Riverboat Rambler

Lyrics

[Intro] Roll the wheel, boys, clear the deck, Luck’s got a ticket on the midnight wreck! [Verse 1] I boarded down in Baton Rouge With one red vest and a polished shoe, A silver dollar in my hand, And a grin that fooled the ferryman. The captain said, “Son, choose your game,” I cut the cards and called my name, The river slapped the paddlewheel— I drew four queens and a lucky deal! [Chorus] I’m a riverboat rambler, rolling on the tide, Lady Luck’s my sweetheart and she’s sitting by my side. When the cards turn crooked, I just tip my hat, The river keeps on giving—now what do you think of that? Hey! Deal me one more, let the brass band play, I came aboard with nothing and I’m buying out the quay! [Verse 2] At Vicksburg the rain came down, So I wagered my boots on a hound-dog race in town. That dog had one good eye, But he crossed the line before the other dogs could try. I won a coat, a watch, a mare, And a peach pie from the county fair. The baker cried, “That crust was gold!” I said, “Friend, your pie just paid what it owed!” [Chorus] I’m a riverboat rambler, rolling on the tide, Lady Luck’s my sweetheart and she’s sitting by my side. When the cards turn crooked, I just tip my hat, The river keeps on giving—now what do you think of that? Hey! Deal me one more, let the brass band play, I came aboard with nothing and I’m buying out the quay! [Bridge] Now Memphis brought a moonlit dock, A velvet purse and a ticking clock. I bet my last dime on a drummer’s song— He missed the beat, but I sang along! The mayor laughed, the lanterns swung, And every word came back double-tongued. If fortune’s a train, I’ve caught the caboose— With a pocketful of pennies and a brand-new pair of shoes! [Instrumental] [Final Chorus] I’m a riverboat rambler, rolling on the tide, Lady Luck’s my sweetheart and she’s dancing by my side. When the cards turn crooked, I just tip my hat, The river keeps on giving—now what do you think of that? Hey! Deal me one more, let the whole town sway, I came aboard with nothing and I’m buying out the quay! Yes, I came aboard with nothing—hear the jubilee— And I’m sailing off tomorrow with the river owing me! [Outro] Roll the wheel, boys, morning’s near, Keep that lucky river ringing in my ear!