Meaning of "River Boat Gambler" by Chris LeDoux

The lyrics of "River Boat Gambler" paint a picture of a restless individual who inherited a wandering spirit from their parents. Raised by a riverboat gambler and a dancehall girl, the narrator seems to have learned to distrust stability and permanence in relationships, comparing marriage to a losing hand in a rigged game. They express a deep-rooted need to keep moving, echoing the call of the river that seems to be ingrained in their very being. The mention of their parents' occupations suggests that their upbringing was unconventional and may have led to a sense of disconnection from societal norms. Overall, the song conveys a sense of rebellion, yearning for freedom, and a reluctance to settle down.