Lyrics Ten Cents a Dance - Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Bregman Orchestra

Ten Cents a Dance

I work at the palace ballroom, but gee that palace is cheap
When i get back to my chilly hall-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 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, i’ve found my hero
But it’s a queer romance;
All that you need is a ticket
Come on big boy, ten cents a dance
Fighters and sailors 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 i’ve a chorus of elderly bows
Stockings are porous with holes at 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
But it’s a queer romance;
All that you need is a ticket
Come on, come on big boy, ten cents a dance