“I Wonder Where's the Gambler”

Description

The gambler spends all night at cards. In pain, he has to be helped home by friends. He is put to bed, and his mother asks the Lord to forgive him. The gambler says it is too late to pray. The chorus ends, "I wonder where he's gone" (i.e. Heaven or Hell)

Recordings

• Sid Harkreader, "The Gambler's Dying Words" (Broadway 8115, c. 1930)
• Panhandle Pete [pseud. for Howard Nash], "The Gambler's Dying Words" (Decca 5599, 1938)

References

1. Laws H22, "I Wonder Where's the Gambler"
2. MHenry-Appalachians, pp. 96-97, "I Wonder Where's the Gambler" (1 text)
3. Cohen/Seeger/Wood, pp. 82-83, "The Gambler's Dying Words" (1 text, 1 tune)
4. SharpAp 152, "The Gambling Man" (2 texts, 2 tunes, but only the "A" text is this song; the "B" text is "Darling Corey")
5. DT 829, WHERGAMB
6. Roud #428
7. BI, LH22