I got to tell you about the blues I got to tell you just how I lose Ain't got no money but I'll straighten up my hand and let the cards fall down Gambler, gambler, shake down in the first degree Gambler, gambler, shake down in the first degree I've never been a gambler, so please don't mess with me Hey, jury, jury, I tell you story true Ah listen, jury, jury, I tell you story true The jury found me guilty, don't know what to do I was playing in Boston staying up in old Saint Lou Surrounded by the FBI for something I didn't do Now my baby left me, left me all alone Judge said, "Son, you ain't going home" Gambler, gambler, shake down in the first degree Gambler, gambler, shake down in the first degree I've never been a gambler, please don't mess with me No, no, no Gambler, gambler, shake down in the first degree Gambler, gambler, shake down in the first degree I've never been a gambler, so please don't mess with me