Patreon Song of the Month: “The Roving Gambler”
Built on just three cowboy chords—the I, IV, and V in the key of E—this traditional tune is easy to learn and fun to play.
“The Roving Gambler” (also known as “The Rambling Gambler”) is a traditional American folk song with roots in the late 19th century. As with many songs passed down through oral tradition, it exists in numerous versions, with lyrics and melodies varying from singer to singer and region to region. Over the years, it has turned up in cowboy, old-time, country, folk, and bluegrass repertoires, and has been performed by the likes of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Peter Rowan, and Billy Strings.
Though the lyrics vary from version to version, the basic story remains much the same: A traveling gambler falls in love and promises to settle down and give up his unbound lifestyle—after one “last” deal—only to wind up behind bars when a card game goes awry. The contrast between the song’s lively feel and darker narrative is part of what makes it so memorable.
ADVERTISEMENT
This arrangement is inspired by the version that Jim Reeves performs in the 1963 South African film Kimberley Jim, with references to Cape Town and Bloemfontein replacing the American place names found in other versions. Reeves gives the song an easygoing country feel, propelled by a steady boom-chuck groove.
Built on just three cowboy chords—the I, IV, and V chords in the key of E (E, A, and B7)—the arrangement is simple enough to learn quickly, allowing you to focus instead on establishing a solid groove and steady pulse.
Note that the form is slightly irregular in spots, with the intro and interlude each spanning five bars rather than an even four. And although we’ve notated a boom-chuck accompaniment, the song works well with virtually any strumming pattern in 4/4 time. The groove shown here, including the walk-ups in the intro, is just one suggestion, so feel free to experiment and find an approach that feels natural to you.
Support AG on Patreon to access the TAB and notation for “The Roving Gambler”
Song of the Month is available to Patreon members at the Supporters ($5) tier. Once a month Acoustic Guitar Editor Adam Perlmutter delivers an expertly transcribed song to add to your repertoire. Some highlights include “Hotel California,” “It Ain’t Me Babe,” and a chord-melody arrangement of “Avalon.” And as the name indicates, we share a new song every month!
