I gotta tell you about the blues
I gotta tell you just how i lose
Ain't got no money
But i'll straighten up my hand and let the cards fall down

Gambler, gambler - shake down in the first degree
Gambler, gambler - shake down in the first degree
I've never been a gambler, so please don't mess with me

Hey jury, jury, i tell you story true
Ah listen jury, jury, tell you story true
The jury found me guilty, don't know what to do

I was banned in boston - set up in old saint lou
Surrounded by the f. b. i. for something i didn't do
Now my baby left me, left me all alone
Judge said: "son, you ain't going home"

Gambler, gambler - shake down in the first degree
Well i've never been a gambler, so please don't mess with me
Oh no, no

Oh gambler, gambler - shake down in the first degree
Gambler, gambler - shake down in the first degree
I've never been a gambler, please don't mess with me