Oh, I once had
love and plenty of money
But some way, somehow,
you know I failed
Yes, I did
Now all, all I have in my pocket is shame
But all I can give a count of right now
It's a nickel and a nail
That's all I have
I said all, all I have
Is a nickel and a nail
My friends, oh,
They just don't know
No, they don't
They're deep down in their hearts
They think I'm doing swell
But they don't know
Because when I'm around them I smile
And every night then I jingle
Yes, I do
Oh, they hear me jingling
Oh, they hear me jingling
A nickel and a nail, that's all it is
I said all, all I have
Is a nickel and a nail, yes it is
Now a nickel and a nail
Might save my pride, you see
But the need for your sweet loving
Oh, baby, can't you see it's killing me?
Boy, you said a long time ago
You told me that the thrill was gone
I didn't believe you
You said, Milton
Boy, you better hit that old lonesome,
lonesome trail
I had to leave you
Oh, baby, now that I think about it
I realize you didn't care if I made it
I don't believe I will
Oh, girl, I can't go too far
On a nickel and a nail
No, I can't
I said I can't, I can't make it far
On a nickel and a nail
No I can't
If I get in trouble
If I get in jail
I ain't got enough to call nobody
To call my bail
If I get lonely
And I need to talk
I don't have enough
To make a phone call
You see nowadays
I keep my neck to a nickel
And you know I sure can't spin the nail
Oh baby I just can't go too far
On a nickel and a nail
Oh
Oh you left me with
Baby
It's a nickel and a dime, that's all I have
Oh baby, how do you expect me
to make it for a nickel and a dime?