I'm a roving gambler gambled all around
Whenever I meet with a deck of cards I lay my money down
I gambled down in Washington gambled over in Spain
Now I'm on my way to Tennessee to knock down my last game
Knock down my last game knock down my last game
Had not been in Washington many more weeks than three
Till I fell in love with a pretty little girl she fell in love with me
She took me in her parlor she cooled me with her fan
Then she whispered low in mother's ear I love that gambling man
Love that gambling man love that gambling man
Oh daughter oh dear daughter how could you treat me so
To leave your dear old mother and with that gambler go
Now listen to me mother you know I love you well
But the love I hold for the gambling man no human tongue can tell
No human tongue can tell no human tongue can tell
Well I would not marry a railroad man this is a reason why
I never have seen a railroad man that would tell his wife of life
Oh mother oh dear mother I tell you if I can
If you ever see me a coming back I'll be with that gambling man
With that gambling man with that gambling man