Introduction:
Released in November 1979 as the second and final single from his Kenny album, “Coward of the County” was written by Roger Bowling and Billy Edd Wheeler and produced by Larry Butler. The song became a striking crossover hit: it soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country chart, climbed to No. 3 on the Hot 100, topped the Cash Box singles chart, and also reached No. 1 in the UK, Canada, and Ireland. It tied for the longest unbroken run at No. 1 on the Hot Country Singles chart in 1980. In the UK specifically, it reached the summit on February 16, 1980.
“Coward of the County” unfolds as a powerful narrative of morality, sacrifice, and redemption. The protagonist, Tommy, earns a reputation as a coward due to his pacifist stance—an outlook shaped by his dying father’s plea to “walk away from trouble when you can” and that “you don’t have to fight to be a man”. But when Tommy’s beloved Becky is sexually assaulted by the “Gatlin boys,” he faces a moral crossroads. Breaking his promise, Tommy locks the door in a barroom and unleashes “twenty years of crawling,” striking back in a dramatic reversal of his perceived cowardice.
The use of the name “Gatlin boys” sparked controversy—many speculated it referred to the Gatlin Brothers. Rogers, however, stated he was unaware of any real-life connection and would have changed the name had he known. The songwriters denied malicious intent, saying the name was chosen for its sound.
The compelling storytelling resonated deeply with audiences and even inspired a 1981 television movie, in which Rogers plays Tommy’s uncle.