“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Growing up, stories of courage and standing up for oneself were common in my household. My grandfather often spoke of times when he had to make tough decisions, sometimes standing his ground, other times walking away. This blend of courage and prudence reminds me vividly of Kenny Rogers’ song “Coward of the County.” It’s a narrative that resonates deeply with themes of bravery, justice, and the complexities of human nature.
About The Composition
- Title: Coward of the County
- Composer: Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler
- Premiere Date: November 12, 1979
- Album: Kenny
- Genre: Country
Background
“Coward of the County” was written by Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler and was first recorded by Kenny Rogers for his 1979 album, “Kenny.” The song tells the story of a man named Tommy, who is perceived as a coward for not resorting to violence. The inspiration behind the song was to narrate a story that highlights the moral dilemma between peace and retaliation, a theme relevant during the tumultuous social landscape of the late 1970s.
Upon its release, the song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Its storytelling quality, combined with Rogers’ emotive delivery, made it a memorable piece in his repertoire. The song was also adapted into a television movie in 1981, which further cemented its cultural impact.
Musical Style
The musical structure of “Coward of the County” is quintessentially country, featuring a steady rhythm, acoustic guitars, and Kenny Rogers’ distinctive voice that conveys both vulnerability and strength. The instrumentation is relatively simple, allowing the narrative to take center stage. The use of traditional country elements like the guitar and the harmonica gives the song a timeless quality, grounding its story in the genre’s roots.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Coward of the County” are a poignant tale of Tommy, who promises his dying father never to fight. Despite being mocked and ridiculed, Tommy remains peaceful until his love, Becky, is assaulted. This incident forces Tommy to confront his past and defend his loved one, ultimately breaking his vow of non-violence. The lyrics highlight themes of courage, love, and the difficult choices one must make in life.
Performance History
Since its release, “Coward of the County” has been performed by Kenny Rogers in numerous concerts, often receiving standing ovations for its powerful storytelling. Notable performances include those during Rogers’ tours in the 1980s and his farewell concert in 2017, which was a heartfelt tribute to his long and illustrious career. The song’s narrative and emotional depth have made it a staple in Rogers’ performances, cherished by fans worldwide.
Cultural Impact
“Coward of the County” transcended the music charts to become a cultural touchstone. The song’s adaptation into a television movie brought its narrative to a wider audience, exploring themes of justice and redemption. Its message resonated in various cultural contexts, highlighting the struggle between pacifism and the necessity of taking a stand. The song’s influence extends beyond music, often cited in discussions about non-violence and personal integrity.
Legacy
The enduring appeal of “Coward of the County” lies in its universal themes and Kenny Rogers’ masterful storytelling. The song continues to be relevant, reminding listeners of the complexities of human nature and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right. Its legacy is evident in the way it continues to inspire new generations of listeners and performers alike, solidifying its place in the annals of country music history.
Conclusion
“Coward of the County” is more than just a song; it’s a powerful narrative that challenges our perceptions of courage and justice. Kenny Rogers’ rendition brings to life a story that is as relevant today as it was in 1979. I encourage you to listen to this timeless piece and reflect on its themes. For an unforgettable experience, seek out Kenny Rogers’ live performances, where his storytelling truly shines. This song is a reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing one can do is to walk away—until it’s time to stand and fight for love and justice.
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