I thought I was a gambler broke every shark in town
Until I met a rounder who called all I put down
We laid the cards on the table he drew an ace high hand
He bet his watch and I called and lost my money like a man.

I've got them polka dot blues, oh them polka dot blues
Lost my hat and my coat and my straight lace shoes
Sold my watch and went back to lose
The mean old gambling polka dot blues.

--- Instrumental ---

Now my gal had plenty so I got twenty then went back and sat down
I got a four but I thought it was more as we dealt the cards around
I set the deck on the table and bet him all I could stand
I turned over a measly four he had another ace high hand.

I've got them polka dot blues, oh them polka dot blues
Lost my hat and my coat and my straight lace shoes
Sold my watch and went back to lose
The mean old gambling polka dot blues...