Ten Cents a Dance - Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Bregman Orchestra

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

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 & 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