[Verse 1]
It's a beggar's life, said the Queen of Spain
But don't tell it to a poor man
'Cause he's got to kill for every thrill
The best he can
Everywhere around me
I see jealousy and mayhem
Because no men have all their peace of mind
To carry them

[Chorus]
Well I don't really care
If it's wrong or if it's right
But until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night

[Verse 2]
When the joker tried to tell me
I could cut it in this rube town
When he tried to hang that sign on me
I said "Take it down"
When the dawn patrol got to tell you twice
They're gonna do it with a shotgun
Yes, I'm cashin' in this ten-cent life
For another one
[Chorus]
Well I ain't got the heart
To lose another fight
So until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Well I don't really care
If it's wrong or if it's right
But until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night

[Outro]
Night by night
Night by night
Night by night
Night by night