[Verse 1] Had holes in my shoes Empty as a Sunday plate Pawned my last pocket watch Rent man standin' at the gate Coal smoke in my collar Nickel coffee Watered thin Luck slammed every door Wouldn’t even let me in [Chorus] But I’m the ragtime ringer Baby Crooked smile Straight face Turn a broke man’s sorrow To a first-class place Step right up Lay your wages down Hear that bookie sing I’m the ragtime ringer Baby Watch a pauper wear a king’s new ring [Verse 2] Down by the fairground track Met a fella with a sly gold tooth Said “Kid You look hungry You ready to bend the truth?” We painted up a plow horse Named him “Lightnin’ Afternoon” Limped him past the railbirds Whistlin’ some sad tune [Chorus] Now I’m the ragtime ringer Baby Crooked smile Straight face Got the rich boys laughin' “Put it all on second place” But when that starter hollered And the dust began to swing I’m the ragtime ringer Baby Watch that plow horse sprout them wings [Bridge] He broke late Then faster Than the rumors in the stands (hey!) Silks all spinnin’ backwards Cash fallin' out their hands Ladies dropped their programs Gents dropped their cigars While my empty little pocket Filled up like the stars [Chorus] ‘Cause I’m the ragtime ringer Baby Crooked smile Straight face Built a palace out of poker chips On yesterday’s disgrace Step right up All you dreamers Hear this poor boy sing I’m the ragtime ringer Baby From busted to a diamond ring (oh yeah) I’m the ragtime ringer Baby And I bet on every lucky thing
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