I Want a Son

Kenny Rogers · Love Will Turn You Around [1982]

I want a son

Someone I can blame for turning grey

To share my name, to share my days

To share the things I've earned

The lessons that I've learned along the way

He'd have a friend and we'd have fun

I love to laugh and I would love to have a son.



I want a girl

Twirling round the room in pink and blue

To count on me, to see her through

Who'd worry when I'm late

And tell me that I'm great when it's not true

She'd have a friend and we'd have fun

I'd love a daughter just as I would love a son.



I wanna care

I wanna wonder where they are

I wanna see that they go farther than me

And carry on, the things I love, when I'm gone.



Forgetting me

I'd be good for them, I really would

They'd have someone who understood

Who'd always be around

And never let them down, I never could.



He'd have a friend and we'd have fun

She'd have a friend, we'd all be one

I'd love to have a girl

Or I would love to have a son...

I Want a Son

Kenny Rogers' "I Want a Son" stands as a poignant centerpiece on his 1982 album Love Will Turn You Around. The track exemplifies Rogers' signature blend of country storytelling and pop sensibility, delivering a heartfelt narrative about the universal desire for family. Recorded during a period where Rogers was navigating personal challenges, the song reflects themes of hope and resilience that became hallmarks of his later career. With its smooth vocal delivery and melodic structure, the recording captures the emotional depth characteristic of Rogers' work in the early 1980s. It remains a staple of his discography, often performed live to connect with audiences through its relatable message and timeless musical arrangement.