In the days this was written you couldn't say the R word because of guidelines. But Kenny always got his point across. He was one of my favorites growing up.😊
This song changed my life. I grew up in a terrible place and was getting bullied nonstop in school. I heard this song and it was like a switch flipped in my head. I never have had another bullying episode in my life after this point. I realized that sometimes you DO have to fight regardless of what your personal feelings about it is. I stood up to a bully a couple grades above me and did pretty well. Smooth sailing after that. It changes things once you aren't looking for trouble but also aren't to be trifled with.
@@roydownes2458 Yes, I remember both of those songs being "made for TV" movies too! I think The Gambler was more popular, they made another movie or two to continue the story of the gambler.
His father understood how things are, the words he told him when he was a boy included an out that covered the situation with Becky when he said "walk away from trouble IF you can", so he knew there are times when you can't.
You know, Shon. I just found you and have only watched a handful of your reactions and I want to tell you something. I believe you have a gift for this. You pay close attention to the lyrics and I can see that you feel them. On top of that, you're very likeable and have a good energy about you. If you stick with this and find the right paths with music, movies, whatever you enjoy, I predict that you will do very well as a reactor here. I just subscribed so I'll see you around. Best of luck to you!
Possibly the most emotional song ever written. I’ve listened to it probably a thousand times and still get a tear in my eyes. Your reaction was great!! I will be watching more of your videos.✌️✌️✌️
Great reaction, Shon. Just like always. Kenny Rogers was a fantastic storyteller. You might try THE GAMBLER next, since you seemed to enjoy this one. I saw someone else mentioned Marty Robbins, another great storyteller, with a beautiful voice. For Marty I highly suggest EL PASO, FALEENA, and EL PASO CITY. It's a trilogy well worth the time. Keep up the great work. I'll keep watching, sir.
Yes, they assaulted her. "They took turns at Becky. And there was 3 of them." Great reaction video. RIP, Kenny. One of the greats Country singers of all time.
LOL know I’m very late to the party but my new favorite genre of TH-cam video is people who didn’t grow up listening to country music (my daddy came from coal country Kentucky so I was raised with this music) reacting to old country songs. And Coward of the County is my favorite, because it’s a great song but it also has the catchy tune and people are just head bobbing to it, and then when it gets to the part about Becky- some people look shocked and confused; I’ve heard “I didn’t know country got that dark!”; and then like this where he says he’s not “sure” if that’s what the song is saying- oh sweet summer child 😊
You should watch a Biography video, or any video talking about the life of Kenny Rogers. It will surprise people that Kenny Rogers wasn't a country singer when he first started singing. He was in a totally different kind of band. He really didn't want to become a "country singer" originally. But he was just so good at it and his voice was meant for country, it just became the thing that he does.
Kenny Rogers was the love of my life, seriously! I fell in love with his music when I was 9 years old and then I had to learn about the man. And I fell in love with him too. He's always been my favorite singer. ❤
Great reaction! And based on it my recommendation for you is "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town." It was when Kenny was with his band The First Edition. Also The Gambler. It became his signature song.
FYI ... they made a movie based on this song 'Coward of the County' and Kenny plays the Uncle in that movie. It's a good movie. Thanks for the reaction. EDITED: You missed the part where Kenny sings 'one day while Tom was working, the GATLIN BOYS CAME CALLING, THEY TOOK TURNS AT HER ... so when Tommy came home, he saw his Becky crying with a torn dress .... ' Country music has so many twists and turns that no one expects, but all of the true country song ALL have a lesson to learn and a story to tell.
Young man you get it. There is an actual video for this song that as the song says, holds nothing back. From a 73 year old geezer, keep on doing your thing.
In his father's advice, he does say "Walk away from trouble IF you can" This was one of those times he could not. Listening to Kenny Rogers is like watching a movie in your head because he tells the story so well.
My Dad always said "it takes a bigger man to turn and walk away from a fight, than it does to stay and fight, especially when everything inside of him is screaming not to but there are times, you have to listen to those voices!" Thoroughly enjoyed your reactions to a song I grew up with.
The Bee Gees wrote a song called Islands in the Stream, and it was recorded by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton as a duet. I think you'll like it. It's more country, but the Bee Gees wrote so many songs 1000s in many genres. Also a reaction to Kenny Rogers, Through the Years. This one will make you cry.
I listened to this for the first time with you and I enjoyed both the song and your reaction! You're right -- this was quite the story. I can't stand it when people crap on county music. It's one of my favorite genres. I don't even care for lyrics that much, but if you do, country's where it's at, and Kenny's one of the best. I enjoyed this and subscribed!
Your reaction to this song was very good. So open and real. Kenny is one of the people I grew up listening to, thanks to my parents, and I will always have a place for him on my song list, and in my heart. It makes me smile every time I see someone discover him and his wonderful music.
Wise words and thoughts about what it means to be a man in the middle of your reaction, brother. And yeah you make a great point. I love when reactors sometimes just react to the audio with no video with it or nothing because good music will make you see things and feel things, whether it's on the musical level or the visual level and good storytelling, or all of it together. When I grew up, there wasn't MTV at and there wasn't really anything like that and you hardly ever had a visual to go with it other than maybe a photo in a magazine or inside an album that you could pull out or maybe on the album cover. You would hear the songs on the radio or you would go buy the album and again you would just listen to the audio and that was the whole world that went with it. There wasn't any other visual input and so you just made your own up to go with it. I think that's really important. It also means that your mind is totally engaged with the music and the story, and none of your attention is split looking at a video and trying to see if it matches up with the music and all that sort of thing. You're one-hundred-percent engaged and focused.
One of the greatest ever, Mr. Kenny Rogers. May he R.IP. Country music is known for its storytelling and Kenny was one of the best. And this song? Love seeing people react to it for the first time because both messages it delivers are true. Fighting doesn't make you a man (or woman for that matter) if you are fighting to try and prove you are a badass, but there are times, when certain lines are crossed, you have to step up and do what needs to be done. And when you push the calmest man to his breaking point, it can turn nasty fast. Loved your reaction.
Forgive me for this! This is obviously no joking matter and a sad story...but when I read your comment my brain went immediately Buster Bluth saying "yeah, like anyone would want to "R" her..." (he actually said the letter)...Arrested Development, if you haven't seen it. One of my all-time favorites.
Country music 🎶 is about telling stories! Give Chris Ledoux a try, he's a real Cowboy country singer 1976 Rodeo Champion! All his song's are incredible, and his concerts had so much energy it inspired Garth Brooks for his stage act! His song called "this Cowboy's hat" is a underrated classic country story. Another song is about riding bull's called "8 second ride" I rode bull's for 5yrs, it's a rush!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠
Kenny Rogers wound up as a country singer. But he got his start in the early 70s with rock music. Please check out his amazing (and often forgotten) hit, “Just Dropped In.”
The best story telling comes in Country songs. I listen to every genre of music but if you like a good story listen to country music. Kenny is a legend I grew up listening to him. The Gambler, Ruby, Rueben James are some of my favorites. And if you want to hear his smooth sultry side listen to Lady. Us women just swoon when he sings it.
I have been watching reaction videos for 2 years now, and still I have only subscribed to 5 channels, and now you make 6. I love your reactions, and you are just so nice to look at (lol, don't worry, I'm old enough to be your mother). Seriously though, you are just really nice guy. And let me tell you, there's not many like you left. So keep doing what you're doing, cos you got this. 👌 😊🎶
I always loved the ways that Kenny’s songs create a story. Tommy was able to take down the three guys because his bottled up anger, coupled with adrenaline, blocked out any sense of caution or hesitation, even pain sensory.
A good piece of advice from my grandpa: "There should be only four people whose opinions really matter to you. Your God, the person who pays your bills, the person you go to bed with at night, and yourself. Do not let other people force you into things you don't want to do just to impress them. Let their talk be like the wind in the trees, here one second, gone the next." This saved us kids a lot of heartache through the years.
I dont usually comment on reactions but i had to on this just to say it was pleasure to see someone genuinely loving the music , keep up the good work . Have the day you deserve sir.
this song really does paint a picture, you don't need a video at all. such a powerful story, it made me cry and gave me goosebumps. i'm glad the final message is "sometimes you gotta fight". that is such an important thing for young men to know. Walk away as much as you can, but be prepared for that day.. when you HAVE to fight
Sir your words of wisdom regarding proving yourself are so profound. I wish every young man could hear what you said and really think about it for a long hard time. Think how much nicer this world would be if they did. Song: yes Becky was definitely R-word. This song is a great one. I first heard it when it first came out at about age 7-10, and loved it. It wasn't until a couple years back that I rediscovered it. It was worth the wait.
I was raised on country music and Kenny has always been my favorite (along with Dolly). I cried when I found out he died. This song has always given me chills in the best way possible, and I always smile when he says Tommy turned and locked the door, because I know the Gatlin boys are about to get what's coming to them. Lol
I am SOOOO impressed with you! I have been following you for a while, the main reasons are because of your honest reactions and your true openness to explore new things! THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤❤
In the terms of the times, saying that a group of men 'took turns at' some woman was a direct statement of forcible sexual assault, implying that one or more of them was restraining her during the acts. Tommy spent 20 years walking away from trouble where he could, but the "Gatlin boys", (implied to be brothers) put him in a situation where it simply was not possible for him to walk away and consider himself a man. To meet his own moral code, he had to take actions that approached being proportionate. He openly met them in a public place where they felt comfortable, then publicly beat them unconscious at a minimum, declaring at least once why he was acting as he did. I think the last line of the song is delightfully ambiguous. The first time it was used, it was setting up the public perception of Tommy, that he was widely thought to be a coward. The last time, I think it underlines that he forced that public perception to change drastically away from his supposed cowardice. Afterward, it probably shifted toward an attitude of "Do NOT push him away from being peaceful, because if you poke that bear, you're gonna get bit HARD!"
Kenny Roger's had 2 songs turned into 'Made for T.V' movies: The Gambler and Coward of the County. Titles of the movies are the Song titles. Coward came out in '79 (I think).
I think you may be misinterpreting the last part. When he sings the last line, its meant more as "Everyone HAD considered him the coward of the county." Meant more as a past tense line. They considered him the coward of the county......But they were wrong. Like his uncle says... They were reading Tommy wrong.
In the days this was written you couldn't say the R word because of guidelines. But Kenny always got his point across. He was one of my favorites growing up.😊
This song always puts a tear in my eyes.
Kenny was one of my Dad's favorites. 😔
This! Like TH-cam the R word wouldn’t get past the censors
ITS EASY TO TURN THE OTHER CHEEK WHEN BAD COMES AT YOU, ITS A WHOLE OTHER STORY WHEN IT COMES AT THE ONES YOU LOVE.
As the saying goes. Never underestimate the fury of a quiet man
The 3 Gatlin boys did exactly what you think they did. Kenny Rodgers is a master storyteller.
There's a big difference between defending yourself and defending others.
"they took turns with becky. There were three of them" Yes, you were correct.
Yeah, "taking turns" was an old-fashioned word for gang R
"they took turns at Becky."
This song changed my life. I grew up in a terrible place and was getting bullied nonstop in school. I heard this song and it was like a switch flipped in my head. I never have had another bullying episode in my life after this point. I realized that sometimes you DO have to fight regardless of what your personal feelings about it is. I stood up to a bully a couple grades above me and did pretty well. Smooth sailing after that. It changes things once you aren't looking for trouble but also aren't to be trifled with.
💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿❤️
Tommy's Dad dies in Prison.....
Shon: I wasn't expecting that bro....
Kenny: Hold my beer, we aint even started yet....
Kenny Roger's starred in the movie version of this song. It was also titled "Coward of the County"
That movie was awesome
a movie was made from this song, starring kenny rogers.
That's was the gambler not this song
@@Ireland1971 no. there was ALSO a movie made from this song, in addition to 'the gambler'. there are clips from it here on youtube. :p :)
@@roydownes2458 Yes, I remember both of those songs being "made for TV" movies too! I think The Gambler was more popular, they made another movie or two to continue the story of the gambler.
Yes there was a movie from this song and three movies from the gambler
His father understood how things are, the words he told him when he was a boy included an out that covered the situation with Becky when he said "walk away from trouble IF you can", so he knew there are times when you can't.
You understand the heaviness of this song. Thank you.
You know, Shon. I just found you and have only watched a handful of your reactions and I want to tell you something. I believe you have a gift for this. You pay close attention to the lyrics and I can see that you feel them. On top of that, you're very likeable and have a good energy about you. If you stick with this and find the right paths with music, movies, whatever you enjoy, I predict that you will do very well as a reactor here. I just subscribed so I'll see you around. Best of luck to you!
Ditto
Very well said, and I agree with you about Shon!
I agree❤
Absolutely agree hear is a quick study.
Love shon & his energy. Electric.
Possibly the most emotional song ever written. I’ve listened to it probably a thousand times and still get a tear in my eyes. Your reaction was great!! I will be watching more of your videos.✌️✌️✌️
Great reaction, Shon. Just like always. Kenny Rogers was a fantastic storyteller. You might try THE GAMBLER next, since you seemed to enjoy this one. I saw someone else mentioned Marty Robbins, another great storyteller, with a beautiful voice. For Marty I highly suggest EL PASO, FALEENA, and EL PASO CITY. It's a trilogy well worth the time. Keep up the great work. I'll keep watching, sir.
💯
Yes, they assaulted her. "They took turns at Becky. And there was 3 of them."
Great reaction video. RIP, Kenny. One of the greats Country singers of all time.
Kenny songs always gets to me. Man I wish he was still singing here today; but he left a great catalogue of music for us all.
It's an amazing songwriter that can make you 'see' the scene as the lyrics of the song play out - and Kenny was fantastic at interpretation.
Kenny Rogers "Lady" "We Got Tonight" "Gambler"
Good pure music for everyone, good for the soul
Now this is why I watch reaction videos. Your reaction was priceless. I love it. Glad to have found you.
LOL know I’m very late to the party but my new favorite genre of TH-cam video is people who didn’t grow up listening to country music (my daddy came from coal country Kentucky so I was raised with this music) reacting to old country songs. And Coward of the County is my favorite, because it’s a great song but it also has the catchy tune and people are just head bobbing to it, and then when it gets to the part about Becky- some people look shocked and confused; I’ve heard “I didn’t know country got that dark!”; and then like this where he says he’s not “sure” if that’s what the song is saying- oh sweet summer child 😊
You should watch a Biography video, or any video talking about the life of Kenny Rogers. It will surprise people that Kenny Rogers wasn't a country singer when he first started singing. He was in a totally different kind of band. He really didn't want to become a "country singer" originally. But he was just so good at it and his voice was meant for country, it just became the thing that he does.
You are quickly becoming my favorite reactor ! Love ur appreciation for the music us older folks grew up with ! Great song !
Kenny Rogers was the love of my life, seriously! I fell in love with his music when I was 9 years old and then I had to learn about the man. And I fell in love with him too.
He's always been my favorite singer. ❤
Great reaction! And based on it my recommendation for you is "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town." It was when Kenny was with his band The First Edition. Also The Gambler. It became his signature song.
Hey Shon! They made a movie about this song. Kenny Rogers is in it also. He's Tommy's uncle in the movie. It's called Coward of the County
FYI ... they made a movie based on this song 'Coward of the County' and Kenny plays the Uncle in that movie. It's a good movie. Thanks for the reaction.
EDITED: You missed the part where Kenny sings 'one day while Tom was working, the GATLIN BOYS CAME CALLING, THEY TOOK TURNS AT HER ... so when Tommy came home, he saw his Becky crying with a torn dress .... ' Country music has so many twists and turns that no one expects, but all of the true country song ALL have a lesson to learn and a story to tell.
Kenny Rogers is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
They made a movie around 83 based on this song. Very good movie for its day. Kenny Roger's actually starred in it.
And he played the uncle of Tommy
Young man you get it. There is an actual video for this song that as the song says, holds nothing back. From a 73 year old geezer, keep on doing your thing.
Check out Marty Robbins-Big Iron
I second this! I mentioned "Fire on the Mountain" by Marshall Tucker Band, but I had this one on deck.
Sir one of the best reactions to this song!! Lol love it!!!
I'm loving your reactions and comments to Kenny Rogers singing ( The Coward of the County)!!❤
I am here for your Kenny journey. Best story teller ever!
In his father's advice, he does say "Walk away from trouble IF you can" This was one of those times he could not.
Listening to Kenny Rogers is like watching a movie in your head because he tells the story so well.
1:55 him “I wasn’t expecting that. Me “ you just getting started.”
I love your energy
Yup - that's what he said....interpreting it correctly
Hello from Cody Wyoming! You're awesome keep it up😊 if you keep reacting I'll keep watching
This song was made into a movie along with The Gambler which was actually a series of 5 movies
My Dad always said "it takes a bigger man to turn and walk away from a fight, than it does to stay and fight, especially when everything inside of him is screaming not to but there are times, you have to listen to those voices!" Thoroughly enjoyed your reactions to a song I grew up with.
I'd forgotten this song! Thank you for bringing it back. Again, You do the best reactions!!!
I absolutely loved your reaction!!!!! ❤!
Kenny Is Great beautiful song's and Lyrics I've known him all my life I grew up in South Armagh in the North of the country
The Bee Gees wrote a song called Islands in the Stream, and it was recorded by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton as a duet. I think you'll like it. It's more country, but the Bee Gees wrote so many songs 1000s in many genres.
Also a reaction to Kenny Rogers, Through the Years. This one will make you cry.
I listened to this for the first time with you and I enjoyed both the song and your reaction! You're right -- this was quite the story. I can't stand it when people crap on county music. It's one of my favorite genres. I don't even care for lyrics that much, but if you do, country's where it's at, and Kenny's one of the best. I enjoyed this and subscribed!
Such a good story in a song.
There was a tv movie made of this song. Kenny Rogers was one of the main characters. It was set in WWII.
Good movie absolutely
He unlived them
Your reaction to this song was very good. So open and real. Kenny is one of the people I grew up listening to, thanks to my parents, and I will always have a place for him on my song list, and in my heart. It makes me smile every time I see someone discover him and his wonderful music.
Loved watching this guy! He was so emotional and authentic!
LOVE your take man. OLD song.. but timeless message. Walk away when you can.. But in life... here are times when you can't.. That simple.
THERE
If you're going through Country music and looking for story tellers, check out some Johnny Cash. Start with "A Boy Called Sue".
Wise words and thoughts about what it means to be a man in the middle of your reaction, brother. And yeah you make a great point. I love when reactors sometimes just react to the audio with no video with it or nothing because good music will make you see things and feel things, whether it's on the musical level or the visual level and good storytelling, or all of it together.
When I grew up, there wasn't MTV at and there wasn't really anything like that and you hardly ever had a visual to go with it other than maybe a photo in a magazine or inside an album that you could pull out or maybe on the album cover.
You would hear the songs on the radio or you would go buy the album and again you would just listen to the audio and that was the whole world that went with it. There wasn't any other visual input and so you just made your own up to go with it. I think that's really important.
It also means that your mind is totally engaged with the music and the story, and none of your attention is split looking at a video and trying to see if it matches up with the music and all that sort of thing. You're one-hundred-percent engaged and focused.
Much respect for this amazing song! Great reaction
ya was no ass beating, He "PUT" them down !!!
One of the greatest ever, Mr. Kenny Rogers. May he R.IP. Country music is known for its storytelling and Kenny was one of the best. And this song? Love seeing people react to it for the first time because both messages it delivers are true. Fighting doesn't make you a man (or woman for that matter) if you are fighting to try and prove you are a badass, but there are times, when certain lines are crossed, you have to step up and do what needs to be done. And when you push the calmest man to his breaking point, it can turn nasty fast.
Loved your reaction.
You made me smile. Yes, you guessed right. The Gatlin boys R her.
Forgive me for this! This is obviously no joking matter and a sad story...but when I read your comment my brain went immediately Buster Bluth saying "yeah, like anyone would want to "R" her..." (he actually said the letter)...Arrested Development, if you haven't seen it. One of my all-time favorites.
This man is a phenomenal story teller. His voice isn't bad either. Lol
Country music 🎶 is about telling stories! Give Chris Ledoux a try, he's a real Cowboy country singer 1976 Rodeo Champion! All his song's are incredible, and his concerts had so much energy it inspired Garth Brooks for his stage act! His song called "this Cowboy's hat" is a underrated classic country story. Another song is about riding bull's called "8 second ride" I rode bull's for 5yrs, it's a rush!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠
Wow. Unearthing a classic! Great reaction!
When tbis song came out, one of the touring country groups as the Gatlin Brothers. There were 3 of them.
They were not fans of this sing.
He didn’t fight them, he killed them.
I think so as well
Kenny Rogers wound up as a country singer. But he got his start in the early 70s with rock music.
Please check out his amazing (and often forgotten) hit, “Just Dropped In.”
So much respect for every word you spoke. 💯🔥👏
There's a movie based on this song with the same name starring Kenny Rogers.
I was sure that you would like that song. Also, check out "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers. It is another good story.
This was such a great reaction. God bless you ❤
Yes they did that
The best story telling comes in Country songs. I listen to every genre of music but if you like a good story listen to country music. Kenny is a legend I grew up listening to him. The Gambler, Ruby, Rueben James are some of my favorites. And if you want to hear his smooth sultry side listen to Lady. Us women just swoon when he sings it.
His name is Kenny Rogers there is a difference.Love Kenny 🎶🎵💗 Great reaction.
I loved your reactions and comments to Kenny Rogers "Coward of the County"❤❤❤😢❤😢😢❤❤
Wow ! What a song !
Great Great reaction. Yeah I can see the whole story in my head. The older I get, the more I can see it.
I have been watching reaction videos for 2 years now, and still I have only subscribed to 5 channels, and now you make 6. I love your reactions, and you are just so nice to look at (lol, don't worry, I'm old enough to be your mother). Seriously though, you are just really nice guy. And let me tell you, there's not many like you left. So keep doing what you're doing, cos you got this. 👌 😊🎶
Wow, your reaction to this master peice. Was priceless.god bless. From Ireland 🍀
I always loved the ways that Kenny’s songs create a story. Tommy was able to take down the three guys because his bottled up anger, coupled with adrenaline, blocked out any sense of caution or hesitation, even pain sensory.
A good piece of advice from my grandpa: "There should be only four people whose opinions really matter to you. Your God, the person who pays your bills, the person you go to bed with at night, and yourself. Do not let other people force you into things you don't want to do just to impress them. Let their talk be like the wind in the trees, here one second, gone the next." This saved us kids a lot of heartache through the years.
Thank you for your reaction. God bless
I dont usually comment on reactions but i had to on this just to say it was pleasure to see someone genuinely loving the music , keep up the good work . Have the day you deserve sir.
GREAT REACTION!!!!!! Got a new sub for that :)
this song really does paint a picture, you don't need a video at all. such a powerful story, it made me cry and gave me goosebumps. i'm glad the final message is "sometimes you gotta fight". that is such an important thing for young men to know. Walk away as much as you can, but be prepared for that day.. when you HAVE to fight
I have to say I really love your soul I see shine out of you 🙏🏻
There's also a movie " The Gambler " like his song, he plays in it also 👍 You should watch them, there're great movies 👍💯
Sir your words of wisdom regarding proving yourself are so profound. I wish every young man could hear what you said and really think about it for a long hard time. Think how much nicer this world would be if they did.
Song: yes Becky was definitely R-word. This song is a great one. I first heard it when it first came out at about age 7-10, and loved it. It wasn't until a couple years back that I rediscovered it. It was worth the wait.
You might want to listen to Kenny Rogers singing (The Gambler)!! ❤
Exactly. I love your reactions, you seem more mature than most. Keep it up!
THERE IS A MOVIE OF THE SAME NAME AND KENNY PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE , YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT
When we finally realise we are all brothers and sisters black and white we will heal ❤great review 👍
There was a movie made of this song. Also of Kenny's THE GAMBLER. Watch the version of this song from the movie. It will touch you deeply
I was raised on country music and Kenny has always been my favorite (along with Dolly). I cried when I found out he died. This song has always given me chills in the best way possible, and I always smile when he says Tommy turned and locked the door, because I know the Gatlin boys are about to get what's coming to them. Lol
Those damn Gaitling Bros.
I am SOOOO impressed with you! I have been following you for a while, the main reasons are because of your honest reactions and your true openness to explore new things! THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤❤
In the terms of the times, saying that a group of men 'took turns at' some woman was a direct statement of forcible sexual assault, implying that one or more of them was restraining her during the acts. Tommy spent 20 years walking away from trouble where he could, but the "Gatlin boys", (implied to be brothers) put him in a situation where it simply was not possible for him to walk away and consider himself a man.
To meet his own moral code, he had to take actions that approached being proportionate. He openly met them in a public place where they felt comfortable, then publicly beat them unconscious at a minimum, declaring at least once why he was acting as he did.
I think the last line of the song is delightfully ambiguous. The first time it was used, it was setting up the public perception of Tommy, that he was widely thought to be a coward. The last time, I think it underlines that he forced that public perception to change drastically away from his supposed cowardice. Afterward, it probably shifted toward an attitude of "Do NOT push him away from being peaceful, because if you poke that bear, you're gonna get bit HARD!"
Especially if that person had a bad case of PTSD.( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Kenny Roger's had 2 songs turned into 'Made for T.V' movies: The Gambler and Coward of the County. Titles of the movies are the Song titles. Coward came out in '79 (I think).
A movie starring Kenny was made titled "Coward of the County" which runs almost exactly with this song. You may want to look this one up.
I think you may be misinterpreting the last part. When he sings the last line, its meant more as "Everyone HAD considered him the coward of the county." Meant more as a past tense line. They considered him the coward of the county......But they were wrong. Like his uncle says... They were reading Tommy wrong.
"they took turns with Becky and there were 3 of them"......watch the movie....
Kenny Roger plays his uncle in it as well as this song. Nuff said
I love your reactions!!! You deserve for your channel to blow up!!