Rework of my original Song: https://suno.com/s/N3Gb5db9NmEccQv7 [Verse 1] I rode into Storytellerz Ville with two weeks' pay, a cracked leather case and no place to stay. I meant to buy grain, get my mare new shoes, then a dealer grinned, "You've got nothing to lose." One hand became six while the lamps burned low; I watched my last dollar cross the table slow. By dawn I had debt and a lie for the road. I called it bad luck, but I knew what I chose. [Chorus] I'm a gambler, and I know what I've done. I've traded my wages for one winning run. I tell every sunrise, "This time I am through." By sundown I'm seated with five cards in view. The door stands behind me; the table's ahead. I bet on tomorrow and lose it instead. [Verse 2] My brother found me one cold November night, laid a letter beside me and waited outside. "Pa's coughing blood. If you're coming, come now." I swore I would follow. I even stood up. But I needed one win for the fare north by rail; I doubled the stake and I lost it again. By the time I rode home, fresh earth marked the ground. I never told Mother why I wasn't around. [Chorus] I'm a gambler, and I know what I've done. I've traded my wages for one winning run. I tell every sunrise, "This time I am through." By sundown I'm seated with five cards in view. The door stands behind me; the table's ahead. I bet on tomorrow and lose it instead. [Bridge] Some men blame whiskey, the dealer, the town. I know it was me putting money back down. I don't call it freedom. I don't call it need. It's a habit I feed every time I don't leave. [Final Chorus] I'm a gambler—I KNOW what I've done. I missed my old man's last breath for one winning run. I told every sunrise, "This time I am through." Now I don't make that promise; I know it ain't true. The door stands behind me. I know where it goes. Still I reach for the cards, though I know what it costs. [Outro] If you pass through Storytellerz Ville after dark, there's a back-corner table with my initials carved. I know what it costs. I know what you'll say. Still I reach for the cards—and sit down to play.
