About the song
Background
- “Lucille” wasn’t written by Kenny Rogers himself, but by two accomplished country songwriters, Roger Bowling and Hal Bynum [US sources say songwriter].
- Released in January 1977, it was the second single from Kenny Rogers’ self-titled album, following his departure from the successful group First Edition.
- The song’s success (reaching number one on the pop charts in 12 countries!) is credited with launching Kenny Rogers’ solo career [US sources say credit].
Themes
“Lucille” is a country ballad that tells a story of heartbreak and missed connections. Here are some key themes:
- Loneliness and Unhappiness: Both the narrator and Lucille are depicted as lonely individuals seeking solace in a bar. Lucille’s desperation is evident in her taking off her wedding ring.
- Temptation and Infidelity: The encounter between the narrator and Lucille presents a temptation for both, a brief escape from their unhappy realities.
- Regret and Missed Opportunities: The song doesn’t depict them acting on their desires. We’re left wondering what might have been and the regret they both carry.
- Social Commentary (possible): Some interpretations suggest the song reflects the dissatisfaction of women in certain social roles during the time period. Lucille’s yearning for “laughter” and “whatever the other life brings” could be seen as a desire for more freedom and fulfillment.
Video
Lyrics
In a bar in Toledo across from the depotOn a barstool, she took off her ringI thought I’d get closer so I walked on overI sat down and asked her nameWhen the drinks finally hit her she said, I’m no quitterBut I finally quit livin’ on dreamsI’m hungry for laughter and here ever afterI’m after whatever the other life bringsIn the mirror, I saw him and I closely watched himI thought how he looked out of placeHe came to the woman who sat there beside meHe had a strange look on his faceThe big hands were calloused, he looked like a mountainFor a minute I thought I was deadBut he started shaking, his big heart was breakingHe turned to the woman and said
You picked a fine time to leave me, LucilleWith four hungry children and a crop in the fieldI’ve had some bad times, lived through some sad timesBut this time your hurting won’t healYou picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
After he left us, I ordered more whiskeyI thought how she’d made him look smallFrom the lights of the barroomTo a rented hotel roomWe walked without talking at allShe was a beauty but when she came to meShe must have thought I’d lost my mindI couldn’t hold her ’cause the words that he told herKept coming back time after time
You picked a fine time to leave me, LucilleWith four hungry children and a crop in the fieldI’ve had some bad times, lived through some sad timesBut this time your hurting won’t healYou picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
You picked a fine time to leave me, LucilleWith four hungry children and a crop in the fieldI’ve had some bad times, lived through some sad timesBut this time your hurting won’t healYou picked a fine time to leave me, LucilleYou picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille