The Gambler

1976 by Don Schlitz most famously recorded by Kenny Rogers.
On a warm summer’s evening On a train bound for nowhere
I met up with a gambler We were both too tired to sleep
So we took turns a-staring Out the window at the darkness
‘Til boredom overtook us
And he began to speak He said, “Son, I’ve made a life
Out of readin’ people’s faces Knowing what the cards were
By the way they held their eyes So if you don’t mind my saying
I can see you’re out of aces For a taste of your whiskey
I’ll give you some advice”

“If you’re gonna play the game, boy You gotta learn to play it right”
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