I am a roving gambler I've gambled all around
Whenever I need with the deck of cards I lay my money down
I've gambled down in Washington I've gambled over in Spain
I'm on my way to Tennessee to get down my last game

I had not been in Washington many more weeks than three
When I fell in love with a pretty little maid who she in love with me
She took me in her parlor she cooled me with her fan
She whispered low in mother's ear I love that gambling man
[ guitar ]
Oh daughter oh dear daughter how could you treat me so
To leave your dear old mother and with the gambler go
Oh mother my dear mother you know I love you well
But the love I have for the gambling man no human tongue can tell
No human tongue can tell no human tongue can tell
[ guitar ]
I wouldn't marry a farmer he's always in the rain
I wouldn't marry a railroad man who's always on a train
I wouldn't marry a doctor he's always gone from home
All I want is the gambling man fore he leave me alone
[ guitar ]
I hear a train a coming a coming roun the curve
A whistlin' and a blowin' and strainin' every nerve
Oh mother oh dear mother I'll tell you if I can
If you ever see me coming back I'll be with that gambling man