High Roller

High Roller
© 2012 Irene & Reed
Struggle, Strength, Reclamation
Lyrics by Leslie Benson, 2010

Bad timing never
amounts to much
except a string of bad luck
and disappointment

Play coy, but I read
you like a book. I know that
I’ve seen that look; you’re
jaded just like me…

(But) when you’re on my list,
I check it twice.
You hold the cards, but
I roll the dice.

You’re on my list;
I check it twice.
Don’t move so fast.
Think I’ll take your advice.

I remember 
the way that you were
just as you are now.
You stood out from the crowd

If you knew then what
you know now, would you
make the same vow
or choose another path?

When you’re on my list,
I check it twice.
You hold the cards, but
I roll the dice.

You’re on my list;
I check it twice.
Don’t move so fast.
Think I’ll take your advice.

Don’t bet too high,
whatever you
do, ‘cause when I deal, I
follow through.

Don’t throw it all
to the wind,
‘cause when I play,

I play to win.
I play to win.
I play to win.

I play to win!

When you’re on my list,
I check it twice.
You hold the cards, but
I roll the dice.

You’re on my list;
I check it twice.
Don’t move so fast.
Think I’ll take your advice.

I think I’ll take your advice.
Think I’ll take your advice.
I think I’ll take your, take your, take your….

About the Song

Every young girl has a “checklist” of sorts when envisioning her “prince charming.” … “He’ll be tall, dark, and handsome.” … After a while, her list of traits for her “perfect” mate grows, until, for some, the list is a mile long. With so many high expectations, it’s hard to find “the one.” But she keeps trying, and checking each suitor against this imaginary list, until finding one that meets the most traits.

Singer-songwriter Leslie I. Benson explores the idea of taking a chance on someone in “High Roller.” One person holds all the cards, while the other rolls the dice. Some gamblers are patient and can keep rolling the dice until they land on the right number, but others fold quicker than they should. It’s the risky game of love.