don't play hearts with dryads

Deal me in, ladies— But keep your vines off the cards. I met four girls where the pine roots split, With flower-crowned heads and a table half-lit. Rose marked the queen with a thorn on her thumb, Said, “Olde Oak, sit down—this oughta be fun.” I laid down hearts like a lovesick fool, They smiled real sweet and they changed every rule. I thought I was charming, I thought I knew the tune, Till Daisy leaned over and shot the moon Don’t play hearts with dryads, son, They’ll kiss your cheek when the dealing’s done. I gave ’em all my hearts, thought love was the prize, They took every diamond right out from my eyes. Hey! Clubs on the table, spades in the ground, They’ll strip you clean while they pass it around. I came for a dance, left owing the pines— Don’t play hearts with dryads, boys, They’ll take your diamonds every time. Violet had clubs tucked under her sleeve, Said, “Those are for digging when you lose your place.” Lily kept laughing and pouring the rye, Fern said, “He’s pretty when he’s trying to lie.” I wagered my buckle, my coat, and my pride, Then woke with no trousers and bark on one side. Don’t play hearts with dryads, son, They’ll kiss your cheek when the dealing’s done. I gave ’em all my hearts, thought love was the prize, They took every diamond right out from my eyes. (Show us your hand!) I showed it twice! (Show us your hand!) I showed it twice! (He never learns!) Well, they play real nice! Clubs on the table, spades in the ground, They’ll strip you clean while they pass it around. I came for a dance, left owing the pines— Don’t play hearts with dryads, boys, They’ll take your diamonds every time. Now hearts are for giving, and clubs are for fools, Spades are for burying men breaking rules. Diamonds look pretty till somebody leaves, With your best silver buckle caught under the leaves. I swore by my rings I was done with that crew, Then Rose sent a note saying, “We saved you a few.” So polish my banjo and pour me one more— A man can be robbed and still knock on the door. Don’t play hearts with dryads, son, They’ll kiss your cheek when the dealing’s done. I gave ’em all my hearts, thought love was the prize, They took every diamond right out from my eyes. (Deal him in!) I know their ways! (Deal him in!) I’ll lose for days! Clubs on the table, spades in the ground, They’ll strip you clean while they pass it around. I came for a dance, left owing the pines— Don’t play hearts with dryads, boys, They’ll take your diamonds every time. Rose, you got cards in your hair. …Deal.