"Just a Gigolo" was originally a lament about a World War I veteran. The introductory verse, usually omitted, explains it.

Lyrics by Irving Caesar   Music by Leonello Casucci, 1929
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'Twas in a Paris cafe, that I first found him
He was a Frenchman, a hero of the war
But war was over, and here's how peace had crown'd him:
A few cheap medals to wear, and nothing more
Now ev'ry night, in this same cafe, you'll find him
And as he strolls by, the ladies hear him say:
"If you admire me, please hire me:
A gigolo who knew a better day."

Just a gigolo
Everywhere I go
People know the part I'm playing
Paid for every dance
Selling each romance
Ev'ry night some heart betraying
There will come a day
Youth will pass away
Then what will they say about me?
When the end comes
I know they'll say:
Just a gigolo
As life goes on without me.