John Denver's song "Bet on the Blues" is about the perils of gambling and the inevitability of facing hardships in life. The lyrics suggest that regardless of the choices we make or the risks we take, we often end up losing or facing difficult circumstances. The song starts by mentioning the option to bet on the red, black, or blues (referring to roulette), symbolizing the choices we make in life. However, the line "you'll lose, bet on the blues" implies that no matter what option we choose, the outcome is likely to be unfavorable. This can be seen as a metaphor for the unpredictability and uncontrollable nature of life's challenges. The lyrics also highlight the idea of being a gambling person, someone who tries to beat the odds or take risks. The line "Try to beat the house if you can" suggests the desire to overcome obstacles, yet the outcome remains the same - losing. This conveys the message that despite our efforts, life can still bring us down. The song also introduces the concept of finding an inside slant or something too good to refuse. This could be interpreted as seeking opportunities or shortcuts that seem promising, but ultimately lead to disappointment. The mention of a person who thinks they are over the hump but turns out to be a "chump" reinforces the idea that even when things seem to be going well, there are always difficulties lurking ahead. The recurring phrase "lucky old sun is shining today" conveys a sense of irony, as it suggests a hopeful outlook while also mentioning paying dues. This further emphasizes the idea of inevitable challenges and setbacks in life. In summary, John Denver's "Bet on the Blues" portrays the futility of trying to control or predict life's outcomes. It suggests that regardless of our choices or efforts, life's challenges will always be present and that it may be wiser to accept and navigate through them rather than seeking shortcuts or trying to beat the odds.
