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
The kind 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 breaking my eardrums
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 bowlegged tailors
Can pay for a ticket and rent me
Butchers and barbers and rats from the harbors
Are sweethearts my good luck has sent me
Though I've a chorus of elderly beaus
Stockings are porous with holes in the toes
I'm there till closing time
Dance and be merry, it's only a dime

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 breaking my eardrums
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