I was a lawyer like Harmon Whitney br Or Kinsey Keene or Garrison Standard, br For I tried the rights of property, br Although by lamp-light, for thirty years, br In that poker room in the opera house. br And I say to you that Life's a gambler br Head and shoulders above us all. br No mayor alive can close the house. br And if you lose, you can squeal as you will; br You'll not get back your money. br He makes the percentage hard to conquer; br He stacks the cards to catch your weakness br And not to meet your strength. br And he gives you seventy years to play: br For if you cannot win in seventy br You cannot win at all. br So, if you lose, get out of the room -- br Get out of the room when your time is up. br It's mean to sit and fumble the cards, br And curse your losses, leaden-eyed, br Whining to try and try.