It's a beggars 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

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



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 cashing in this ten-cent life 

For another one



Well I ain't got the heart 

To lose another fight 

So until my ship comes in

I'll live night by night



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