About the song
“Lucille” by Kenny Rogers is a timeless classic that has resonated with fans since its release in 1977. The song, penned by the talented songwriters Roger Bowling and Hal Bynum, is a poignant narrative that showcases Rogers’ remarkable storytelling ability through music. “Lucille” was featured on Kenny Rogers’ self-titled album, which marked his second solo studio effort.
This song tells the heartbreaking story of a man who encounters a woman in a bar, lamenting her failing marriage with the striking line, “You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille.” Its compelling lyrics, combined with Rogers’ soulful and emotive voice, create a vivid picture of loneliness and the search for solace.
“Lucille” quickly climbed the charts, becoming one of Rogers’ most successful singles. It reached the top spot on the Billboard Country Singles chart and even crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s widespread appeal was evident as it also achieved international success, hitting No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. This track not only solidified Kenny Rogers’ place in the music industry but also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1978.
Rogers’ ability to connect with his audience through relatable storytelling and heartfelt performances made “Lucille” a standout in his illustrious career. This song remains a favorite among country music enthusiasts and continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and narrative strength.
Video
Lyrics
In a bar in Toledo across from the depot
On a barstool, she took off her ring
I thought I’d get closer so I walked on over
I sat down and asked her name
When the drinks finally hit her she said, I’m no quitter
But I finally quit livin’ on dreams
I’m hungry for laughter and here ever after
I’m after whatever the other life brings
In the mirror, I saw him and I closely watched him
I thought how he looked out of place
He came to the woman who sat there beside me
He had a strange look on his face
The big hands were calloused, he looked like a mountain
For a minute I thought I was dead
But he started shaking, his big heart was breaking
He turned to the woman and said
You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field
I’ve had some bad times, lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won’t heal
You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
After he left us, I ordered more whiskey
I thought how she’d made him look small
From the lights of the barroom
To a rented hotel room
We walked without talking at all
She was a beauty but when she came to me
She must have thought I’d lost my mind
I couldn’t hold her ’cause the words that he told her
Kept coming back time after time
You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field
I’ve had some bad times, lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won’t heal
You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field
I’ve had some bad times, lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won’t heal
You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille