I gotta tell you about the blues I gotta 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, tell you story true The jury found me guilty, don't know what to do I was banned in boston - set up in old saint lou Surrounded by the f. b. i. 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 Well i've never been a gambler, so please don't mess with me Oh no, no Oh 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