Drinking alone on the prow
Chasing your bourbon with Tennessee gin
The big game's about to begin

Riverboat gambler
Hiding that ace up your sleeve
I can see through all that debonair style
The irony bending your smile

And I won't tip your hand
I won't do you in
I want to stay near you
I want you to win

Riverboat gambler
You can defy all the odds
You can draw diamonds to fill out your flush
You can find someone to trust

And I won't steal your chips
I won't steal your pride
Won't you take me on faith
Won't you let me inside

Riverboat gambler
Under our velvet and lace
You're an old vagabond, I'm a poor waif
Let's make a place that's safe

Riverboat gambler
Come on and let me inside