[Verse]
I work at the Palace Ballroom
But gee, that Palace is cheap
When I get back to my chilly hall room
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

[Chorus]
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 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
[Bridge]
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 have a chorus of elderly beaus
Stockings are porous with holes at the toes
I'm here 'til closing time
Dance and be merry, it's only a dime

[Chorus]
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