He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't fool aroundWhen he plays in town he just goes for brokeAnd when he is away she can't help but feel the chillCause daddy is a gambling man, but mama loves him stillShe counts her blessings while he counts his cardsThe only other girl in his whole wide world is the queen of heartsShe knows he can't quit, he just hasn't got the willCause daddy is a gambling man, but mama loves him stillMamaMamaSad love comes with a priceIt's a turn of the cardsIt's a roll of the diceShe's always waitingWhen he comes back homeShe tries to hide the tearsAs he says, my dear, the money's all goneBut as he lays sleepingShe goes to pawn a wedding bandAnd bring him back the moneyAnd prays for a decent handShe prays that their luck will changeBut knows he probably never willCause daddy is a gambling man, but mama loves him stillMamaMamaMamaMamaMamaMamaMamaMamaMama