It's a beggar's life, said the Queen of Spain
But don't tell it to a poor man
'Cause he's got to kill for every thrill
The best he can

Said everywhere around me
I see jealousy and mayhem
Because no men have
Their peace of mind to carry them

I ain't got the heart
To lose another's fight
So until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night

The joker tried to tell me
I could cut it in this rube town
When he tried to hang that sign on me
I said take it down

When the dawn patrol, got to tell you twice
They don't do it with a shotgun
Said, I'm cashing in this ten-cent life
For another one

I don't really care
If it's wrong or if it's right
But until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night

Well, I don't really care
If it's wrong or if it's right
But until my ship comes in
I'll live night by night
Night by night