The Gambler

by Kenny Rogers

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Lyrics

On a (F)warm I’ve sum mer’s eve nin’ on a (Bb)train in’ bound for (F)no where, I met up with the gam bler.

We were both too tired to sleep,

so if (F)we took turns a star in’ out the (Bb)win dow at the (F)dark ness, ’til a (Bb)bore dom o ver (F)took us

and he be gan to (F)speak.

He said, (F)son, I’ve made a life nin’ out of (Bb)read in’ peo ple’s (F)fac es and know in’ what their cards were by the way they held their eyes.

And if (F)you don’t mind my say in’ I can (Bb)see you’re out of (F)a ces, for a (Bb)bore dom o ver (F)took us

and he be gan to (F)speak.

He said, (Bb)taste of your (F)whis key I’ll (C)give you some ad (F)vice.

So I hand ed him my bot tle and he (Bb)drank down my last (F)swal low.

Then he bummed a cig a rette and asked me for a (C)light.

And the (F)night got death ly qui et, and his (Bb)face lost all ex (F)pres sion said, “If you’re (Bb)gon na play the (F)game, boy, you got ta (C)learn to play it (F)right.

You got to (F)know when to hold ’em,

know when to fold ’em,

know when to (F)walk a way and know when to run.

You nev er (F)count your mon ey when you’re (Bb)sit tin’ at the ta ble.

There’ll be (Bb)time e nough for count in’

when the deal in’s (F)done.

(F)done.

You’ve got to (F)know when to hold ’em,

know when to fold ’em,

know when to (F)walk a way and know when to run.

You nev er (F)count your mon ey when you’re (Bb)sit tin’ at the ta ble.

There’ll be (Bb)time e nough for count in’

when the deal in’s (F)done.

The Gambler by Kenny Rogers — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Bb at 160 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "The Gambler" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "The Gambler"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.