Norma Jean

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 their eyes met
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 a veil of snowy white.
Her wedding in the chapel
Was set for Friday night.
Funny how just three short days
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 hand;
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 gambling 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.)