The Hustler - Mel McDaniel

It was a cool night in dallas at the southside nine ball palace

When i stepped in off the sidewalk with my pool cue in my hand

I said i’ve come for texas slim we’re gonna shoot nine ball me and him

And tonight we’re gonna see who’s the better man

Well i’ve heard he used to be the best and i’ve already beaten all the rest

From new york to chicago and la

They say that he’s the king of hustlers an old time texas pool hall rustler

Ain’t he the man that used to say

Don’t ever make it look too easy when you break 'em

Get all the money out on the table take the time to chalk and aim

Don’t take pity on 'em son just take 'em

If you can’t afford to lose then you should never play the game

Then out of the shadows dim stepped what once was texas slim

He was ripped worn and ragged kinda rundown at the heel

He said it’s been a long time son since i’ve shot pool with anyone

But i’ll play you one game if that’s the way you feel

Lord he was a pitiful looking man with a three day beard and a trembling hand

Had to take him a shot of whiskey to ease the shakes

I said i’ve come to take you for all you’ve got

Slim and it don’t matter that it ain’t a lot

And just to show you i’m a sportin' man you can have the break

Then a smile crossed the face of every pool shark in that place

As slim took down his custom inlaid pool cue from its stand

He said i’ve heard for days that you were comin'

With your pockets full and your young mouth runnin'

Now i’m gonna show you who’s the better man

Then all i heard was a cue balls crack and nine balls fall and slim say rack

And he kept the run till all my money was gone

Then he looked at me with those eyes of ice

And said son i’ll just leave you with this advice

To ponder as you hitchhike your way back home

Don’t ever make it look too easy when you break 'em…

Now don’t ever make it look too easy when you break 'em…