About the song
In the annals of country music, few songs resonate with the enduring power and poignant storytelling of Kenny Rogers‘s classic ballad, “Coward of the County.” Released in 1979 as part of his album “Kenny,” this song quickly captured the hearts of listeners worldwide with its compelling narrative and emotive lyrics.
The tale spins around the life of Tommy, a young man known for his pacifism and aversion to conflict, who earns the unfortunate moniker “Coward of the County.” Set against the rugged backdrop of rural America, the song unfolds with vivid imagery and a deeply human exploration of courage, revenge, and redemption.
Tommy’s character is defined not by physical prowess but by his moral compass and unwavering integrity. Raised by his Uncle Matthew after his father’s death, Tommy absorbs his uncle’s wisdom, encapsulated in the song’s poignant refrain: “Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man.” Yet, Tommy’s resolve is tested when a gang of troublemakers, led by the notorious Gatlin brothers, assaults his love, Becky.
The turning point of the song arrives when Tommy, despite his reservations and with his uncle’s words echoing in his mind, confronts the Gatlin boys in a moment of fierce retribution. It’s a testament not only to Tommy’s transformation from a perceived weakling to a stalwart defender but also to the deeper themes of justice and the complexities of masculinity.
Musically, “Coward of the County” is a masterclass in storytelling through song. Written by Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler, the composition blends elements of country, folk, and pop, underscored by Rogers’s signature warm baritone. The arrangement, with its gentle acoustic guitar picking and melodic hooks, serves to accentuate the emotional depth of the lyrics.
The song struck a universal chord upon its release, resonating not only within the country music community but crossing over into mainstream success. It topped the charts in multiple countries, solidifying Kenny Rogers’s stature as a crossover artist capable of bridging genres and captivating audiences with his narrative prowess.
Beyond its commercial success, “Coward of the County” endures as a cultural touchstone, exploring themes of resilience, honor, and the moral complexities of standing up for oneself. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of storytelling in music and the ability of a well-crafted song to transcend generations.
As we reflect on the legacy of Kenny Rogers, “Coward of the County” stands as a testament to his ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with listeners, capturing the essence of human experience in a way that is both profound and unforgettable.
Video
Lyrics
“Coward Of The County”
The coward of the county.
He’d never stood one single time
To prove the county wrong.
His mama named him Tommy,
But folks just called him Yellow.
Something always told me
They were reading Tommy wrong.
He was only ten years old
When his daddy died in prison.
I looked after Tommy
‘Cause he was my brother’s son.
I still recall the final words
My brother said to Tommy,
“Son, my life is over,
But yours has just begun.
Promise me, son,
Not to do the things I’ve done.
Walk away from trouble if you can.
It won’t mean you’re weak
If you turn the other cheek.
I hope you’re old enough to understand:
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man.”
There’s someone for everyone,
And Tommy’s love was Becky.
In her arms he didn’t have to prove he was a man.
One day while he was working
The Gatlin boys came calling.
They took turns at Becky.
There was three of them.
Tommy opened up the door
And saw his Becky crying.
The torn dress, the shattered look
Was more than he could stand.
He reached above the fireplace
And took down his daddy’s picture.
As his tears fell on his daddy’s face
He heard these words again,
“Promise me, son,
Not to do the things I’ve done.
Walk away from trouble if you can.
Now it won’t mean you’re weak
If you turn the other cheek.
I hope you’re old enough to understand:
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man.”
The Gatlin boys just laughed at him
When he walked into the bar room.
One of them got up
And met him half way ‘cross the floor.
When Tommy turned around they said,
“Hey, look, old Yellow’s leaving.”
But you could’ve heard a pin drop
When Tommy stopped and locked the door.
Twenty years of crawling
Was bottled up inside him.
He wasn’t holding nothing back,
He let ’em have it all.
When Tommy left the bar room
Not a Gatlin boy was standing.
He said, “This one’s for Becky,”
As he watched the last one fall.
N’ I heard him say,
“I promised you, Dad,
Not to do the things you’ve done.
I walk away from trouble when I can.
Now please don’t think I’m weak.
I didn’t turn the other cheek.
And, Papa, I sure hope you understand:
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man.”
Everyone considered him
The coward of the county.