On a warm summer’s eve On a train bound for nowhere I met up with the gambler We were both too tired to sleep So we took turns a-starin’ Out the window at the darkness The boredom overtook us, and he began to speak
He said, “Son, I’ve made my life Out of readin’ people’s faces Knowin’ what the cards were By the way they held their eyes So if you don’t mind my sayin’ I can see you’re out of aces For a taste of your whiskey I’ll give you some advice”
So I handed him my bottle And he drank down my last swallow Then he bummed a cigarette And asked me for a light And the night got deathly quiet And his faced lost all expression He said, “If you’re gonna play the game, boy You gotta learn to play it right
You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em Know when to fold 'em Know when to walk away Know when to run You never count your money When you’re sittin’ at the table There’ll be time enough for countin’ When the dealin’s done
