#darkfolk #acousticonetake #problemgambling Since watching the Superbowl and also the news of the gambling scandal in the NBA, I have become alarmed at the proliferation and normalization of gambling everywhere. And especially the stories of problem gambling and how it is as destructive as any addiction. This issue hit my family many years ago as my dad struggled with it. Coincidentally this month marks the 20th anniversary of my Dad's passing. Fortunately, he got help and my dad was able to stop and was in recovery the last several years of his life. This story song came from this experience. It got dark kind of quickly - bad memories.

The men at the table peer at their cards The night has been kind to me so far I take a chance and I say I’m all in but as it happened, I do not win

Stumbling home, I look at the sky I know the answer, but I ask God why I can’t win but I got to keep trying My wife at home can only sit and cry

Refrain I’m a gambler and I'm on bad streak I aint won, in many a week But if I got a chip, and I got a chair I’m going to keep playing, and I don’t care For I am the biggest loser that ever drew a pair

My chips are down, and my luck left town I get a ten and so I double down I’m busted flat, and I’m asked to leave I wander out and sit by the trees

There was a time, when I could not lose I cleared the tables, and drank the free booze Crowds would gather to watch and cheer now I’m in the street with no one near Refrain

looking at my options, and its desperate times I never done a thing you could call a crime I wait outside my house for my wife to sleep I grab her ring and I’m back on the street

Down to the pawn shop I did run I hate myself and what I done I take the cash and heads back to the den for another shot at it but I still can't win