Gambling expressions, gambling themes and general aspects regarding gambling are to be found everywhere in our everyday lives. From the films we are watching to the books we are reading and from paintings and works of art we are staring at to songs we are listening to. And since we’re talking about it, you’d be surprised to know that there are too many different songs with gambling references and they are very popular as well!
Here’s a list of the top ten songs, which either explicitly or implicitly talk about things related to gambling or even use gambling phrases and expressions. And although they might not be straightforward in that, people who like to bet and those who have spent time in an online kazino, can certainly grasp the hints or parallelisms!
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Well, Lady Gaga has made this song into an absolute success and as she sings Poker Face, we instantly think of a poker game where you have to wear a face with no expressions and no feelings. Nothing should be detectable by your opponent. Of course, Lady Gaga is speaking about love and relationships, but the references to the actual Poker are rather clear.
Easy Money – Billy Joel
Billy Joel’s ‘Easy Money” is a song that explicitly talks about gambling. And in fact it talks about so many different forms of gambling: poker, dice, fights, tables, slot machines etc. Billy Joel wants the “easy money” as he explains so as to live well! But, quite evidently, this is based on the character of the same-title movie where the song is heard: speaking about the hopeless gambler.
Ace of Spades – Motorhead
This song is a tribute to the fun of playing games, irrespective of whether someone loses or wins. It is a very popular song by an extremely popular band, known for their quality music.
Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas
Everyone knows Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and everyone understands its celebration of Las Vegas – the absolute manifestation of the world of gambling. It has everything: poker, blackjack, shiny lights, crowds, cheers, fun and all describing Vegas in its most entertaining and exciting side.
Casino Boogie – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ ‘Casino Boogie” is one of the most iconic songs speaking of a casino but not talking about a casino. There is no explicit mention of any gambling, but listening to the lyrics it can be rather obvious that the casino experience has definitely influenced the song writers!
Rambling, Gambling Willie – Bob Dylan
Here we have a song about a tragic gambler and his misfortunes and bad things happening in his life. It is a song that sets in the beginning a good climate over gambling -how Willie gets to win everything – but then speaks about how all that is nonsense in the end. Bob Dylan’s “Rambling, Gambling Willie” is one of the greatest songs of all time and if you haven’t yet listened to it, just go ahead now and you’ll be surprised!
Black Jack – Ray Charles
Ray Charles sings about how Black Jack and how gambling in general can become people’s masters and lead their life. It is predominantly about caution and responsibility and about being very conscious when gambling.
The Card Cheat – The Clash
This song is about an outsider in the world of card games. It tells the story of a gambler who in the end is shot dead. There are explicit and clear references of poker and cards and expressions and ultimately it is about how irresponsible gambling can be detrimental.
Waking up in Vegas – Katy Perry
Katy Perry sings about having an extraordinary time in Vegas after winning big and getting to wake up in all the ‘glitter’, shine and cash. It is not a metaphoric song. It is rather explicit and clear in its description of what happens in Vegas.
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
The 1978 song “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers is probably one of the most popular songs explicitly talking about what else, gambling. With the all-time famous lyric “You’ve got to know when to hold’em, know when to fold ‘em” and the classic voice of Kenny Rogers, this song illustrates in the best way possible how gambling references are integrated and blended into music. It is a story about a gambler sharing his experiences on poker, but above all it is a masterpiece in all its facets.