Riverboat gambler

Drinking alone on the prow

Chasing your bourbon with Tennessee gin

The big game's about to begin



Riverboat gambler

Hiding that ace up your sleeve

I can see through all that debonair style

The irony bending your smile



And I won't tip your hand

I won't do you in

I want to stay near you

I want you to win



Riverboat gambler

You can defy all the odds

You can draw diamonds to fill out your flush

You can find someone to trust



And I won't steal your chips

I won't steal your pride

Won't you take me on faith

Won't you let me inside



Riverboat gambler

Under our velvet and lace

You're an old vagabond, I'm a poor waif

Let's make a place that's safe



Riverboat gambler

Come on and let me inside