I work at the Palace Ball Room
But see, that palace isn't cheap
When I get back to my duty call room
I'm much too tired to sleep
I'm 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
That's what they pay me
Gosh, how they break 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
I've found my hero
Boy, it's a queer romance
All that you need is a ticket
Come on, Big boy
Ten cents a dance
Fighters and tailors and bow-legged sailors
all pay for their tickets and redeem
Butchers and barbers and rats from the harbors
Are sweethearts my good luck has sent me
Avoid the chorus of elderly bones
Stockings are porous
With holes that the toes
I'm here 'till closing time
Dance and be merry
It's only a dime
Sometimes I think
I've found my hero
Boy, it's a queer romance
All that you need is a ticket
Come on, Big boy
Ten cents a dance