Gambling is an entertainment that dates back to the earliest human civilizations. Since the earliest days of humanity, we’ve been placing money on competitions or games of chance. Throughout the millennia, the practice has developed, evolved, and changed drastically. However, the fact that we love gambling has remained a constant.
In much the same vein, music has existed since the oldest civilizations. It is one of the oldest forms of art and expression. From religious chants, to lyrical poetry, to Mozart and Beethoven, and finally culminating in pop, rock, punk and metal, music has remained an integral part of our society. So, it was only a matter of time before artists came up with the idea of combining the two.
In this article, we are taking a look at some songs about gambling that any casino fan should look at. And considering that online casinos are growing in popularity, there should be a lot of you out there. Just remember, if you are going to play at a casino, make sure you go over a bit of basic strategy, to help you make better decisions when gambling.
Motorhead – Ace of Spades
Motorhead is one of those bands that every metalhead knows and respects. Founded by Lemmy Kilmister, who began his career playing bass on one of the most underrated albums of the era, Warrior on the Edge of Time, the band’s entire discography is an ode to gambling. However, no song is more iconic than the Ace of Spades.
In 1980, Motorhead released their most iconic album, titled The Ace of Spades. The titular song remains one of the most popular metal songs in the world. An ode to craps, poker, blackjack, and other similar casino games. If by some miracle you’ve never heard the Ace of Spades, do yourself a favor and crank the volume up to 11 right now.
Kenny Rogers – The Gambler
A classic of the 20th century, Kenny Rogers’ iteration of the Gambler tells the story of a young man who meets a mysterious gambler on a train. After bumping a cigarette and downing the young man’s drink, the gambler gives him a piece of advice, that applies just as much to gambling as it does to life.
Don Schlitz wrote the text in 1976. Since then, a long list of musicians have recorded the song. And while Kenny Rogers’ version is by far the most popular, and the best, there are quite a few others that are worth checking out. Just a few worth mentioning include:
- Johnny Cash
- Bobby Bare
- Dale Watson
Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas
How can we skip over the King of Rock’n’Roll? Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas is an ode to the City of Sin. First heard in 1964, in the musical comedy film of the same name, the song’s content is little more than a celebration of one of the most glamourous cities in the world.
Viva Las Vegas is widely regarded as one of Elvis Presley’s best movies, and since the film’s release, the song became a staple of the King’s concerts. It has also been covered by a slew of artists, including the hardcore punk band, The Dead Kennedys.
B.B. King – Gambler’s Blues
Like all art, music often has a double meaning. At first glance, B.B. King’s Gambler’s Blues may seem like a song about dealing with loss in gambling. However, in reality, it is a song dealing with the loss of a loved one. Upon close examination, the song tells the story of a man abandoned by his wife. B.B. King’s expert playing and unique voice make the song a beautiful experience. Anyone who is battling with a broken heart owes it to themselves to check out this song. It is sure to soothe the pain.
Honorable Mentions
The four songs mentioned in this article are certainly amazing. However, they are not the only ones worth mentioning when discussing great gambling songs. So, before we close off the article, let us list off a few honorable mentions that are worth listening to.
- The Jack by AC/DC: while the song is about seduction, it incorporates gambling imagery to create a rocking metaphor.
- Blackjack by Ray Charles: Ray Charles’ ’55 classic sings of the ups and downs of the life of a gambler.
- Luck be a Lady: Written by Frank Loesser in 1950, the song has been recorded by artists such as Marlon Brando, Jack Jones, Robert Alda, and Frank Sinatra.
