OUR FIRST TIME HEARING KENNY ROGERS - THE GAMBLER * WOW WOW WOW*

[@robstyles8535]

This is one of those rare songs that no matter what your musical taste is, you absolutely love this song. Also that’s exactly right, this song is about all the different battles we all experience in life and how we react to those situations.

[@theodoreritola7641]

Ya its country 70s Country THE BEST

[@jayseaborg3895]

A deeply profound philosophical lesson set to music. "Knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep"

[@l.brandehilton7107]

Indeed !!! UHHKAAY !!!

[@MarkSimmons-t4b]

As a death metal fan……I love this song.

[@uhTrojanHorse]

Coming from a hardcore dubstep fan… this song is a banger

[@hammertime615]

Amber nailed it. The song is a metaphor for living a good life.

[@mickiea369]

Definitely check out Lady, the live version. Written by Lionel Ritchie

[@deelawson4551]

YES!

[@theghost6412]

with the Lionel tribute and watch from the very beginning to appreciate the story behind the song.

[@Spazzmatazzz]

By ALL means!!!

[@TheDivayenta]

And watch him and Lionel singing it together!

[@slickboxingidentityveritas1932]

It was co-wrote. Kenny is just humble and doesn't seek acclaim

[@carollandrum9223]

R.I.P. Kenny Rogers. He's been in the music scene since the 60's. He was lead singer for The First Edition and had a big song in 1969, Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town. Give that one a listen.

[@todd8688]

Another great first edition song was reuben james

[@edglass9927]

Actually his first group was the scholars in 1957 and then he was in the bobby Doyle three(jazz trio) he was a stand up bass player.

[@Calmontheoutside]

Oh man! Thanks for jogging my memory about “Ruby”!!!

[@Xcris_crosX]

The old gambler passed on life lessons on how to handle defeat or failure on the journey we’re all on. He broke even and peacefully got off life’s train at his desired final stop dying in his sleep

[@CPny65]

Spot on

[@sharkdentures3247]

THAT (along with the catchy beat & the legendary Kenny Rogers voice) is what makes the song so great! It is relatable. On the surface, it's about Gambling, but underneath, it is about LIFE. (made all the clearer by the terrific line, "In his final words I found an 'Ace' I could keep.".)

[@32202masterj]

@@sharkdentures3247 The whole song is allegorical. Most obvious in the lines, " a gambler knows the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep."=break even. Then "the gambler, he broke even."= He died in his sleep.

[@aebalc]

@@32202masterj I always found it funny that the gambler was broke - asking his companion for a taste of his whiskey and bumming a cigarette before imparting his wisdom.

[@32202masterj]

@@aebalc Who said he was broke, money-wise? He broke-even karma-wise. The guy with the whiskey and cigarette was broke money-wise. The gambler let use those to purchase valuable advice. Something that would help the broke man more than money. It would help get money and other things in life. Similar to the old saying You can give a man a fish, he will be hungry tomorrow. Or you can teach a man to fish, he will be fed for life. I am sorry I can't remember the exact wording. I have chordoma a form of cancer. In this case it attacks the brain and nerves.

[@arkikali5632]

Y'all are right on. The entire song is a story but it's also a metaphor for life.

[@victorcoburn2791]

His duet with Dolly Parton is a banger!

[@dalefleming6427]

Which one....lol...they did a few

[@nberrypatch02]

@@dalefleming6427 Yes, they did, but I'm guessing most people would automatically think of "Islands in the Stream" since that was widely played everywhere. That one is my favorite too, followed closely by "You can't make old friends" and "We've got tonight" :-)

[@jasondaniels640]

'Islands in the Stream' probably...

[@patricialemmons6676]

"Islands in the Stream" - written by the Bee Gees. Actually, they wrote the whole album "Islands" was on...

[@karlsmith2570]

@@nberrypatch02 "We've Got Tonight" was a duet with Sheena Easton, not Dolly Parton

[@Ciclopea2]

Definitely a metaphor about life, my girl Amber catching the nuances and meaning behind the visuals and the lyrics, love it.

[@dottzie33]

Amber is so switched on I’m so glad they decided to delve into other music genres and I’m so glad I came across their channel to witness it, they bring me so much joy with the reactions to some of my most loved songs 😁

[@sarafrey3163]

It's a total metaphor for life!! Life is a gamble😁. Great reaction!

[@RobSquadReactions]

It really is!

[@steve2275]

life is also a highway

[@steve2275]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2TWfp2jbqqfpdE

[@theodoreritola7641]

The Gambler was a mage hit in 1978. Its 70s Amber

[@ThunderPants13]

I remember sitting on the living room floor as a little boy listening to this song with my dad. Good memories. Rest in Peace, dad.

[@jimmypadgett1106]

You need to do coward of the county by Kenny.

[@SearlesHernandez]

this!

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

Oh great We had Dolly Parton on.Fridsy and lKenny Rogers today We must have the Dolly and Kenny duet zislamds in.the Stream next Grest choices

[@lynettefriedrichs4557]

YES.... Please listen to Coward of the county. Sung by Kenny Rogers

[@rickcain4736]

Most Definitely! Talk about Kenny telling a story!

[@levvellene7246]

Oh, yes, that is definitely one of the his best songs!

[@sharidyer4332]

Oh, he's singing all right. He's such a pleasure to listen to. Yes, the song is a metaphor for life.When a song tells a story, by the way, it's called a ballad.

[@retiredslamjamm]

"Lady" is another great one, especially for the ladies

[@keptbygrace6221]

My dad's favorite karaoke song 🙂

[@michaeljuarez7218]

This song is absolutely about how to handle life and the ability to read whatever situation is put in front of you. I enjoyed your interpretation!

[@lsarancha]

Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town; Coward of the County; Lucille; Lady; so many great Kenny Rogers songs! Kenny Rogers week? 😊

[@stephaniegeer1691]

Kenny is a fantastic story teller!!his stories are metaphors for life.😃You nailed it!!😄every one of his songs tells a story,so if you're into that kinda music his catalogue is long and deep.enjoy the ride✌

[@harvesterofsorrow4096]

All of life‘s lessons in one song. Love it

[@bobs.3764]

The brilliance is using poker to teach a true Life Lesson, iconic.

[@NealStidham]

I was actually thinking about mentioning this on the Jolene reaction, but Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton had a string of hit duets in the 1980s. "Islands in the Stream" and "We Got Tonight" were the biggest hits.

[@rickcain4736]

Kenny sang We Got Tonight with Sheena Easton

[@geraldbarras7785]

I was going to mention Sheena Easton but see it's been done already, I had this single as a 12 year old

[@theodoreritola7641]

Yes but The Gambler is a 70s party

[@theodoreritola7641]

we got the night is a 70s cover song by Bob Seger

[@garywheeler6665]

Right on Carol! Ruby is a priceless jewel of a Vietnam song.

[@rileystone6789]

Islands in the stream with Dolly Parton is amazing, I think you two would love that one.

[@evelynmabe7877]

THIS is what my Husband sounded like, and this was one of his most requested songs! My Husband was very versatile, he did a lot of Elvis, Kenny, CCR, He just that had gravely voice! I sure miss sitting in the audience watching him preform! He put on one hell of a show!

[@theodoreritola7641]

Im so sorry for your lose

[@evelynmabe7877]

@@theodoreritola7641 Thank You

[@afry6400]

I grew up listening to Kenny. He was one of my dad's favorites. Hearing him is like getting slammed with the best parts of childhood and home for me. Nostalgia overload.

[@speechmom]

My dad played this album over and over again during road trips when I was a kid. Even then I loved that the songs had stories in them.

[@Kim-hc5si]

Okay, you have to do his song ‘Lady’. The live version where he’s wearing the cream-colored suit. And you must do it WITH AMBER. 😁

[@jacqueline4514]

Yes!!!!!!

[@shamnet]

RIP to a legend of Country Music Kenny Rogers. This is one of my favorites of his.

[@mickiea369]

Such a good call! That voice is incomparable

[@teresacartwright5406]

I first heard Kenny Rogers when he was with his band The First Edition. This is such a good song with a powerful message. Kenny also had a collaboration with Home Free on "Children Go Where I Send Thee" and I think you'd really enjoy it. Thanks for playing this & your comments.

[@stormy8207]

I have slways loved this song. Country is a very underrated genre. It has so much gold

[@ericfrobish1598]

Kenny’s performance of this song on The Muppet Show back in the ‘70’s was fantastic. You have to check that out - well worthwhile!

[@julietenning7981]

Song was so damned popular, they made a movie around it

[@seneca1932]

More than one...

[@dawnmartin4625]

It’s a story about life! There is also a movie with Kenny in it called the Gambler. Kenny has a gravely tone to his voice that just makes a woman’s toes curl!!!

[@cspole3435]

Brooks & Dunn: "Believe" soooo good 😭

[@sukioki6983]

Yes! They have to watch the video though... Not just the song

[@cspole3435]

@@sukioki6983 💯!! Totally agree. Thanks!!

[@willhuey4891]

that song always makes me cry.

[@joshsheffsagain4662]

"Every hand is a winner, and evey hand is a loser, and the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep" That is the second most inspired line I've ever heard. The whole song isn't about gambling, it's about life. The gambling aspect is just the vehicle to convey the story. That line is only second only to Mr Bruce Springsteen from sing "The River" with: "is a dream a lie if it don't come true; Or is it something worse?" 😭 Edit; Amber you are right on!!!

[@chrishansen4691]

Both of two lines are great and I love Springsteen, but the most inspired line ever has to be written by Gordon Lightfoot.... "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?"

[@fredbeard8867]

A fantastic "Spoken Word" country song that, as a truck driver, holds a special place in my heart is "Teddy Bear" by Red Solvine...

[@RitaBowen1]

My grandpa loved this song I have heard it since I was knee high to a grasshopper and it still brings tears to my eyes.

[@RitaBowen1]

Phantom 309 is another good one but I'm not sure who's singing it

[@dinacarter1864]

Love red solvine

[@heatherstahl1473]

Daddy's Girl is one of my all time favorites

[@angelleach6866]

My Pap loved that song. Makes me cry like a baby tho.

[@jskit92380]

Amber you’re brilliant at interpretation. Jay you’re not bad either. Thanks for another great reaction! ☮️🖤🤟

[@1134beerman]

Thank you for reacting to Kenny Rodgers. His songs “lady “, “ coward of the county “ and “ Islands in the stream “. Just to name a few btw Islands in the stream was done with Dolly. Also Gambler was made into a movie.

[@theodoreritola7641]

This is 70s GOLD right here

[@dog4mike]

My mother was a big Kenny Rogers fan when I was a kid in the '70s. I grew up with his voice always on around the house. Hearing his music always takes me to happy places.

[@Grymrod]

Hi jay , hi amber , Kenny is great glad you guys got to experience this. Coward of the county is another good one.

[@dianaprobst3157]

One of the most singable choruses ever, and the reason Kenny was called The Gambler. ❤

[@nberrypatch02]

Kenny started out in a rock band but eventually was billed as a country performer, although many of his biggest hits were crossovers into "pop music" and 'easy listening/adult contemporary". Good music is just that, regardless of genre or labels that people use. Oh and you are absolutely correct about the meaning of this song. It is indeed a metaphor for life, rather than gambling advice. Kudos to you both for picking up on that right away. Some people need to hear it a 2nd or 3rd time before it clicks. :-)

[@sometimeslyrical]

He has such a gorgeous voice. Country isn't one of my favorite genres, but I'd listen to Kenny any day.

[@buzztp5119]

"Know when to walk away and know when to RUN" great advice.

[@jeffthewhiff]

Kenny was a great singer and he is surely missed and this is an iconic song!

[@cherylwaite3255]

Lots of great requests in the comments I agree!!! Seen Kenny Roger's in the early 80's great concert!!!

[@jentommyontheroad8089]

Kenny Rogers was an amazing storyteller! His voice weaves a web around you and draws you in!

[@SearlesHernandez]

More Kenny: "Coward of the County"

[@aweaver6895]

I've been listening to this song my whole life and the genius is the simplicity of the lyrics. A true life philosophy

[@dalefleming6427]

Amber you are so smart, just like my wife does for me, you make Jay a better person.

[@rogerkelly7988]

Another great reaction RIP Kenny

[@brettg274]

Kenny Rogers - “Lady” still holds the Guinness Book of World Records for largest simultaneous panty-drop.

[@jacqueline4514]

Oh yes!!😂

[@armywife1641]

🤣 so true

[@ZeeStranjelz]

Church...!

[@Johnrob1943]

I think righteous Brothers would be up there with a tie.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@realPenrodPooch]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Both true and hysterical at the same time.

[@everybodyliesm.d7348]

Can't tell how much i love this song!

[@vincentdarrah]

you did Dolly yesterday and Kenny today, now do their duet, ISLANDS IN THE STREAM

[@justinanderson2702]

I had the chance to hear Kenny Rogers live a few years ago in concert. I've seen some great concerts, but hearing Kenney Rogers sing "The Gambler" live is my most incredible concert memory, hands down.

[@SIXX2772]

Knowing when to run is crucial....ignore the ego lol

[@pear8head118]

Great comparison to life!!!

[@bambamnj]

You two are right on track, the whole song is using gambling as a metaphor for life and your comments were on point. in the end the gambler in the song got the best that he could hope for, he broke even and died in his sleep. It's a great song with a great message. Every line of the song is life advice, and you two got the message of the song.

[@kerrywyles5012]

The song is a metaphor for life. You got it. Beautiful songwriting.

[@donjenkins3861]

You guys hit the nail on the head! You guys are becoming my favorite reacters! I love you two together. Hey, you have to do "Lady" by Kenny. 🤔😎

[@odinspromise]

I had completely forgotten this old gem. Thank you both for this reminder. PEACE!!!!!

[@jspade1973]

Man Jay, Play Lady and dedicate it to your lady. You’ll see what I mean.

[@rebeccafoust2963]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! (You will regret it if you do not dedicate it to her)

[@erikhoxsey8186]

This may be one of the greatest songs ever written. And performed RIP Kenny Rogers.

[@tyroneloki5131]

'Coward of the County' is one of those song that truly shows of kenny rogers's amazing story telling: I recommend just the audio version, and close your eyes....i guarantee you will feel something

[@Marcus_1001]

This man is literally the voice of my childhood. My dad was a huge Kenny Rogers fan so I grew up listening to him. His gravelly, silky voice is so unique. RIP, Kenny. You will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Here are some more awesome Kenny songs: "Coward Of The County" "Daytime Friends" "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer" "Islands In The Stream" (duet with Dolly Parton) "Lady" "Love Is Strange" "Love Lifted Me" "Lucille" "Reuben James" "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town" "She Believes In Me" "Through The Years" "We've Got Tonight" "You Decorated My Life" "You Light Up My Life"

[@henry1395]

...and OFF COURSE.....**SWEET MUSIC MAN**

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

I don't know that one

[@Royelsworth]

and old red

[@silverhippie3910]

Kenny has one of the smoothest deliveries of any singer ever!!✌️✌️✌️

[@theodoreritola7641]

One of the top country songs from the 1970s

[@rosemary702001]

If ever there was a perfectly written story set to music, this is it. Kenny was perfect for this kind of song. Check out his early works. They are stories too: Lucille and Ruby. I love you guys’ repartee! Between your reviews, you are so cute together as you listen, share thoughts and prefer each other! Y’all are just plain fun!!

[@edmondtetrault4322]

Amber you are brilliant. You nailed this interpretation.

[@joejoebrian1014]

The lady nailed it. The old man gave Kenny Rogers' character some advice in terms he felt he would understand as a fellow gambler. The whole song is a beautiful metaphor. Loved the video guys. Really really enjoyed your outlook and open mindedness.

[@redstateforever]

This song was so big they made it into movies, lol. Kenny crossed genres, no one was bigger in his prime. And he was older when it happened, a silver fox!

[@pnwcruiser]

Another great Rogers song is "Lady", written by Lionel Richie. There is also a wonderful video on KZbin of Kenny and Lionel reminiscing and singing the song together late in Kenny's life (he passed away recently). And as you continue your country music journey there are a couple of exceptional story/music videos you might want to react to. "Believe" by Brooks and Dunn; a heartfelt story with powerful vocal by Ronnie Dunn, and "Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss. Alison may have the most beautiful voice I've ever heard in my life.

[@MeMariaRigby]

Love the reaction. Amber you bring a smile to this old lady's face. You are a smart girl. You would ,make a fabulous teacher.

[@susanzenonian5085]

Weirdly, The Muppets Show version of this song (with Kenny) is probably my favorite. And it helps illustrate the "breaking even" for kids with the ghost of the gambler drifting away.

[@Herb-fd6qf]

All music tells a story of some sort. Be it classical, rock , blues , rap , country , soul or whatever. All we have to do is listen. You 2 are awesome.

[@sdhproductions8877]

Now y'all need to listen to Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton sing "Islands in the Stream"

[@paulschenck4029]

Agreed! It's one of the all-time best duets!

[@jennytalks5882]

Yep...talking about life. Such a classic. Such a good good song. A lot of wisdom in this song.

[@62impalaconvert]

Right, it is a metaphor about life. Try "Islands in the Stream", his duet with Dolly Parton.

[@deborahlewis656]

Kenny and dolly did many duets together..pure heaven🥰

[@muzikman4399]

Story song? Try Lynyrd Skynyrd “Ballad of Curtis Loew ( pronounced low)” sort of country vibe but more about the blues, it’s an awesome song!

[@KayeWhye]

And that Dobro! I grew up with country/western and bluegrass. The Dobro is such a beautiful sound!

[@John_Locke_108]

RIP Kenny. How I wept when you passed.

[@ajruther67]

This song, released in 1978, was written by Don Schlitz in 1976. "In that 20 minutes I wrote most of it in my head," he says. "I didn't write a last verse, had no idea what was gonna happen, thought it was an interesting story but it was a throwaway. I spent about six weeks trying to figure out what was gonna happen after the chorus." He finished the song by implying the death of the title character, though it's not directly stated. It was originally given to Johnny Cash but ended up giving it to Kenny Rogers.

[@robertphelps1574]

The original version but not released as a single was by Bobby Bare

[@nevazegrati5543]

Nailed it girl! Me & my sister used to sing this together when we were young. Told we sounded great together. Thanks for the memories!...BTW... you 2 are a beautiful couple. Can't imagine how georgous your kids are!

[@kevinjohnson3085]

Kenny Rogers Lady song is a good one.

[@Me-wk3ix]

Wow, I honestly don't think that I've heard anyone describe the meaning behind this song so well. Nicely put!

[@bryanCJC2105]

Kenny Rogers is a legend! "Coward of the County", you won't regret it and "Islands in the Stream" w Dolly Parton is one the greatest duets.

[@paperclips4113]

Love "Coward of the County"! Love the underdog coming in for the take-all winner!

[@caral1257]

Awesome that you got the real meaning of the song! Life's lessons.❤️

[@sageofsquirrels111]

Singer-Storyteller is sort of a genre all unto itself. Jim Croce was a great for it and there really isn't a bad song by him - so pick one and enjoy. Connie Converse is a relatively unknown name (because she made one album then disappeared into obscurity) but is arguably the originator of the whole style, so would make an excellent deep-dive for a #FemaleFriday. #LoveAndPeace

[@dalefleming6427]

Red Divine with Teddy Bear is in that wheelhouse

[@emcsquare5045]

Definitely Jim Croce

[@blacksheep_edge1412]

Charlie Daniels with the songs Uneasy Rider, Uneasy Rider '88, Legend of Wooley Swamp (it's a ghost story, and it's was good), and Talk to me fiddle also fall into that genre.

[@rdevries3852]

Also, Marty Robbins

[@MarioButter]

Pretty much anything by Harry Chapin - another consummate storyteller. Also, many of the songs by Gordon Lightfoot and Kate Wolf.

[@paulriddle7818]

This was for a TV movie in the 90s that he was in. it was a huge hit as was this song. Even a metalhead like me was big into it..lol

[@theodoreritola7641]

But the song is from the late 70s Baby

[@theodoreritola7641]

Movies like a lot of 70s songs like THE GAMBLER

[@jerrywalters8885]

Another good story song by Kenny Rogers is THE TOMB OF UNKOWN LOVE and THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW

[@kellyanderson7624]

This was the first record I owned when I was 6 years old lol. I grew up listening to Kenny Rogers, a true country legend. He died last year. I cried for days. Such a legend. RIP Kenny. He has SO many songs you should listen to. Lady, coward of the county, Rueben James, Ruby, Through the Years, She Believes in Me. Start with those lol

[@kimberlyjenkins725]

Best story song ever is Bobbie Gentry - Ode to Billy Joe. They made a whole movie out of the song lol

[@cob.9831]

All genre's have songs like this. The type folk sell there soul for. Master piece .

[@joeoldschool6612]

Lady live by Kenny is as iconic as this one is. Great job you guys are doing. IMO you guys are better when both of you are here. But i like duet reactions better, feels more natural.

[@ericbogerd5306]

This song I such a classic, and chock full of wisdom. 'Know when to walk away, and know when to run' indeed.

[@johnszostowski767]

GREAT STORY!!! - "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot

[@penlynn5036]

Go back and check him out when he was Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. Some awesome early rock... Or check out Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town which is about a disabled Vietnam vet.

[@nestea8385]

Did you catch that the Gambler died? "Somewhere in the darkness, the Gambler, he broke even. And in his final words, I found an ace that I could keep." There are movies about "The Gambler", all of which are set in the old west, and gambling. I'm not so sure there were any hidden meanings. Don't need to over-think it.

[@ymykeclause]

It was definitely about gambling...if you see the movie ...you'll understand the song more. Sometimes it is what it is. Nothing more.

[@RLKmedic0315]

It is about gambling, it is also a life lesson.

[@TheOriginalAverageJane]

I'd never noticed that part before!

[@youtubeuniversity9098]

There's a life lesson and allegory.

[@lorie76yt]

Just because someone saw a marketing opportunity to make a movie(s) based on the literal meaning of the lyrics doesn’t mean it wasn’t also an allegory (life lesson) Don’t be afraid to think, sometimes things can have more than one meaning at the same time :)

[@DannyDeAvila-i4m]

Great metaphors for life, how you react to the cards you're dealt. This song was PERFECT for Kenny Rogers, this song was made for him to make it a timeless classic.

[@vivientinsley4163]

You should listen to island in the Stream is Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton yes it is a country star and the song you just listen to it's about about gambling hence the title The Gambler

[@Tom-tt1vg]

Kenny Is A Legend. He was the very first country artist I ever got into while I was a kid exploring music from my dads record collection.