The Coward of the County

“There are times that my sons need to be the warriors I created them to be.” – Os Hillman

“Coward of the County” was a song written by Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler, and recorded by country music great Kenny Rogers. It was released in November 1979 and became an instant crossover hit, reaching #1 on the country charts and climbing to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 list.

The haunting lyrics tell the story of a young man named Tommy, whose inmate father makes him promise “not to do the things I’ve done.” While on his deathbed, Tommy’s father instructs his 10-year-old son to “walk away from trouble if you can.” He also tells Tommy that “it won't mean you're weak if you turn the other cheek,” and that “you don't have to fight to be a man.”

Throughout his young life, Tommy does his best to honor his father by keeping his promise. However, the town folk see his passivism as a weakness, calling him “yellow” and labeling him “the coward of the county.”

One day, the dastardly Gatlin boys pay Tommy’s wife Becky a visit while he’s away and sexually assault her. When Tommy returns home, the sight of his abused bride is too much for him to bear. And so, he heads into town where he confronts the villains in a saloon.

Thinking that he’s turning to run away, the Gatlins laugh at Tommy and holler, "Hey look! Old Yellow's leaving.” However, Tommy surprises them by locking the door instead. One by one, Tommy defends Becky’s honor and exacts his revenge. By the end of the fight, “not a Gatlin boy was standing.” "This one's for Becky", Tommy said, “as he watched the last one fall.”

My friend, God calls Christians to be meek (Matthew 5:5) and peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). However, there are times when He also commands us to be warriors, especially in defense of those who cannot defend themselves. God also despises evil, which is why He told Joshua to drive out the heathen nations from the Promised Land, and why He instructed Saul to kill every Amalekite down to the last man, woman, child, and livestock.

In other words, walk away when you can… and fight (to win) when you must.

“The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior He will stir up His zeal; with a shout He will raise the battle cry and will triumph over His enemies.” Isaiah 42:13

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President