(Verse)
I work at the Palace Ballroom
Aw 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

(Chorus)
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 ro-
Mance
All you need is a ticket
Come on, big boy
Ten cents a dance
(Bridge)
Fighters and sailors
And bow-legged tailors
Can pay for their tickets and rent me
Butchers and barbers
And rats from the harbor
Are sweethearts my good luck has sent me
Though I've a chorus
Of elderly beaux
Stockings are porous
With holes in the toes
I'm here till closing time
Dance and be merry, it's only a dime

(Chorus)
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 ro-
Mance
All you need is a ticket
Come on, big boy
Ten cents a dance