Ten Cents A Dance

"Ten Cents A Dance" - Rodgers & Hart

Lyrics:

I work at the Palace Ballroom, but gee that palace is cheap
When I get back to my chilly hallroom, I'm much too tied 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

Ten cents a dance, that's what they pay me, gosh how they weigh me down
Ten cents a dance, pansies and rough guys, tough guys who tear my gown
Seven to midnight I hear drums; loudly the saxophone blows
Trumpets are tearing my ear drums; 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 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

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