I am a roving gambler, I've gambled all around
Whenever I need with the deck of cards I lay my money down
I've gambled down in Washington I've gambled over in Spain
I'm on my way to Tennessee to get down my last game.

I had not been in Washington many more weeks than three
When I fell in love with a pretty little maid who she in love with me
She took me in her parlor she cooled me with her fan
She whispered low in mother's ear I love that gambling man.


Oh daughter, oh dear daughter, how could you treat me so
To leave your dear old mother and with the gambler go
Oh mother my dear mother you know I love you well
But the love I have for the gambling man no human tongue can tell.
No human tongue can tell no human tongue can tell.


I wouldn't marry a farmer he's always in the rain
I wouldn't marry a railroad man who's always on a train
I wouldn't marry a doctor he's always gone from home
All I want is the gambling man fore he leave me alone.


I hear a train a coming a coming roun the curve
A whistlin' and a blowin' and strainin' every nerve
Oh mother oh dear mother I'll tell you if I can
If you ever see me coming back I'll be with that gambling man...