G D7
They met by chance on a riverboat on the way to New Orleans
G
He was a handsome gambler she was any young man's dream
G7 C
The thrill they felt when daylight fell was plain for all to see
G D7 G
The gambler and the lady who was someone's bride to be
D7
In her cabin was a satin gown and the veil of snowy white
G
Her wedding in the chapel was set for Friday night
G7 C
Funny how just three short plays can change a lady's plans
G D7 G
She knew she'd have to tell her groom she loves a gamblin' man
D7
They lived and laughed and gambled all through the night and day
G
For the love of this gambler she threw her life away
G7 C
The dealer dealt him one last chance the lady caught her breath
G D7 G
She saw he held the ace of spades the gambler's card of death
D7
They stepped ashore in New Orleans her heart was filled with fear
G
The ace of spades had told her that someone's death was near
G7 C
Her bridegroom took one look at them and knew that he had lost
G D7 G
And now he must defend his pride no matter what the cost
D7
She watched him as he took a tiny pistol from his vest
G
She cried don't kill this gamblin' man just because I love him best
G7 C
The lady ran between them as the shot rang in the night
G D7 G
For the love of the gambler she paid with her life
C G D7 G
For the love of a gambler the lady gave her life