From the recording Between the Wars
Lyrics
Colorado Gambler
m.litton
Show me to your mansion in the sky and I’ll stay with you one night
On the silver lining of the storm we’ll dance the evening through till morn
In the depot she sat waiting as he swung down from his saddle
He took the hand of this lovely lady, helped her to step across the rail
(chorus): Then the train whistle blows and the proud lady falls
Into the arms of the Colorado Gambler who plays her like a card
And burns his memory in her heart
She smiles as their carriage rocks ‘n rolls, she says
It’s so good to leave the cold, though it seem s to take forever
To cross this Kansas prairie, I long for my green Missouri hills
He was bound from Denver for Cincinnati, he asked her
Might I dine tonight with you, we’ll take an evening
In Kansas City, cut this weary trip in two
(chorus)
They’ve taken Venus from the sky, they’ve placed her sparkle in your eye
The porcelain is not half so fair, the sun through colored glass ain’t so warm
Her velvet dress falls from her shoulder, she leans against the bed to wait for him
She reaches out, they’re standing close, his hands are so cold upon her skin
(chorus): But his breath warms all as the proud lady falls…
The dawn is silver on the lace of the curtain which falls across her face
She wakes to close the window then turns back a tear
For the night is now a shadow in the mirror
He left her a letter signed, My lady…I’ve sailed south for Baton Rouge
I laid down my hand for your heart was winning
And I’ve learned to fold before I lose
(chorus): The steamboat whistle blows as the proud lady falls
Into the arms of the Colorado Gambler who plays her like a card
And burns his memory in her heart