I work at the Palace ballroom, but gee that palace is cheap
   When I get back to my chillly hallroom, I'm much too tired 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 sailers and bow-legged tailors
   Can pay for their tickets & rent me
   Butchers and barbers and rats from the harbour
   Are sweethearts my good luck has sent me
   Thought I've a chorus of elderly bows
   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, come on big boy, ten cents a dance.