I work at the palace ballroom, but gee that palace is cheap
When I get back to my chillly hallroom, Im much too tired to sleep
Im one of those lady teachers, a beautiful hostess you know;
One that the palace features, at exactly a dime a throw.
Ten cents a dance, thats what they pay me
Gosh how they weigh me down.
Ten cents a dance, pansies and rough guys, tough guys who tear my gown.
Seven to midnight I hear drums, loudly the saxophone blows,
Trumpets are tearing my ear-drums, customers crush my toes.
Sometimes I think, Ive found my hero
But its a queer romance;
All that you need is a ticket,
Come on big boy, ten cents a dance.
Fighters and sailers and bow-legged tailors
Can pay for their tickets & rent me
Butchers and barbers and rats from the harbour
Are sweethearts my good luck has sent me
Thought Ive a chorus of elderly bows
Stockings are porous with holes at the toes
Im here till closing time
Dance and be merry its only a dime
Sometimes I think, Ive found my hero
But its a queer romance;
All that you need is a ticket.
Come on, come on big boy, ten cents a dance.