[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus]
Ten cents a dance, that's what they pay me
Gosh, how they weigh me down
Ten cents a dance, weirdies and rough guys
Tough guys who tear my gown

[Verse 2]
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, it's ten cents a dance
[Verse 3]
Fighters and sailors and bowlegged 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 beaux
Stockings are porous with holes at the toes
I'm here till closing time
Dance and be merry, it's only a dime

[Verse 2, reprise]
Sometime I think I've found my hero
But it's a queer romance
All that you need is a ticket
Come on, big boy, it's ten cents a dance