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 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 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 have a chorus of elderly beaus
Stockings are porous with holes at the toes
I'm here 'til 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