Oh I once had love
And plenty of money
But some way, some how
Lord knows I failed
Oh yes I did
Now all I have
In my pocket
All I can give account of
Is a nickel and a nail
Oh yeah lemme say it again
All I can give account of
Is a nickel and a nail

My friends no no no
They just don't know
They sit down in my house
And they think I'm doing swell
But they don't know
Every time I smile, every time I smile
I jingle
All that they can hear is a nickel and a nail
Oh that's all it is

Now a nickel and a nail
Just might save my privacy
But the need for your sweet lovin
Oh baby it's got its hooks deep inside of me

You said a long time ago
That you're thinking the thrill is gone
You said oh baby baby
I think you better hit that lonesome lonesome lonesome trail
But oh baby I'm wondering
How do you expect me to make it
I can't make it far with a nickel and a nail
You know I can't make it far with a nickel and a nail