Kenny Rogers was a legendary singer, songwriter, and actor known for his unique blend of country, pop, and jazz music.
He won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards, continuing his legacy as one of the most inspiring figures in country music. Albums like The Gambler and Islands in the Stream remain timeless classics, shaping the country genre and inspiring generations of artists worldwide.
About the Song
Coward of the County tells the story of Tommy, a quiet man who avoids fights because he promised his dying father to walk away from trouble.
Everything changes when his loved one is hurt. Tommy stands up for her, showing that real courage means protecting others when it truly matters.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | November 12, 1979 |
| Album | The First 50 Years (2009) |
| Writers | Billy Edd Wheeler & Roger Bowling |
| Producer | Larry Butler |
Coward of the County Lyrics by Kenny Rogers
Verse 1
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
Something always told me they were reading Tommy wrong
Verse 2
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”
Chorus
Promise me, son, not to do the things I’ve done
Walk away from trouble if you can
Now it don’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
Verse 3
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, n’there was three of them
Tommy opened up the door and saw his Becky crying
The torn dress, the shattered look was more than he could stand
He reached above the fireplace, took down his daddy’s picture
As a tear fell on his daddy’s face, he heard these words again
Chorus
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
Verse 4
The Gatlin boys just laughed at him
When he walked into the barroom
One of them got up and met him half way cross the floor
Tommy turned around they said, “Hey look, old yella’s leavin'”
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
N’ I heard him say
Chorus 2
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 sure hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man
Outro
Everyone considered him the coward of the county
Similar Songs Like Coward of the County
These songs show powerful stories of love, choices, and personal strength told through heartfelt country ballads:
- The Gambler: Life lessons come from a gambler who teaches a stranger how to make smart choices and know when to quit.
- Lucille: Heartbreak unfolds when a man meets Lucille, whose troubled marriage leads to pain and difficult decisions in a small town.
- Sweet Music Man: Fame and charm fade as a musician reflects on lost love and changing times in the world of music.
- Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town: A wounded soldier begs his wife, Ruby, to stay faithful, showing his sorrow and fear of being left alone.
Similar Artists Like Kenny Rogers
If you enjoy Kenny Rogers’ country songs and emotional storytelling, here are some artists who share his timeless sound and emotional connection:
- Johnny Cash
Genres: Country, Rockabilly, Folk
Top Albums: At Folsom Prison (1968), Johnny Cash at San Quentin (1969), American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002) - Willie Nelson
Genres: Country, Outlaw Country, Folk
Top Albums: Red Headed Stranger (1975), Stardust (1978), Shotgun Willie (1973) - Don Williams
Genres: Country, Folk
Top Albums: The Best of Don Williams (1984), I Believe in You (1980), You’re My Best Friend (1975) - Ronnie Milsap
Genres: Country, Pop, Country Soul
Top Albums: Greatest Hits (1979), It Was Almost Like a Song (1977), Back to the Grindstone (1991)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Successful was Coward of the County?
The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country charts and number three on the Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Was a TV Movie Made from Coward of the County?
Yes, similar to Rogers’ hit The Gambler, Coward of the County was made into a television movie. It aired on October 7, 1981, and was directed by Dick Lowry.
What Happened to Roger Bowling?
Despite his success writing hits like “Coward of the County” and “Blanket On The Ground,” Roger Bowling’s career was cut short when he took his own life on Christmas Day, 1982, at the age of 38.
