Third floor walk-up
One block east of Chinatown
She walked by my window
While the rain is pouring down
Looking in she sees the easy money lying everywhere
And it's clear she don't approve
(And it's clear she don't approve)
Through a cloud of smoke I shoot a little smile over there
And I know what she's thinking
She know Mah Jongg, Mah Jongg she don't play
She know Mah Jongg, waste your life away
She know Mah Jongg, Mah Jongg she don't play
But she loves the player
With the dark eyes burning
I am opening the wall
Can there be no other chance?
I feel my fortune's turning
And I wish for nothing else at all
(Than to run to her)
Looking up I see her signal with her fingers through her hair
Telling me the hands are clean
Understanding, well, I turn a dragon tail into a pair
And the game is over
She know Mah Jongg, Mah Jongg she don't play
She know Mah Jongg, waste your life away
She know Mah Jongg, Mah Jongg she don't play
Though I don't obey her
Still she loves the player
(repeat chorus)
Three floors up from where the lanterns light the parlors on the street
There awaits another world
And though there are not many things upon which she and I agree
We enjoy the difference
She know Mah Jongg, Mah Jongg she don't play
(repeat out)