Men in back stink of bad business.
God help the fool from out of state
Arriving all smiles and a vanity plate.
One week of luck and the sky's the limit.
No holding back now, in it to win it.
Old bait and switch, done it again
Tapping his fingers on the ATM.
Cash advances at twenty percent,
Throw out the mobile, quit paying rent.
Shady motel, heavy smokers,
Wedding ring and a pawnbroker.
Reno Nevada, a curse on you. Fortune's a mistress
Seldom fooled.
Reno Nevada, a curse on you. Fortune's a mistress
Seldom fooled.
On the way to the sea, poor girl broke down.
Picked up a habit, then she never left that town.
Now she's working nights, leaning into cars,

But the cops don't mind, because Hope don't mind
Giving Hope to the law.
Reno Nevada, a curse on you. Fortune's a mistress
Seldom fooled.
Reno Nevada, a curse on you. Fortune's a mistress
Seldom fooled.

Vietnam veteran, bowl of nickels, bowl of gin.
Conference goers, on the house,
Ten went in, nine came out.
Chalk one up for the tally.
Quiet talking in the alley.
Rent-a-coppers never fickle
About the bringing of a nickel.
Reno Nevada, a curse on you. Fortune's a mistress
Seldom fooled.
Reno Nevada, a curse on you. Fortune's a mistress
Seldom fooled.