I got to tell ya about the blues
I gotta tell ya 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 FBI 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
No, 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