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.