[Vocal by Steve Earle]

They occupied our country
We were almost overrun
I knew if I did not react
They'd kill us, ev'ryone

I promised to my mother
She meant so much to me

That for ev'ry single tear she shed
There'd be a victory

Who's holding aces?
And who's gonna fold and
Who's got a secret?
And who's feeling bold?
It's a winning combination
If a lady understands:that the
King and the Queen of Hearts
Could be a perfect hand

So know what you are holding
But be prepared to bluff

There are many ways to win a game
And skill is not enough

In the Senate or in business
But most of all in love
You ladies all know how things work
You know how to get things done

And if you open the door for a lady
You open a door for yourself
And a stranger's only someone
Who you have yet to help

Who's holding aces?
And who's gonna fold and
Who's got a secret?
And who's feeling bold?
It's a winning combination
If a lady understands:that the

King and the Queen of Hearts
Could be a perfect hand