A co-worker is about to give up the day job for a life of Internet gambling. We’re getting him some sort of farewell present, and the idea crossed my mind to put a CD together of songs with gambling references in them.
Now all I need are some good song recommendations that fit. And that’s where you guys come in. So far, the only ones that have come to mind are Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” (what a surprise, huh?), Bob Seger’s “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” (ditto), and Bonnie Raitt’s “That Song About the Midway.”
Since I’m (mostly) a law-abiding guy, it would also really help if people can point to places I can download the songs from, LEGALLY. (And without paying for an album to get one song; I’m working within a budget.) But if you can’t, don’t let that stop you from recommending songs. Just don’t point me to sources of illegal free downloads.
For instance, I can get “The Gambler” and “That Song About the Midway” from Walmart.com at 88¢ a hit. OTOH, I can’t seem to find a source for “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” but if you do, please chime in.
I know you’re gonna come through for me, so thanks in advance!
Let me add: comments on either the morality or the viability of his new lifestyle are unnecessary. Besides, he’s the one doing this, not me, and he won’t see your comments.
*Now you swear and kick and beg us
That you’re not a gamblin’ man
Then you find you’re back in Vegas
With a handle in your hand
Your black cards can make you money
So you hide them when you’re able
In the land of milk and honey
You must put them on the table *
The first scene is that of a gambler,
Who had lost all his money at play,
And he draws his dead mothers ring from his finger,
That she wore long ago on her wedding day,
It’s his last earthly treasure, but he stakes it,
And he bows his head that his shame that he might hide,
But when they lifted his head,
They found he was dead,
That’s just a picture from lifes other side.
“Las Vegas” or “In Las Vegas” (can’t remember) performed by Petula Clark. I have it on one of her greatest hits CDs. Gambling references and references to Sammy, Dean and Noel Coward! What’s not to love?
“Queen of Hearts” by Juice Newton vaguely fits the category but only if you’re looking with a certain desperation for filler.
“Money, Money, Money” and “The Winner Takes it All” by ABBA.
Rambling Gambling Willie by Bob Dylan Ooh Las Vegas by Gram Parsons (also covered by the Cowboy Junkies) Deal and Loser, both by the Grateful Dead The Card Cheat by The Clash
Stagger Lee (sometimes called Stack-a-lee or other variations) has been recorded by countless artists.