King of the Paddlewheel

Lyrics

[Intro] Roll the wheel, ring the bell, River’s got a tale to tell! [Verse 1] I stepped aboard at Baton Rouge With a nickel and a lucky shoe, The deck was slick, the cards were clean, And every captain knew my name. I cut the deck with a silver dime, Hit two queens at closing time, The dealer blinked, the lamps burned low, I laughed, “That’s how the river rolls!” [Chorus] I’m the king of the paddlewheel, Deal me a hand and watch it squeal! A lucky seven, a winning grin, The river leans and lets me win. If fortune takes a sudden turn, I tip my hat and let it burn— For every loss that pulls me down, I’ll win it back in the next town! [Verse 2] At Vicksburg I wagered my coat, At Memphis I won a fancy boat, At Natchez I bet my Sunday tie, And won a pie from a passerby. The cook cried, “Friend, you’re bound to lose!” I said, “Then pour me something blue.” The whistle blew, the cards flew wide, And luck came dancing with the tide. [Chorus] I’m the king of the paddlewheel, Deal me a hand and watch it squeal! A lucky seven, a winning grin, The river leans and lets me win. If fortune takes a sudden turn, I tip my hat and let it burn— For every loss that pulls me down, I’ll win it back in the next town! [Bridge] Some folks trust a rabbit’s foot, Some folks trust a horseshoe’s crook, I trust the moon, a polished ace, And the crooked smile upon my face. [Instrumental] [Final Chorus] I’m the king of the paddlewheel, Deal me a hand and watch it squeal! A lucky seven, a winning grin, The river leans and lets me win. When dawn comes ringing through the town, I’ll count my chips and pass them round— Then board that boat with one more bet, For the best hand’s the one not dealt yet! [Outro] Roll the wheel, ring the bell, I’ve got one more tale to tell! Down the river, round the bend— Luck’s my partner to the end!