September 26, 2008 Album: The Fame

Poker Face

Lady Gaga

About Poker Face

Read More Collapse “Poker Face” is Lady Gaga’s breakthrough single from her debut album The Fame. Known for its catchy hook and campy lyrics about emotional ambiguity, the song became a global hit and solidified Gaga’s status as a pop icon.

The Poker Face lyrics play with themes of concealment and desire—Gaga uses the metaphor of keeping a "poker face" to mask true feelings both in love and nightlife. With its danceable beat and synth-driven production, the song bridged club culture and mainstream pop.

Critically and commercially successful, “Poker Face” reached No. 1 in more than 20 countries, won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, and remains one of Gaga’s most recognizable and enduring tracks.

Poker Face Lyrics

[Intro]

Mum-mum-mum-mah

[Verse 1]

I wanna hold 'em like they do in Texas, please (Woo)

Fold 'em, let 'em hit me,raise it,baby, stay with me (I love it)

LoveGame intuition, play the cards with spades to start

And after he's been hooked, I'll play the one that's on his heart

[Pre-Chorus]

Oh, woah-oh, oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot,show him what I've got

Oh, woah-oh, oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot,show him what I've got

[Chorus]

Can't read my, can't read my

No, he can't read my poker face

(She's got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my

No, he can't read my poker face

(She's got me like nobody)

[Post-Chorus]

P-p-p-poker face,f-fuck her face

(Mum-mum-mum-mah)

P-p-p-poker face,f-fuck her face

(Mum-mum-mum-mah)

[Verse 2]

I wanna roll with him, a hard pair we will be (Woo)

A little gamblin' is fun when you're with me (I love it,woo)

Russian roulette is not the same without a gun

And baby, when it's love, if it's not rough, it isn't fun,fun

[Pre-Chorus]

Oh, woah-oh, oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot,show him what I've got

Oh, woah-oh, oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot,show him what I've got

[Chorus]

Can't read my, can't read my

No, he can't read my poker face

(She's got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my

No, he can't read my poker face

(She's got me like nobody)

AnyMusic MP3 Downloader

The best music downloader to download unlimited songs, albums, and playlists in 320kbps.

Learn More

LyricRadar

Search & match lyrics in bulk

Free Download Learn More

Lyric Video of Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Line-by-Line Breakdown of Poker Face Lyrics

The lyrics start with Gaga asserting control—“I wanna hold ’em like they do in Texas, please”—establishing a confident tone. Verse 1 introduces the games she plays—seduction, pressure, secrecy—while reading her partner’s expressions. The pre-chorus hints at hidden attraction—she can't read emotions but knows when she's comfortable. The chorus—“Can’t read my poker face”—becomes the anthem of emotional ambiguity and guardedness. Verse 2 builds on the same dynamic—sexual tension, power play, emotional concealment. The bridge ("I won’t tell you that I love you") acknowledges the price of emotional secrecy. Overall, the lyrics blend clever wordplay and campy theatricality to create an empowering pop narrative.

Vocal Parts in the Poker Face Lyrics

Lady Gaga: Performs all lead vocals with playful swagger and controlled power.
Vocal Style: Confident, slightly detached phrasing with dynamic bursts—evoking both club diva energy and emotional reserve.
Production Note: The track features sharp synth stabs, rolling dance beats, and layered backing vocals—creating a polished electropop backdrop that highlights Gaga’s vocal attitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning behind “Poker Face”?

It refers to hiding true emotions or desires—Gaga uses the poker metaphor to mask real feelings during relationships or nightlife contexts.

Who wrote and produced “Poker Face”?

Written by Lady Gaga and RedOne; produced by RedOne, the track is a signature of late‑2000s electropop.

Did “Poker Face” win awards?

Yes—it won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2010.

How did the song perform on charts?

It topped charts in over 20 countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.

Why is “Poker Face” iconic?

It marked Gaga’s rise to stardom with its catchy hook, clever lyrics, and blend of pop, club, and theatrical sensibilities—becoming an enduring anthem of empowerment and emotional control.