A Nickel and a Nail
From Riches to Rags: A Nickel and a Nail Tale
Lyrics
Oh, I once had love
The speaker once experienced love.
And plenty of money, hmmm
They also had a substantial amount of money.
But some way, somehow
Despite this, they somehow failed or lost these things.
You know I failed, yes I did
Expressing acknowledgment of personal failure.
Now all, all I have
The speaker has very little now.
In my pocket, it's a shame
They only have a small amount of something in their pocket, which they find regrettable.
All I can give account of
All they can present or show is minimal.
Right now is a nickel and a nail
The only possessions they currently have are a nickel and a nail.
That's all I have
Reiteration that a nickel and a nail are all they possess.
I said all, all I have
Emphasizing the limited possession of a nickel and a nail.
Is a nickel and a nail
Repeating the possession of only a nickel and a nail.
My friends, oh oh
The speaker's friends are unaware of their current situation.
Oh, they just don't know, no they don't
The friends lack knowledge about the speaker's hardships.
They still deep down in their hearts
Despite appearances, the friends assume the speaker is doing well.
They think I'm doing swell
There is a misunderstanding; friends believe the speaker is successful.
But they don't know
Friends lack awareness of the speaker's true circumstances.
Because (when I'm around them ?) I smile
The speaker pretends to be happy when around friends.
And every now and then I jingle, yes I do
Occasionally, there's a sound or indication (jingling) suggesting some money, but it's minimal.
Oh, they hear me jinglin´
People can hear the sound of a small amount of money jingling.
Oh, they hear me jinglin´
Reiteration that the sound is from a nickel and a nail.
With a nickel and a nail
Confirming the source of the jingling sound as a nickel and a nail.
That's all it is
Restating the possession of only a nickel and a nail.
I said all, all I have
Emphasizing that all they have is a nickel and a nail.
Is a nickel and a nail
Repeating the possession of only a nickel and a nail.
Now a nickel and a nail
The value of a nickel and a nail lies in preserving the speaker's pride.
Might save my pride, you see
While these possessions hold some value, they can't fulfill the speaker's need for love.
But the need for your sweet loving
The speaker expresses a deep need for affection or love.
Oh Baby, can't you see it's killin´ me
The absence of love is distressing or hurting the speaker.
Oh, you said a long time ago
A reference to someone telling the speaker that the excitement or passion in their relationship had faded.
You told me that the thrill was gone
There was a previous warning about the diminishing thrill in the relationship.
I didn't believe you
The speaker initially didn't believe this warning.
You said Milton
A reference to a conversation where someone advised the speaker to move on from the relationship.
You better hit that ole lonesome, lonesome trail
They eventually decided to leave the person they were advised about.
I had to leave you
The speaker left the mentioned person.
Oh Baby, now that I think about it
Reflecting on the realization that the person didn't care about the speaker's success or well-being.
I realize you didn't care if I made it
Recognizing that the person didn't prioritize the speaker's success.
I don't believe I will
Expressing doubt about being able to succeed without support or care.
Oh girl, I can't go too far
Limitations in moving forward due to the lack of resources or support.
For a nickel and a nail, no I can't
Expressing the inability to progress far with only a nickel and a nail.
I said I can't, I can't make it far
Reiteration of the inability to go far due to minimal resources.
Comment