I work at the Palace Ball
But gee, that palace is cheap
When I get back to my chilly hallroom
I'm much too tired to sleep
I'm one of those lady teachers
A beautiful hostess you know
The kind the palace features
At exactly a dime a throw

Ten cents a dance
That's what they pay me
Gosh how they weigh me down
Ten cents a dance
Pansys and rough guys
Tough guys who tear my gown
Seven to midnight I hear drums
Loudly the saxaphone blows
Trumpets are breaking 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
Ten cents a dance

Fighters and sailors and bow-legged tailors
Can pay for a ticket 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 beaus
Stockings are porous with holes in the toes
I'm there till closing time
Dance and be merry, it's only a dime!

Ten cents a dance
That's what they pay me
Gosh how they weigh me down
Ten cents a dance
Pansys and rough guys
Tough guys who tear my gown
Seven to midnight I hear drums
Loudly the saxaphone blows
Trumpets are breaking 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
Ten cents a dance