Lonnie Donegan

Lyrics

2 ContributorsGamblin’ Man LyricsI've gambled down in Wasington
And I've gambled up in Maine
I'm going down into Georgia
To knock down my last game
I'm a gamblin' man, man, man
I'm a gamblin' man
Well I'd not been in Washington
Many more weeks than three
When I fell in love with a pretty little girl
And she fell in love with me
I'm a gamblin' man
I'm a gamblin' man
I'm a gamblin' man, man, man
I'm a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
I'm a gamblin' man
I'm a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
I'm a gamblin' man, man, man
I'm a gamblin' man
She took me in her parlour
Cooled me with her fan
She said oh mother mother
I'm in love with a gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
He's a gamblin' man
She said oh daughter, daughter
How could you treat me so
Leave your poor old mother
With that gambler go
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
He's a gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
He's a gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
Hey a gamblin' man
I would not marry a farmer
He's always in the rain
I'd rather marry a gamblin' man
With a gold watch and chain
He's a gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man
And I would not marry a railroad man
Here's the reason why
I've never known a railroad man
Wouldn't tell his wife a lie
He's a gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man man man
A gamblin' man, man,man
He's a gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man
How about Jimmy
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man
How about
I hear that train a-coming
Coming round the curve
Whistling, a-screaming
Straining every nerve
A gamblin' man man man
A gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man
He's a gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
A gamblin' man, man, man
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Lonnie Donegan was a British musician and songwriter who became famous in the 1950s as the "King of Skiffle". Skiffle is a fusion of jazz, blues, folk, and country, and played a significant role in paving the way for rock and roll in the UK. One of Donegan's most famous songs is "Gamblin' Man", which was released in 1957.

"Gamblin' Man" is an upbeat and catchy tune that captures the spirit of the gambling lifestyle. The song tells the story of a man who loves gambling and can't resist the thrill of the game. He's always betting on horses, playing cards, and rolling dice. Despite his losses, he can't help but keep on gambling because it's in his blood.

About Gamblin’ Man

"Gamblin' Man" starts off with a fast-paced guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Donegan's vocals are full of energy and enthusiasm, and the lyrics are packed with gambling references that keep the listener engaged and entertained.

The song's catchy chorus features handclaps and a call-and-response format that makes it easy for the audience to join in and sing along. Donegan's use of humor and wordplay adds to the song's appeal, with lines like "I've got the queen of hearts, she's a real fine chick, but I'm unlucky with the ace, and I'm dying mighty quick".

Aside from its musical qualities, "Gamblin' Man" is also significant for the role it played in popularizing skiffle and paving the way for British rock and roll. The song was a massive hit in the UK, reaching the top of the charts and remaining there for several weeks. It also became a popular tune in the US, where it helped to introduce skiffle to a wider audience.

While "Gamblin' Man" is undoubtedly a product of its time, it still holds up as a fun and enjoyable song that captures the joy and excitement of gambling. Its catchy melody and clever lyrics have helped to cement its place in musical history, making it a must-listen for fans of rock and roll, skiffle, and classic British music.

• Release Date: 1958
• Artist: Lonnie Donegan