Another of the sharply distinct songs off Sting's concept album Ten Summoner's Tales, this one is the tale of a gambler, explaining his life philosophy via the metaphors of his profession: A deck of cards and the silence of a poker face.

It's an excellently controlled conceit that pays off as the careful language choices continue to reach deep implications. It puts "Know When to Hold 'Em" into kindergarten class.

My favorite point, on that gambler's silence:

"Those who speak know nothing
And find out to their cost
Like those who curse their luck in too many places
And those who fear are lost"

The music is a lovely classical guitar in a descending minor key phrase, with a wonderfully textured final cadence sequence, plus a low-key but essential percussion section. The middle key change and harmonica solo bring in images of twilight plateaus on the old range. It's a rare, admirable key change down, as most key changes go for that uplifting effect. The mournful vocal is all we expect of Sting's range and underrated toughness.

It's a classic song that many don't realize as such but I believe will endure.