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