“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“The Deck of Cards” is a spoken-word song that gained popularity in the late 1940s, famously performed by Tex Ritter. This piece, which combines storytelling with music, tells the tale of a soldier who uses a deck of cards as a means of reflection and prayer while stationed overseas. The story resonated with audiences, particularly in the post-World War II era, offering a unique blend of religious and moral themes. Tex Ritter’s rendition contributed to the song’s enduring fame, showcasing his deep, resonant voice and storytelling prowess.
About The Composition
- Title: The Deck Of Cards
- Composer: T. Texas Tyler
- Premiere Date: 1948
- Album/Opus/Collection: [Unknown]
- Genre: Country, Spoken Word
Background
“The Deck of Cards” originated with T. Texas Tyler, who first recorded it in 1948. The song tells the story of a soldier who uses a deck of cards to explain his faith and spirituality in the absence of a Bible. Each card represents a different moral or religious lesson, allowing the soldier to maintain a personal connection to his faith while far from home. This narrative structure appealed to many listeners during a time when World War II had left its mark on global consciousness, leading to its widespread popularity.
The song’s impact was further cemented by Tex Ritter’s performance. His version brought a new level of emotional depth and realism to the story, capturing the hearts of listeners and securing its place in country music history. Ritter, already a well-known figure in the genre, helped “The Deck of Cards” reach audiences far and wide, ensuring its continued recognition and appreciation.
Musical Style
“The Deck of Cards” is characterized by its spoken-word delivery, set against a simple musical backdrop. This style allows the narrative to take center stage, with the music serving as a subtle accompaniment that enhances the emotional impact of the story. The straightforward arrangement underscores the sincerity and gravity of the soldier’s reflections, making it a powerful example of the country spoken word tradition.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “The Deck of Cards” revolve around the thematic elements of faith, morality, and resourcefulness. The soldier’s interpretation of the deck of cards allows him to find spiritual solace and guidance in each card’s symbolism. This creative use of everyday objects to convey profound messages demonstrates the song’s unique approach to storytelling and religious expression.
Performance History
Notable performances of “The Deck of Cards” include Tex Ritter’s widely acclaimed rendition, which became a staple of his live shows and recordings. Ritter’s performance further popularized the song, and it has since been covered by various artists across different genres, each bringing their unique interpretation to the timeless story.
Cultural Impact
“The Deck of Cards” has left a significant cultural imprint, appearing in various media formats over the years. Its unique approach to storytelling through a deck of cards has resonated with audiences, influencing similar narrative songs and spoken-word pieces. The song’s themes of faith and morality continue to find relevance in contemporary discussions, highlighting its lasting appeal.
Legacy
Today, “The Deck of Cards” remains an iconic piece within the country music genre and beyond. Its enduring importance is reflected in its continued presence in popular culture and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians and storytellers. The song serves as a testament to the power of narrative in music and its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Deck of Cards” by Tex Ritter is a masterful blend of storytelling and music that continues to captivate audiences. Its themes of faith, creativity, and resilience resonate deeply with listeners, making it a timeless classic. I encourage you to explore this piece further and experience its emotional depth and cultural significance firsthand.
Video
Lyrics
During the North African champagne,
A group of soldier boys had been on a long hike
They came to a town called Cassino.
The next day, being, Sunday, some of the boys went to church,
And after the Chaplin had read the prayer,
The text was taken up next.
Those of the boys who had a prayer books took them out,
But, this one boy only had a deck of cards,
And so he spread them out.
The Sargent saw the cards and said
“soldier, put away those cards.”
After the services were over, the boy was taken prisoner,
And brought before the Provost Marshall .
The Marshall said “Sargent, why have you brought this man here?”
“for playing cards in church Sir.”
“And what have you to say for yourself son?”
“much sir”, replied the soldier.
The Marshall said, “I hope so, because if not,
I shall punish you more than any man was ever punished.”
The soldier boy said “Sir I have been on a long March for six days
I have neither Bible nor prayer book,
but I hope to satisfy you, Sir, ” with the purity of my intentions.”
And with that the boy begin his story.
“You see Sir,
when I look at the ace in my deck of
cards, it reminds me that there is but one God,
And the deuce,
tells me that Bible is divided into
two parts, the old and the new testament.
When l see the Trey, I think of father, the son and the holy ghost.
And when I look at the four,
I think of four evangelists who preached the gospel.
There were Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
And when I see the five,
it reminds me of the five wise virgins, who trimmed their lamp,
There were ten of them,
Five were wise and were saved, five were foolish and were shut out.
When I look at the six, I know that in six days,
God made this great heaven and earth.
And the seven, tells me that on the seventh day,
He rested from his great work,
And called it holy.
And when I see the eight, I think of the eight righteous person,
God saved when he destroyed this earth.
There were none Noah, his wife their three sons and their wives.
And when I see the nine, I think of the lepers our Savior cleansed,
And nine of the ten, didn’t even thank him.
And of course when I see the ten,
I always remembered the ten commandments,
The ten commandments that God handed
down to Moses on a tablets of stone.
When I see the King Sir, I know there is but one King of heaven.
God the Almighty.
And when I see the Queen, I think of the blessed virgin Mary,
The Queen of heaven,
And the jack of knaves is the devil.
When I count the spots in a deck of cards,
I find 365, the number of days in a year.
There are 52 cards, the number of weeks in a year .
There are thirteen tricks, the number of weeks in a quarter.
There a four suits, the number of weeks in a month.
And twelve picture cards, the number of months in a year.
So you see Sir,
my deck of cards servers me not only as a
Bible or almanacs, but also a prayer book .