‘Casino’ by Tucker Wetmore - Lyrics & Meaning

Only a few weeks after he gave us ‘3,2,1’, Tucker Wetmore started teasing his next release, the more emotive ‘Casino’.

Continuing with Wetmore’s signature catchy choruses, ‘Casino’ slows down slightly and sees Wetmore leaning into more metaphorical lyrics. ‘Casino’ tracks the narrative of Wetmore not being able to resist an ex, likening her to an unrequited love for a casino.

It’s catchy and easy to sing-along to, whilst simultaneously showing more of a vulnerable side to the Washington artist, marking the final single release before his debut album, What Not To, arrives on April 25.

Wetmore knows the formula for a crowd-pleasing earworm and ‘Casino’ is no different.

A story shift from ‘3,2,1’ where Wetmore accepts responsibility for damaging the relationship, ‘Casino’ explores the idea that he’s persistently gambling his heart for the chance of love that’s never returned.

This slightly heavier, more pensive narrative is delivered through a sound synonymous with Wetmore’s music – a familiar, warm lilting vocal laid over easy to jam to melodies.

“If I could just stay gone it wouldn’t have to be like this
But here I am again all in on a gamble I just can’t quit
Til my weekend’s wrecked and my head’s in a mess
And I’m all outta money and I’m diggin’ in my pockets for more
Swear I ain’t coming back then I’m right back at her door"

Immediately, Wetmore sets the scene that he’s talking about someone he can’t resist. He recognises the classic thoughts of addiction – making promises to never do it again, only to find himself right back in the thick of it.

The subject of this narrative has a hold over him and, although he’s ran out of reasons to stay, he’s desperately scratching to find one more.

“She’s a casino I’m a stone-cold joker that keeps on throwing dice
Spinning a wheel putting it all on red but the house wins every time
Queen of breaking my heart been counting my cards
I should leave but I won’t
I’m a sucker for another hand
And one more dance with this damn casino”

Referencing himself as the "joker," Wetmore demonstrates his consciousness surrounding his desperation. He can predict the outcome each time he ventures back to this ex but still gambles his heart in the off chance that they’ll return his love.

Instead, the subject of this song escapes unscathed, while Wetmore pieces another broken heart back together before returning for "one more dance". ​

“Yeah I guess it’s in my blood that’s what I tell myself
When she walks by with them 7s in her eyes I can’t help myself
Like a moth to a flame like a pill to the pain
I’m in love with the game and that girl damn sure knows it
But there ain’t no way in hell I’m folding”

In the second verse, Wetmore alludes to the fact that there is a family history of making these mistakes, stating that it’s "in my blood’"

Using the classic lucky 7 metaphor, he paints an entrancing picture of his subject – an attraction that he has no control over. With a wistful nod to his determination, there is a bittersweet role reversal where she is the player and Wetmore is at her mercy.

Lamenting the chorus two more times, Wetmore beds down on the casino analogy, deepening the listener’s understanding of his lack of control.

Casino imagery is so relatable and makes it easy for the listener to connect Wetmore’s feelings to a tangible experience. He finds her as irresistible as that winning bet and lives on the promise that he’ll get her next time.

"She’s a casino I’m a stone-cold joker that keeps on throwing dice
Spinning a wheel putting it all on red but the house wins every time
Queen of breaking my heart been counting my cards
I should get up and leave but I won’t
I’m a sucker for another hand
And one more dance with this damn casino"

If I could just stay gone it wouldn’t have to be like this
But here I am again all in on a gamble I just can’t quit
Til my weekend’s wrecked and my head’s in a mess
And I’m all outta money and I’m diggin’ in my pockets for more
Swear I ain’t coming back then I’m right back at her door

She’s a casino I’m a stone-cold joker that keeps on throwing dice
Spinning a wheel putting it all on red but the house wins every time
Queen of breaking my heart been counting my cards
I should leave but I won’t
I’m a sucker for another hand
And one more dance with this damn casino

Yeah I guess it’s in my blood that’s what I tell myself
When she walks by with them 7s in her eyes I can’t help myself
Like a moth to a flame like a pill to the pain
I’m in love with the game and that girl damn sure knows it
But there ain’t no way in hell I’m folding

She’s a casino I’m a stone-cold joker that keeps on throwing dice
Spinning a wheel putting it all on red but the house wins every time
Queen of breaking my heart been counting my cards
I should get up and leave but I won’t
I’m a sucker for another hand
And one more dance with this damn casino

She’s a casino I’m a stone-cold joker that keeps on throwing dice
Spinning a wheel putting it all on red but the house wins every time
Queen of breaking my heart been counting my cards
I should leave but I won’t
I’m a sucker for another hand
And one more dance with this damn casino

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