Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I met him on a midnight train, a dealmaker in disguise,
Sippin’ on a cup of joe, steel-cold fire in his eyes.
He said, “Son, you look like trouble, lost your roll and lost your way,
But every high-stakes player learns—you gotta ante up or fade.”

[Verse 2]
He flicked a silver dollar, let it dance across his hand,
Said, “Life ain’t just the winnings, kid, it’s how you play your hand.”
Ain’t no use in cryin’, ain’t no sense in playin’ scared,
“A wise man calls the bluff, a fool just folds right there.”

[Chorus]
You gotta know when to hustle, know when to hold back,
Know when the game is rigged, and when to make your stack.
You never count your earnings sittin’ at the bar,
’Cause the real sharks are watchin’, and they know just who you are.

[Verse 3]
He leaned in close and whispered, “Kid, the rules ain’t really new.”
Said, “A fast buck’s still a fast buck, whether stocks or hustlin’ pools.”
“Gold is just as shiny, whether crypto or a ring,”
“And a sucker’s still a sucker, when he bets on everything.”

[Bridge]
Then the train hit its station, doors slid open wide,
He tipped his hat and chuckled, as he stepped outside.
Said, “Life’s a crooked wager, and the deck’s stacked from the start,
But a real player don’t quit—he just plays it smart.”

[Chorus – Repeat]
You gotta know when to hustle, know when to hold back,
Know when the game is rigged, and when to make your stack.
You never count your earnings sittin’ at the bar,
’Cause the real sharks are watchin’, and they know just who you are.

[Outro]
Now I walk a little sharper, got that lesson deep inside,
Life ain’t fair, but it sure ain’t dull—so bet with open eyes.