30+ Best Kenny Rogers Songs and Lyrics of All Time

Kenny Rogers was a beloved country music icon who had a career that spanned six decades. He began his career in the late 1960s as part of the folk-rock band First Edition, where he released several hits including “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).”

After leaving the band, Rogers went on to become a successful solo artist, with songs that blended country and pop.

He had a long list of hits during his lifetime and won several Grammy Awards as well as many other prestigious accolades.

Rogers’ influence can still be felt today in the music industry and he will always be remembered for his iconic voice and his timeless music.

Early Career

Kenny Rogers began his career in the late 1960s as part of the folk-rock band First Edition, along with Mickey Jones and Terry Williams.

While in the group, Rogers wrote or co-wrote several hits including “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In),” which was featured in the film The Big Lebowski and went on to become one of Rogers’ signature songs.

He also released “Reuben James,” a song about a poor man who dreamed of owning his own land, as well as “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town.”

These songs helped establish Rogers as a singer and songwriter and laid the foundation for his later success.

The Gambler Era

Kenny Rogers’ career went to new heights with the release of “The Gambler,” which was released in 1978.

This song was inspired by the novel of the same name written by Native American author Louis L’Amour and it tells a story of a gambler who imparts wisdom to his companion on a train.

The song was an immediate success, staying at the top of the country music charts for weeks.

It also spawned several sequels that were extremely popular, including “Coward Of The County,” which is still one of Rogers’ most recognizable songs.

Other Songs

In addition to “The Gambler,” Kenny Rogers released several other hit songs throughout his career. His 1981 album Share Your Love was a commercial success and included the songs “Share Your Love with Me,” “Love Will Turn You Around,” and “Sweet Music Man.”

In 1983, he released the album Eyes That See in the Dark, which included the hit single “Islands in the Stream,” a duet with Dolly Parton that reached number one on both the country and pop music charts. He also released several other successful albums and singles throughout his career.

Later Career and Legacy

Kenny Rogers continued to record and perform until his death in 2020. He was the recipient of many awards, including three Grammys and several Country Music Association Awards.

He also had several duet partners over the years, including Dolly Parton, Sheena Easton, Kim Carnes, and Lionel Richie.

Kenny Rogers will always be remembered for his powerful voice and his timeless songs, which include “The Gambler” as well as many other hits.

His influence has been felt in the music industry for decades and will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Best Kenny Rogers Songs and Lyrics of All Time

1. Blaze of Glory.

Kenny Rogers’ 1990 song “Blaze of Glory” is one of his most iconic songs. It tells the story of a man who has lived a good life and is ready to face whatever comes at him with honor and dignity.

The song speaks to themes of strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. It speaks of a man who is prepared to face the world with his head held high, no matter what the odds may be.

The powerful lyrics and driving beat make it one of Kenny Rogers’ most memorable songs.

The song was released as part of Roger’s album “Love Is Strange”. It became an immediate hit, reaching the top 10 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and peaking at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. Coward Of The County.

Another classic song by Kenny Rogers is “Coward Of The County”. This song follows a man who refuses to fight, but instead seeks peace at all costs.

It tells the story of a young man’s struggle with temptation and his desire to do what is right.

He chooses to walk away from a fight even though it might cost him his reputation, and in the end, he is rewarded for his courage.

The song was released as a single from Rogers’ 1980 album “Kenny”. It became an instant hit, reaching number 1 on both the US Country chart and the US Adult Contemporary chart.

The song has since been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films such as The Shawshank Redemption.

3. Daytime Friends.

Released in 1977, Daytime Friends is perhaps one of Kenny Rogers’ most beloved songs. It reached the top 10 on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Adult Contemporary charts.

The song is a mid-tempo ballad that tells of friendships that last even when physical distance separates them.

The lyrics contain a strong message about the importance of nurturing relationships, urging people to nurture those around them no matter the time or place.

The song is one of Rogers’ most beautiful and a must-hear for any fan.

4. Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer.

Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer is another well-known and beloved Kenny Rogers song. Released in 1980, the song was co-written by Rogers and Kim Carnes.

The single reached number four on the US Country chart as well as number two on the Canadian Country chart.

It has become an iconic duet between Kenny and Kim, as the lyrics of the song depict a heartbreaking story about two lovers who are separated by their different dreams.

The lyrical content is deep yet tender, making it an emotional ballad that any fan of Kenny Rogers should listen to.

5. Evening Star.

Evening Star is a lesser-known gem from Kenny Rogers’ discography. Released in 1981, the song tells a bittersweet story of unrequited love.

The lyrics are beautifully written as they evoke a sense of longing and loneliness in the listener. The melancholic melody is also quite powerful and helps to bring the story to life.

The song peaked at number four on the US Country chart and is a must-listen for any fan of Kenny Rogers.

6. Every Time Two Fools Collide.

Every Time Two Fools Collide is another great song from Kenny Rogers. Released in 1978, the single was a duet between Kenny and Dottie West.

The two singers harmonize wonderfully on this up-tempo love song about two star-crossed lovers who keep finding themselves together over and over again.

The track peaked at number two on the Billboard Country chart and remains one of Kenny’s most memorable songs.

7. For You Alone.

This classic Kenny Rogers song was released in 1985. It peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Country Charts, and it has been covered by a variety of other artists such as The Judds and Lauren Alaina.

The lyrics to this song are both romantic and sentimental. They capture the idea of looking back at a relationship that has ended but still appreciating the positive moments that were shared.

The lyrics are also a reminder of how special it is to someone when they have someone in their life who loves them unconditionally and has faith in them no matter what happens.

8. Here’s That Rainy Day.

Written by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen, the song was first recorded in 1954 by Ruth Price.

Kenny Rogers released his version of Here’s That Rainy Day in 1969 and it became a major hit single on both country music and adult contemporary radio.

The song is about someone who experiences heartache but remains hopeful that one day they will be able to look back on their sorrow and find a way to accept it.

The song has been covered by many other artists, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Barbra Streisand.

This classic ballad is a testament to the power of perseverance in difficult times, emphasizing that every cloud does indeed have its silver lining.

9. I Don’t Need You.

This song was released in 1981 and is widely considered to be one of the most popular songs by Kenny Rogers.

It has a strong message about self-sufficiency and independence, and its lyrics often serve as inspiration for many people.

The song stresses that one doesn’t need to rely on anyone else in order to be strong and successful.

Since its release, it has become an anthem for many people facing difficult times and challenges.

It is a reminder that no matter how hard things may seem, one should never give up and can be a source of resilience.

10. I Prefer The Moonlight.

One of the most iconic Kenny Rogers songs is his 1985 hit, “I Prefer The Moonlight.” This song was co-written by Jack Sundrud and Steve Diamond and tells a story of a man reflecting on how he’s been wronged in relationships but still finds solace in the moonlight.

This song became a huge success, peaking at number 2 on the country chart and remaining in the top 10 for over two months.

The song has a catchy melody with classic Rogers vocals that were just meant to be heard in the darkness of night. The lyrics tell a story of heartache but also of hope as Kenny sings “I’m livin’ in a world of shadows, but I prefer the moonlight.”

11. If You Want To Find Love.

“If You Want To Find Love” is a tender ballad about taking chances and having faith in the power of love to bring joy.

Released as part of his 1979 album, Kenny, this heartfelt track features Rogers singing about taking a leap of faith and allowing yourself to open up to the possibility of finding true love.

The song speaks to the idea of being brave enough to take a chance and follow your heart, even when it may seem uncertain.

12. Islands In The Stream.

This is a song by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton that was released in 1983. It was written by the Bee Gees, and it went on to become one of Kenny’s greatest hits.

The song tells the story of two lovers who share a special bond despite being separated by islands in a stream.

The lyrics are filled with imagery of nature and love, making it a beautiful and timeless classic. The song was also featured in the soundtrack of the 1984 film, Against All Odds.

The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

13. Jole Blon.

Jole Blon is one of the most popular Kenny Rogers songs, released in 1978 as part of his album Love Lifted Me. The song is a reworking of an old folk tune, originally written by Harry Choates in 1946.

In this version, Rogers gave the tune a country-pop flavor that made it even more appealing to a wide audience.

The song tells the story of a beautiful young girl named Jole Blon, and the love that she has for her hometown.

While the lyrics may not seem very romantic at first glance, Rogers’ rendition of the tune is full of warmth and emotion, making it an instant hit with both country and music fans alike.

14. Just Dropped In.

This song is about a chance meeting between two people at a party. The speaker is amazed by the beauty and wildness of the woman he meets, and he can’t help but fall in love with her immediately.

He knows that she won’t stay long, so he’s trying to savor every moment with her while it lasts.

The chorus captures the feeling of being in a moment of unexpected love, and it’s an enduring classic that has been covered by many artists. The song was also featured in the movie The Big Lebowski.

15. Lady.

Released in 1980, this Kenny Rogers classic is one of his most popular songs. The song tells the story of a man’s admiration for a mysterious woman he sees at a bar.

With its catchy melody and timeless lyrics, Lady has become an international hit and cemented itself as one of the great love songs of all time.

16. Laura (What’s He Got That I Ain’t Got).

Released in 1980, this song was written by Bobby Borchers and recorded by Kenny Rogers. It is a love story describing the narrator’s obsession with another person named Laura.

The lyrics are heartfelt and dreamy and the melody has a folk-pop feel to it that captures the intense emotions of longing for someone.

This song peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was considered a success.

It is a captivating track that showcases Rogers’s signature voice and songwriting abilities. This song remains one of his most beloved hits to this day.

17. Love Lifted Me.

This song was written by Rogers and his friend, Eddie Kilroy. It is a mid-tempo love song about being lifted up by the one you love.

The message of this song is that when you are down, your loved ones can help you through dark times and be the light in your life. While it’s a romantic message, it’s also a great reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.

18. Love Or Something Like It.

Kenny Rogers’ 1978 hit, “Love Or Something Like It” is a classic love song. The lyrics tell the story of a man searching for true love and acceptance.

The song has become one of Kenny’s most popular songs and remains a staple in country music today.

19. Love the World Away.

This Kenny Rogers song, released in 1980 as part of the album “Kenny,” is a romantic ballad that expresses the all-encompassing power of love.

The song tells the story of two lovers who come together and make the world around them feel better through their connection.

The lyrics describe how they use their love to vanquish darkness and make the world a brighter, more peaceful place.

The song is uplifting and inspirational, with Rogers’ soothing vocals conveying a profound sense of longing for love and companionship.

Though it’s an old-school ballad, its message of optimism in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds is timeless.

20. Love Will Turn You Around.

This classic song from Kenny Rogers was released in 1982 and featured on the album Love Will Turn You Around.

The song is a classic country love ballad about the power of love to heal all wounds and bring joy back into somebody’s life.

It tells the story of a man who has been hurt by love before, but decides that he will not give up this time and instead focus on looking for the good in love.

21. Lucille.

One of Kenny Rogers’ most popular songs, “Lucille”, was released in 1977 and quickly rose to the top of the charts. It tells the story of a man who had been wronged by a woman named Lucille and how he copes with his feelings of betrayal.

The song is written from the perspective of an understanding friend providing advice to the man and offering him solace.

The song is a classic example of Rogers’ signature blend of country, pop and folk music, with elements from traditional gospel thrown in for good measure. To this day, “Lucille” remains one of Rogers’ most beloved and enduring songs.

22. Morning Desire.

Released in 1982, “Morning Desire” was the lead single of Kenny Rogers’ album Eyes That See in the Dark.

It became one of his signature songs and a commercial success, climbing to number one on both the Billboard Country Singles chart and Adult Contemporary chart.

The song tells the story of a man who is frustrated with his job but finds solace in his love for the woman who awaits him at home.

The song’s simple and optimistic melody helps to convey its uplifting message, surrounded by a backdrop of beautiful strings and Kenny Rogers’ unmistakable vocals.

To this day, “Morning Desire” continues to remain an iconic love song that has stood the test of time.

23. Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town.

This song was released in 1969 and became Kenny Rogers’ second number one hit. It tells the story of a disabled veteran returning home to find that his sweetheart is leaving him for another man.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartache and regret, as the narrator begs her to stay with him despite his disability.

Although the lyrics are depressing, Rogers’ jaunty vocal performance adds a hint of upbeat optimism to the song.

It serves as a reminder that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

The song has been covered by numerous artists since its release and continues to be an enduring classic in the country music canon.

24. Share Your Love With Me.

This classic country song was released by Kenny Rogers in 1980. The song tells the story of a man who has been wandering around, searching for love and acceptance in his life.

He is asking his partner to open up her heart and share some of that special kind of love that he’s been missing out on.

The lyrics encourage listeners to take a chance on love and not be afraid of what it can bring. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Bobby Womack, Linda Ronstadt, and Faith Hill.

It is a timeless classic that remains a favorite among country fans today.

25. She Believes In Me.

She Believes In Me is a song released by Kenny Rogers in 1979. The single was the first of three number one hits for him that year.

It is an emotional ballad about a man trying to prove himself worthy to the woman he loves and how she helps him find his courage and faith to succeed.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley.

The lyrics are full of emotion and demonstrate how love can be a powerful motivator. Kenny Rogers’ version is considered one of his most iconic hits, and it remains popular today for its timeless message about believing in yourself and others.

26. Sweet Music Man.

This classic Kenny Rogers song was released in 1978 and reached number one on the country music charts. It tells the story of a man who plays sweet music with his guitar, captivating those around him.

The narrator is so moved by this mysterious musician that she’s willing to follow him anywhere and join him on a journey into the unknown.

The song is a perfect example of Rogers’ signature sound and his ability to craft lyrics that capture the emotion of a moment.

It also reflects his love of country music, as it incorporates elements from both genres. Sweet Music Man stands out as one of Kenny Rogers’ most beloved songs and continues to be loved by fans everywhere.

27. Tennessee Bottle.

Tennessee Bottle is a song written by American country music singer-songwriter, Kenny Rogers. It was released in February 1975 as the fifth single from his album Daytime Friends.

The lyrics of the song tell the story of a brokenhearted man who’s mourning over a lost love and trying to forget her by drinking away his sorrows.

The song reached number twenty on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and was included in Rogers’ compilation album, 20 Greatest Hits (1997).

Despite its lack of commercial success, Tennessee Bottle has become a fan favorite amongst Rogers’ fans. It is often regarded as one of his best ballads and an example of some of his finest work as a songwriter.

The song is a timeless classic and the perfect soundtrack for anyone who’s trying to get over a broken heart. Its warm, heartfelt lyrics and Rogers’ gentle vocal performance make it an extremely uplifting listen.

Tennessee Bottle is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is still hope of finding happiness and peace again.

28. That Crazy Feeling.

Released in 1963, this was his first single and peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song helped him launch his career as a country singer.

29. The Gambler.

The song was originally written for the 1978 film of the same name, and it has been covered by many artists over the years.

The song is about gambling and life in general, and the message of being able to make wise decisions and knowing when to act or not is still relevant today.

Kenny Rogers has said that he usually gets asked for this song at every show he performs, and it will likely remain a timeless classic for many years to come.

30. We’ve Got Tonight.

This song, which features guest vocals from Sheena Easton, was released as a single in 1983 and is considered one of Rogers’s most beloved songs.

It peaked at number 6 on the US Hot 100 chart and topped both the Adult Contemporary and Country charts. The lyrics speak to a bittersweet moment between two former lovers who still share a tender.

The song is full of nostalgia and was featured in the film Six Pack (1982). In 2019, a “We’ve Got Tonight” duet version featuring Kenny Rogers and his daughter, Keesha, was released as a tribute to him shortly after he passed away.

31. You Can’t Make Old Friends.

Released in 2013, this song is a duet between Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. The song tells a story of two friends who have drifted apart over the years but are still there for each other when they need it.

It’s an uplifting reminder that true friendship never fades away no matter what. The music video features both singers reminiscing on their years of friendship and all the good times they had together.

It’s a beautiful example of how friendship can survive anything, even when life takes them in different directions.

32. You Decorated My Life.

Released in 1979, You Decorated My Life is a romantic ballad featured on Kenny Rogers’s album The Gambler.

This song tells the story of two people who have gone through many difficult times together and how their love has helped them get through it all.

The lyrics are simple yet meaningful and the overall tone of the song is one of appreciation and gratitude.

The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Kenny Rogers’s most successful singles.

You Decorated My Life has become a classic love song and is still played today during weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

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