From Simple Simon Words by Lorenz Hart and Music by Richard Rodgers (1930) Recorded on March 4, 1930 in New York City for Columbia Records and issued on Columbia 2146 D (Matrix 150062) Recorded again on July 1, 1935 for Columbia Records and issued on Columbia 3085 D (Matrix 17751). Charted at #5 by Ruth Etting in 1930 - Lyrics World
For more info on this song, read Joel's notes.
Lyrics: I work at the Palace Ballroom, but, gee that Palace is cheap; when I get back to my chilly hall room I'm much to tired to sleep. I'm one of those lady teachers, a beautiful hostess, you know, the kind the Palace features for only a dime a throw.
Ten cents a dance that's what they pay me, gosh, how they weigh me down! Ten cents a dance pansies and rough guys tough guys who tear my gown! Seven to midnight I hear drums. Loudly the saxophone blows. Trumpets are tearing my eardrums. Customers crush my toes. Sometime I think I've found my hero, but it's a queer romance. All that you need is a ticket Come on, big boy, ten cents a dance.
Fighters and sailors and bowlegged tailors can pay for their ticket and rent me! Butchers and barbers and rats from the harbors are sweethearts my good luck has send me. Though I've a chorus of elderly beaux , stockings are porous with hole at the toes. I'm here till closing time. Dance and be merry, it's only a dime.
Sometime I think I've found my hero, but it's a queer romance. All that you need is a ticket Come on, big boy, ten cents a dance.