They met by chance on a riverboat on the way to New Orleans
He was a handsome gambler she was any young man's dream
The thrill they felt when dayrise fell was plain for all to see
The gambler and the lady who was someone's bride to be

In her cabin was a satin gown and the veil of snowy white
Her wedding in the chapel was set for Friday night
Funny how just three short plays can change a lady's plans
She knew she'd have to tell her groom she loved a gamblin' man

(They lived and laughed and gambled all through the night and day
For the love of this gambler she threw her life away
The dealer dealt him one last chance the lady caught her breath
She saw he held the ace of spades the gambler's card of death)

They stepped ashore in New Orleans her heart was filled with fear
The ace of spades had told her that someone's death was near
Her bridegroom took one look at them and knew that he had lost
And now he must defend his pride no matter what the cost

She watched him as he took a tiny pistol from his vest
She cried don't kill this gamblin' man just because I love him best
The lady ran between them as the shot rang in the night
For the love of the gambler she paid with her life
(For the love of a gambler) the lady gave her life