Example Essay: Comparing and Contrasting Themes
The themes used in the lyrics of the songs, “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers and “Amazing
Grace” by John Newton, have similarities and differences. Both songs have similar conflicts,
but different resolutions to those conflicts.
A similarity between the two songs is the conflict affecting the singers. In “The
Gambler,” the gambler says, “. . . I can see you’re out of aces.” “Out of aces” means the singer is
down on his luck or in trouble. Likewise, in “Amazing Grace” the singers says, “I once was lost
but now am found/Was blind, but now I see.” The singer is saying he’s experienced many
difficulties in life like being “lost” and “blind.”
A difference between the two songs is the “The Gambler” and “Amazing Grace” have
different resolutions or ways to solve the conflict. In “The Gambler,” the gambler’s last words
are “You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.” His words are “an ace that I
could keep” or good advice based on gambling, such as knowing when to keep playing the cards
you’re dealt and when to quit. On the other hand, in “Amazing Grace” the singer has a “Godly”
solution saying, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.” This means that he’s been saved by
God’s forgiveness and this is music to his ears.
Despite the similarities between the songs, these songs have very different themes. In
“The Gambler” the theme is when times get tough, make sure you know when to keep going and
when to quit. This is a “human” solution to trouble because the advice is coming from a gambler,
who is just another weak and imperfect human. In contrast, in “Amazing Grace,” the theme is
when life is difficult, you can turn to God for forgiveness no matter how bad you are. This is a
religious solution to trouble and depends on an all-powerful, supernatural spirit for help.