About the song
Kenny Rogers’ 1979 classic, “Coward of the County,” remains one of the most poignant and memorable songs in country music history. With its heartfelt storytelling and evocative melody, this song has touched the hearts of many and solidified Rogers’ place as a masterful artist in the genre.
The song tells the compelling story of a man named Tommy, who, following his father’s advice to avoid violence and stay out of trouble, is labeled a coward by those around him. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Tommy’s patience is tested as he must choose between his principles and standing up for what is right, demonstrating a profound internal struggle that resonates with listeners on a deep level.
Released as a single in 1979, “Coward of the County” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This success was not just limited to commercial performance; the song also garnered critical acclaim and contributed significantly to Rogers’ reputation as a storytelling songwriter. The single’s impact was further highlighted when it earned a spot on various year-end charts and was recognized for its ability to blend a touching narrative with compelling music.
Over the years, “Coward of the County” has become a timeless piece, celebrated not only for its chart-topping success but also for its ability to convey a universal message of courage, honor, and redemption. The song’s narrative depth and emotional resonance have earned it a lasting place in the hearts of fans and continue to influence the world of country music.
Whether you are revisiting this classic or hearing it for the first time, “Coward of the County” is a testament to Kenny Rogers’ exceptional talent and the enduring power of a well-told story in song.
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