Ten Cents a Dance (From 'Simple Simon')

Ten Cents a Dance - Ella Fitzgerald

I work at the palace ballroom

But gee that palace is cheap

When I get back to my chilly hallroom

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 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 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