Lyrics

I am a roving gambler gambled all around
Whenever I meet with a 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 Birmingham to knock down my last game

I had not been in Birmingham many more weeks than three
’Til I fell in love with a pretty little girl and she in love with me
She took me to her parlour, she cooled me with her fan
She whispered low in her mother's ear I love that gambling man

Oh daughter dearest daughter how can you treat me so
To leave your dear old mother and with a rovin’ gambler go
O mother dearest mother you know I love you well
But the love I have for the gambling man no human tongue can tell

I would’t marry a farmer he’s always in the rain
The man I want is gamblin’ man who wears a big old chain

I would not marry a doctor he’s always away from home
All I want is gambling man he’ll never leave me alone

I would not marry a railroad man here’s the reason why
I never seen a railroad man wouldn’t tell his wife a lie

I hear a train a coming a coming round the curve
A whistlin’ and a blowin’ and a strainin’ every nerve

I hear the train a comin’ she’s comin’ around the bend
Prettiest girl as ever I saw is gone with the gamblin’ man

Oh mother dearest mother forgive me if you can
If ever you see me coming back it’ll be with a gambling man