Old man Bodey sits on his own by the side of the bar 
Drinking slowly, resting the boots that he's carried so far 
Once was a gambler, 5-card poker rambler, 
That the wise men knew as a slippery deal 
And the kids called Willie the King 

Sea behind me, fog's coming up on the river tonight, 
Just reminds me of smoke curling up in the yellowy light 
There's money on the table, took what I was able 
And spent my nights with a riverboat queen 
And she called me Willie the King 

Well I don't mind saying 
I've done my share of paying 
I've been so broken 
Sometimes it seemed that I'd never get back 
Watching their faces I was turning over aces 
Though they knew my name when the money was gone, 
They called me Willie the King 

Well I don't mind staying up all night just waiting 
Choosing a moment to play that card that could never be beat 
Old man Bodey, he's still growing roots by the side of the bar 
Drinking slowly, resting his gaze on the cinnamon jar 
He once was a gambler, five-card poker rambler, 
That the wise men knew as a slippery deal 
And the kids called Willie the King