“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Introduction to “Coward of the County” by Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers’ “Coward of the County” is a timeless country ballad released in 1979 that catapulted the singer to international stardom. Penned by Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, the song showcases Rogers’ distinctive baritone voice and his ability to deliver emotionally resonant narratives. Produced by Larry Butler, the track features a lush orchestration that complements the heartfelt lyrics.
“Coward of the County” tells the story of a man who is torn between his love for a woman and his fear of retribution from her powerful and violent boyfriend. The song’s central theme explores the complex interplay between love, fear, and courage. Rogers’ emotive performance captures the protagonist’s internal conflict and the weight of his decision.
Upon its release, “Coward of the County” quickly became a massive commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reaching the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable themes, Rogers’ captivating vocals, and the evocative storytelling within the lyrics. “Coward of the County” remains a classic in the country music genre, solidifying Kenny Rogers’ legacy as one of the most beloved and influential artists of his generation.
Video
Lyrics
Ev’ryone considered him the coward of the county.
He’d never stood one single time to prove the county wrong.
His mama named him tommy, the folks just called him yellow,
But 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 is 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 ev’ryone and tommy’s love was becky.
In her arms he didn’t have to prove he was a man.
One day while he was workin’ the gatlin boys came callin’.
They took turns at becky…. there was three of them!
Tommy opened up the door and saw his becky cryin’.
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.
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 barroom.
One of them got up and met him halfway ‘cross the floor.
When tommy turned around they said, “hey look! ol’ yellow’s leavin’.”
But you coulda heard a pin drop when tommy stopped and blocked the door.
Twenty years of crawlin’ was bottled up inside him.
He wasn’t holdin’ nothin’ back; he let ’em have it all.
When tommy left the barroom not a gatlin boy was standin’.
He said, “this one’s for becky,” as he watched the last one fall.
And i heard him say,
“i promised you, dad, not to do the things you 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.”
Ev’ryone considered him the coward of the county…