I once had love and plenty of money
Yes I did.
Someway, somehow I know I failed
Yes I did

Now all, all I have in my pocket,
All I can give account of
Is a nickel and a nail
All, all I have is a nickel and a nail

My friends, oh no-no-no
They just don't know.
The feel, deep down in their hearts
They think I'm doing swell
But they don't know

'Cause
Every now and then I smile
And I jingle
Yes I do
All you hear me jingeling
Is a nickel and a nail

A nickel and a nail,
My chain, my price to see
But I still,
Feel the need to be loved, baby
Hammering inside of me

A nickel and a nail,
My chain, my price to see
But I still,
Feel the need to be loved, baby
Hammering inside of me

You said a long time ago,
You said the dream was gonna be believed
You said "you'll see"
I think you better get that on,
On some lonesome, lonesome trail.
You gotta leave here.

Oh baby I'm wondering
How d'you expect for me to make it,
I don't believe I will.
Oh baby I can't make it,
On a nickel and a nail

If I get sleepy
All I've got baby
Is a nickel and a nail

If I get lonely
I can bend the nickel
The nail won't spin.

If I get in trouble
If I get in jail
I would have enough money
To pay my bail

Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
They gone too far.
Said "they gone too far".
Can't do it.
They gone too far.