Down at the dogs the bets are placed 
A wad of notes rolled in a hand 
The floodlit track is center stage 
For winning hounds to take the stand 
In old covert coats and trilby hats 
The owners swan around the place 
The tic tac man throws out his arms 
His thin moustache stretched on his face 

Gone to the dogs the man and his life 
He stands by the rail and looks at the sky 
Confused by the thoughts 
That stew in his mind 
Alone by the track on a Saturday night 

Gone to the dogs 
He stands and reflects 
Gone to the dogs 
And has no regrets 

The restaurant's full and table bets 
Are taken by the girls who serve 
The basket meals and German wine 
Excitement mounts 
The buzz is heard 
The stadium is full of screams 
And cigar smoke is in the air 
The dogs race around on their last lap 
And down the straight they chase the hare