Oh, I once had love
And plenty of money, hmmm
But some way, somehow
You know I failed, yes I did
Now all, all I have
In my pocket, it`s a shame
All I can give account of
Right now is 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 oh
Oh, they just don`t know, no they don`t
They still 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 now and then I jingle, yes I do
Oh, they hear me jinglin`
Oh, they hear me jinglin`
With a nickel and a nail
That`s all it is
I said all, all I have
Is a nickel and a nail

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 killin` me

Oh, you said a long time ago
You told me that the thrill was gone
I didn`t believe you
You said Milton
You better hit that ole 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
For a nickel and a nail, no I can`t
I said I can`t, I can`t make it far