About the song
“Coward of the County” is a poignant country ballad by the iconic Kenny Rogers, known for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. Released in 1979 as part of Rogers’ album *Kenny*, this song has left a lasting impact on listeners with its themes of bravery, redemption, and the power of forgiveness.
Written by Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler, “Coward of the County” tells the story of a young man named Tommy, who is known in his town as the coward due to his refusal to fight. However, when his loved ones are threatened, Tommy finds the courage to stand up for what is right, confronting his fears and seeking justice in the face of adversity.
The song resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1979 and earning Kenny Rogers one of his many Grammy nominations. Its heartfelt lyrics and Rogers’ emotive delivery struck a chord with listeners, making it one of his most beloved songs.
The album *Kenny*, which features “Coward of the County”, was a commercial success and further solidified Rogers’ status as a leading figure in country music. It received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, with many praising the album’s cohesive sound and standout tracks.
For fans of Kenny Rogers and country music enthusiasts, “Coward of the County” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with its universal themes of courage and redemption. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Rogers’ talent as a storyteller and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
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