Lyrics
Well you know that I'm not a gambler
Expressing that the speaker is not inclined towards gambling.
But I'm being gambled on
Feeling like they are the subject of a gamble or risk taken by others.
They put in a nickel and I sing a little song
Metaphorically, the act of putting a nickel in represents some investment, and the speaker responds by singing a song.
Da-da-da-da
Repetition of a nonspecific sound, perhaps to emphasize the routine or mechanical nature of the situation.
They put in a nickel and I sing a little song
Reiteration of the interaction: putting in a nickel results in the speaker singing a song.
Well, I don't mind that they're lucky
Acceptance of others' luck, but a hint of frustration that they always win.
But it seems that they always win
Expressing dissatisfaction with the unfairness of the situation.
And gamblin' is illegal in the state of mind I'm in
Indicating that the speaker's mental state doesn't align with the notion of gambling.
And if I had a nickel for each time that
Imagining earning a nickel for each time the speaker has been used or taken advantage of.
I've been put on
Being subjected to being "put on" or used by others.
I would be their nickel man
If compensated for every time used, the speaker would be rich ("nickel man") and continue singing.
And I'd sing a little song
Reaffirming the response of singing a song in return for the nickel.
They're only putting in a nickel and
Others contribute minimally (a nickel) but expect a substantial song in return.
They want a dollar song
Expressing the disproportionate expectations of others (wanting a dollar song for a nickel).
They're only putting in a little to
Highlighting the minimal contribution by others to address significant issues.
Get rid of a lot that's
Implies the severity of the problems that need addressing.
Wrong.
Stressing the gravity of the issues that need correction.
Well I don't know so many things
Expressing uncertainty about many things but being aware of the prevailing issues.
But I know what's been goin' on
Acknowledging awareness of ongoing problems.
We're only putting in a little
Similar to lines 15 and 16, underscoring the minimal effort contributed to solving significant problems.
To get rid of a lot that's wrong
Reiterating the idea that a small effort is made to correct substantial wrongs.
And if we had a nickel for each time that
Expanding the perspective to a collective "we" facing the same situation.
We've been put on
Repeating the theme of being used or taken advantage of.
We'd all be their nickel man
If collectively compensated for being used, the group would be rich ("nickel man") and continue singing.
And we'd sing a nickel song
Emphasizing the ongoing cycle of minimal input for a significant outcome.
You know they're only putting in a nickel
Reiteration that others contribute very little (a nickel) but expect a substantial song in return.
And they win a dollar song
Highlighting the disproportionate expectations of others (wanting a dollar song for a nickel).
Oh, yeah, they're only putting in a little
Repeating the idea that minimal effort is made to correct substantial wrongs.
To get rid of a lot that's wrong
Reiterating the theme of minimal input to address significant issues.
Oh, they're only putting in a nickel
Stating that the cycle of minimal input for a substantial outcome continues.
To win a dollar song
Emphasizing the ongoing expectation of a significant return for a minimal contribution (nickel for a dollar song).
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