had to put my terrier dog down two days ago, my best friend. I watched as they injected him and he went to sleep. It was the best we could hope for.
my sympathies for your recent loss, I've lost many pets over the years I know how bad that hurts 😢😭
That's rough...Your pup will live in your heart forever.🐕💛
My deepest condolences on the loss of your Fur Buddy! 🙏💜🙏💜🙏
So sorry. That pain is always the debt that comes due for the love we've been given and it's hard every time. ✌️and❤.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your furbaby ❤
Curious if you noticed the gambler died in his sleep?
"Somewhere in the darkness the Gambler he broke even, and in his final words of wisdom I found an ace I could keep."
And "Lady" and "Coward of the County" those two are on par with The Gambler.
Kenney had a crystal voice that could tell a story that sank into your soul.
I'm not a country fan but Kenny Rogers will always hold a place in my heart because of how much he reminds me of my granny and grandpa. They use to LOVE listening to his music when I would stay with them
I just made a very similar response to someone. My grandpa. A badass (with a soft side) til the end. His last words were “I’m fine.”
For me the line "every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser" resonates.....your life is what you make it! Great video, thank you!
Great reaction! You’ve gotta hear “Coward of the County”! Keep it up, sir!👊🏼🤓🤠
I still get goosebumps when I hear that song ❤️
I think he’d dig it!
You and me both @@michellehunter5745
That is what I came here to say!
I WAS JUST GONNA SAY BECAUSE THIS SAYs “THE MOST GANGSTER SONG” AND THAT SHIT IS SOOOOOO GANGSTER ITS FUCKING CRAZZZZYYYYY THAT STORY IS VIVID!!! Good call my brother
You need to hear Kenny and Dolly do "Islands In The Stream" written by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. You'll love it!
COWARD OF THE COUNTY…
Next please!!
The saying, "Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" originated with this song. It became an instant cultural phenomenon in America. People were saying it left and right, and still say it to this day, like your uncle. And you're right, it's game. I took it to mean, "Don't throw your energy willy-nilly toward everything. Be selective. Your life is too valuable. Know what to throw away, and what to keep." So very wise.
Kenny Rodger's voice actually got better the older he got.
In 1980, Kenny called up this guy named Lionel Richie. The two didn't know each other, but Kenny wanted Lionel to write a song for him. Lionel originally said that he didn't have time. Kenny told him that he wanted to add it to a Greatest Hits Album that he was working on, and it would sell 4-5 million copies. Lionel asked if 7:00 the next night would be good. The story gets funnier from there. But the song went on to be a huge hit for Kenny, and later on in the decade, Lionel included it on one of his albums. The two became the absolute best of friends to the day Kenny passed away. The song was Lady.
"Every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser," it all depends on what you do with it. It is the best life advice.
Yeah, this song is about passing down generational wisdom, and one man receiving the fruit of experience over a man’s final drink.
“You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table” can mean a lot. Your life isn’t over yet - don’t get too hyped on what you have now, don’t get too low on what you don’t have. There will be ups and downs. When you’re at the end you can look back with a clearer eye.
Dude, you're making me jealous! Hearing Kenny Rogers for the 1st time!! He's spectacular!!
Now you need to listen to his hit "Coward of the County" "Scarlet Fever" and "Don't Take Your Love to Town"
Oh! I forgot about Ruby!!! Great suggestion
Ruby is the best
I love Scarlet Fever, but I can't believe someone wrote a song like that. You'd be treated like you were Epstein if you tried to release that song today. Really strange that I was listening to that at about 10 years old.
You are drawn to (good) country songs because they are life songs. Relatable stories that anyone can see themselves in. The great ones can even make you look at life a little differently, either yours or someone else's. I believe that is the strength of country music as a genre.
COUNTRY MUSIC IS 3 CHORDS AND THE TRUTH. LOVE YER REACTIONS
Add the fiddle and steel guitar!
I said the same thing but, I don't remember where I heard it.
HARLAN HOWARD is the country music songwriter that said that quote.
Kenny Rogers was the man you listened to when it was country you were seeking. LONG LIVE THE KING OF COUNTRY.
@6:44 ish, ya ask "Why Country music!?".. I too didn't grow up listening to that genre, but as age sat in, respect for everything was found.. These old school bands are real musicians and that's where the love is shared!
The late great Kenny Rogers. The man was legit. Check out his diet with Dolly Parton "islands in the Stream" and his hot " Lady"
You do realize The Gambler died "The Gambler he broke even"...love Kenny...large catalog....💛
Kenny Roger's was and always will be my favorite country singer. Check his song Coward of the county. And pay attention to the words
I paid attention. The wife is raped by three men because he is a coward.
Then he finally grows a pair and gets revenge.
Maybe he should have been tougher from the start.
I’m a 61 yo Aussie & grew up with these songs. I watched your Devil Went Down to Georgia reaction and got hooked. Your reaction to the Coward of The County tells me you’re a great bloke. Thanks for the memories :)
That voice…… I was in love with him when I was a kid 😂 I still think his voice is amazing as an old lady 🔥😂💕
this song, Coward of the County, and Lucile are my favorite by Kenny...such a Great story teller
As others have said, Lady, the live version, written and produced by Lionel Ritchie, and Coward of the County.
Other hits include She Believes in Me, Ruby, Through yhe Years, Islands in the Stream with Dolly Parton, Lucille, You Decorated my Life, We've got Tonight, Dont fall in Love with a Dreamer, and Love will turn you around.
RIP Silver Fox 😢 One of the best Singer/Song writers ever.
Almost every song is a self-contained story.
When this song first came out, EVERYONE was singing and quoting this song. I just turned 60 and people my age STILL use this song when they want to make a point. So glad you found it, enjoy the rest of his library!
I don't mind "reaction" channels that actually stop what they're watching to tell us what they like or don't like. You're good, man.
In 1978, on Sunday, the 10th of December, we were going to church. This song came on the radio and my little sister, Shelley, asked for the volume to be turned up. Early in the morning, on the 16th of December my mom found Shelley dead on the couch in our living room. She had been stabbed to death. I learned the lesson of this song then. And I always think of Shelley when I hear it.
🤯
The best Country music tells stories. Stories that are wholly relatable to the average person. Country can be funny, whimsical, tragic, philosophical, spiritual, trivial, observational, nostalgic, and/inspirational. Country also often employs turns of phrases, witty word plays, symbolism, and analogies. It is not "simple" music as some think. Country can be very sophisticated. John Cash and The Statler Brothers are absolute Masters of storytelling, as is Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and a good many others. Like most genres of music, Country is not monolithic and frequently it's more complex and poignant than many of its critical recognize.
This!
I saw Kenny Rogers in concert back in the 1980s. He was a huge country star putting out hits in that period. Great concert. He enjoyed knowing that the audience was enjoying themselves.
The Gatlin Brothers opened for him. Funny incident. Larry Gatlin did a number without his brothers. Just him, his guitar & a wooden stool. He strummed a few chords, then stopped playing and looked out into the audience right there by the stage, shaded his eyes from the lights. "Are those BINOCULARS?" he asked. Then: "Day-um, lady, you're in the second row. What the h*ll you lookin' at?" Biggest laugh of the night.
When I read "Country is not monolithic," I thought, "Are you referencing Beyonce here?"
1st concert as a kid ever; Kenny, Dottie West and The Oakridge Boys..🤠❤🎵🤙
saw him live at the Opry when I was 10, never forgot that performance.
That sounds like an awesome concert.
The entire song is a metaphor for life. I'm glad you picked up on it. It's surprising how many people miss that and think it's just about Gambling
Country music hits ALL the feels. It can take your heart out and stomp on it and hand it back to you😊
I took my beautiful grandmother to see Kenny Rogers decades ago in Melbourne Australia I too loved Kenny Rogers & I will never ever forget that concert absolutely 1 of the best story teller .
We were young with our little family of five. We didn’t have much money but we were okay and things didn’t much matter when had each other. We owned one cassette and the kids wanted it playing when we hopped in the car. I can still my children singing along with Kenny Roger’s The Gambler at the top of their voices. Good memories.
One of the best pure voices ever.
Never heard a negative word about Kenny.
A Superstar back in the day.
A Legend forever. 🤙😎
Coward of the County next and then The Greatest. The Greatest is one of the most underrated country songs in my humble opinion
Not a country fan but have always loved Kenny Rogers (my older sister was a fan back in his pre-country days...so I used to hear him all the time)
My father was a country music DJ, and sure he interviewed Kenny Rogers all he had to say was, " that's the biggest prick I've ever met," and Kenny was never played in my house again. Great music, diva artist.
That ace he kept is key. It's a lesson. The gift we leave behind is knowledge to the next to live this life. 🌎 ✨ 💫 Round for round is the game
This comment is in response to what you said before the reaction. I am now 70 years old and am still 20 in my head. It's cray!
❤😂
I'm over 40 and don't understand how I got here. I JUST graduated college, I swear.
My fav. song by Kenny was written by Lionel Ritchie and he asked Kenny to sing it. Imo it's so good I always got chills the way he sang it. Song of love🧡it's called Lady
The best songs, country or any other, tell a story. Heartbreak, life, romance, love, sorrow, the story has to be told with an economy of words and fit the music so that people sing it years later without realizing it, just out of nowhere.
My opinion is when people are young, they tend to really not care about the words, they'll pick up little quips that are fun to say but they basically could care less about any story. As we mature and understand just how important life is and the struggles and the principles we need to follow, then the more mature listener will actually begin to care more about the words and the story or the theme of the songs. Hence as people mature in their music appreciation they will gravitate to Country music because most good Country songs tell amazing stories and make us think about our own lives.
The source of the phrase "Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" was this song. Kenny Rogers' recording was such a huge hit that the phrase went viral. The rest is history. The phrase is still with us, and people who never heard or even know about the song might still know the phrase.
My mom's was IN LOVE with this man.
Like, my stepdad was jealous (they're dead and I still roll my eyes over it).
I love getting excited like you do about new music.
Coward of the County is a great song. Kenny known for smooth tones and his groomed beard. His work with Dolly was great too.
"Every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser..." words to live by
One of the greatest songs of any genre ever made. Classic. Legendary
People STILL SAY got to know when to hold em....and we know what they were meaning. Kenny is great!
I took "counting your money while you're sitting at the table" to mean, don't judge your life halfway through. Stay focused and you can reminisce later, when you retire.
Complimenting that idea, also don't start comparing your chip stacks of life to other people and decide on your worth based on where you may be at any moment. The game's not over until it's over, keep focused on the game and doing what needs to be done not worrying about your chip stack.
Wait until you hear him sing "Lady" which was written for him by Lionel Ritchie of The Commodores. That'll blow your mind again!!
And if you play it for your woman and she doesn't want to go make babies, something is terribly wrong.
You were raised with morals and ethics.🙏🏼
I've heard this a thousand times. Still get chills. I became a country fan through watching reactions on RUclips. There's so many great artists! Good music is good music regardless of genre.
Country music is all about story-telling. I think that's why it resonates with you so much.
Yes! He needs to watch “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” and “(You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me) Lucille”
Kenny was born in Houston and had a local group called the Scholars, after that he became a member of the folk ensemble the New Christy Minstrels, playing double bass and bass guitar as well as singing. In 1967, he and several members of the New Christy Minstrels left to form the group the First Edition, with whom he scored his first major hit, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)", a psychedelic rock song which peaked at number five on the Billboard charts. They followed that success with 1969's "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town."
Ruby stll gets me. It's one of the darkest songs I've ever heard.
My dad and stepmother used to go see him in local clubs before he got big.
It is not a surprise the country music hits your soul, country is storytelling at its best, lessons in life, songs about love, heartbreak, happiness, anger, loss, patrotism, all facets of life. It has country, blues, rock influences. It is about our experiences as humans. It includes all the muscians, great song writers, entertainers. Rap is storytelling too, just different rythyms. Cpuntry has music for crying in your beer, celebrating life, dancing in your boots or sneakers. It has great sing alongs for its listeners. It is just about all facets of life.
Kenny was my true all time favorite since being a kid. Childhood memories of playing his records all the time as a kid.
Country music is all about life, death and love. I am born and raised in the mountains and we do life. Country music is life laid out on a plate
I was never a big country fan, but some music is so powerful that it transcends genre, and this is one of them songs. Another is The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel. Just classics that make us feel all the things.
Yessir it’s about the hand your dealt in life
That you have no control of. It's what you do with it and what you leave behind when you depart.
@dom6512 THIS!! It's not about the hand you're dealt, because "every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser." It's how you choose to play your hand. ❤❤
"Coward of the County" & "Lady" are a must!
I can't remember who said it first but country music is the working class white mans blues. No other genre can compare to the two. I grew up listening to metal and it took me a long time to open my mind now I can't believe I missed out on so much art.
Kenny Rogers was a legend! I saw him in concert numerous times and met him twice as I was doing a lot of concerts promoting back in my day in my hometown.. He was so down to earth and funny I am happy I had the chance to meet him and shake his hand.
Best line “every hands a winner and every hands a loser”. Even a bad hand in life can become a good one (and vice versa) depending on how you play it. Even if we all break even in the end. Great Reaction!
'Ruby' don't take your love to town. You've gotta try.
I've been a musician most of my life and it's great to see your eclectic love of music.
Coward of the County is also an example of how to live your life. County music started changing as I grew up in the 60s. I listened to the older County with my grandmother but didn't really like the twang. Now I think it speaks to the heart and soul.
Are you kidding? It has 3 men rape his wife because he never stands up to anyone.
Who cares that he got revenge, she was still raped by three men.
Cowards suck.
Kenny has done rock and country. Kenny started his career late 50s -60s playing in dance halls in Michigan. This man made a life out of music.
This song is special to me. The first time I heard it, the life lessons within hit me like a brick.
The Fugees very briefly sampled the hook in their song Cowboys. Might be why it’s familiar, but it’s also been in loads of tv shows and movies.
Country music is also known to take a common saying and make it the hook. I think the hook predates the song as a saying.
Damn I miss Kenny, RIP, what an amazing artist.
Because you appreciate great storytelling
As you get older your mind opens to more things! You now have a life resume so you can understand the meaning of these songs. Country music is comprised of life lessons and stories!
My Mother and Dad made me listen to country music growing up, I hated it until I got older!
Kenny Rogers is great.