“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
In the late 1970s, America was a nation grappling with its identity, coming out of the tumultuous 1960s and Vietnam War era. It was during this period of reflection that Kenny Rogers released “Coward of the County,” a song that would capture the hearts and minds of many.
About The Composition
- Title: Coward of the County
- Composer: Kenny Rogers
- Premiere Date: 1979
- Album/Opus/Collection: Kenny
- Genre: Country
Background
Written by Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler, “Coward of the County” was part of Kenny Rogers’ album Kenny. The song narrates the story of Tommy, a young man who confronts his fears and societal expectations in a profoundly personal way. It quickly became one of Rogers’ most iconic performances, resonating with audiences for its narrative depth and emotional resonance.
Musical Style
The song employs a classic country style, with a gentle melody that enhances the storytelling. Rogers’ voice, combined with the soft guitar strums and subtle orchestration, perfectly captures the emotional landscape of the protagonist, making the climax of the song both surprising and inevitable.
Lyrics/Libretto
The story told in the lyrics is a compelling drama about moral challenges and personal redemption. Tommy’s decision to stand up in the face of injustice, despite his vow to avoid violence, provides a powerful narrative that aligns perfectly with the music’s rising and falling dynamics.
Performance History
“Coward of the County” has been a highlight in Kenny Rogers’ concerts and has been covered by several artists, illustrating its significant impact on the music industry.
Cultural Impact
The song’s message about personal courage and integrity resonated widely, becoming a cultural touchstone during a time when America was redefining its values.
Legacy
Decades later, “Coward of the County” continues to inspire listeners and artists alike, serving as a testament to the power of storytelling in music and the enduring appeal of Kenny Rogers’ artistry.
Conclusion
“Coward of the County” remains a poignant reminder of the complexity of human courage and moral choices. It is a masterpiece that continues to offer rich layers of interpretation and emotional resonance, making it a must-listen for those exploring the intersections of music and storytelling.
Video
Lyrics
Everyone considered him 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
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 has just begun”
“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”
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 an’ there was three of them
Tommy opened up the door and saw 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
And 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 should hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man”
Everyone considered him the coward of the county