Lyrics:

(David Allan Coe:)
I was just warming up to this long-legged girl
With intentions to please

(Karen Brooks:)
My blood started rushin'
As he laid his hand on my knee

(Coe:)
By the look in her eyes
I thought she'd be easy
As she smiled and told me her name
Then she said

(Brooks:)
I've been here before
And I know the rules to this game
I've tried to be cunning

(Coe:)
I've tried to act naturally mean

(Brooks:)
You gotta take what fate deals you

(Coe:)
Maybe this time she's dealt me a queen

(Both:)
And if you play your cards right
You'll be with me tonight
And in the morning you'll still be there
Play 'em wrong and you'll be sitting
Across from a cold, empty chair

(Brooks:)
I sure hope you've got what I need
So I don't have to look anymore

(Coe:)
I ain't no king, girl

(Brooks:)
Well, I've held some jokers before!

(Both:)
As long as we are able
To lay our cards on the table
There's no need to shuffle around
We know how we feel, let's go on and deal
This looks like the best game in town

We know how we feel, let's go on and deal
This looks like the best game in town

(The following lines appear on the liner notes as an intro to this song, but
Are not recorded on the track from the double album:)

You cut my heart like the cards on the table
You know the game, do you know the rules?
I'd let you win if I were able
But how can you win when it's love you'll lose