Buffalo Nickel
Buffalo Nickel's Dance: A Tale of Twists and Turns
Lyrics
I walked up to the counter with a buffalo nickel
Approaching the counter with a buffalo nickel, a coin.
Was gonna give him half, but instead he charged me triple
Intended to share half of the nickel, but instead got charged triple.
He said it's twenty on the money
The seller states the price is twenty units of currency (dollars or other).
What you're paying for it honey
Reiterates the cost, addressing the speaker affectionately as "honey."
I said man you must be joking
The speaker expresses disbelief, thinking the seller is joking.
He said go ahead and try me
The seller challenges the speaker to try him.
Now he's lookin' at me funny
The seller gives a suspicious look, possibly due to the speaker's response.
And my nickel's laying sunny-side down
The buffalo nickel is now face down, symbolizing a negative outcome.
I hold out till I get myself a little bit corrected
Delaying action until the speaker is in a better state of mind.
A hot collar isn't any way to get yourself respected
Choosing not to act impulsively in an angry state.
And though I aim to be emphatic
Expressing a desire to be clear and assertive.
There's an awful lot of static
Referring to communication issues with a lot of disturbance or disagreement.
'Cause you've got a lot of heart, but your moves are enigmatic
Acknowledging a person's good intentions despite mysterious actions.
And if you're acting too erratic it's my semi-automatic response
Reacting automatically to erratic behavior with a defensive response.
You and I (workin' around each other)
Collaboration or interaction between the speaker and another person.
I got caught upset-looking like a little shadow
Feeling upset and shadowed, possibly by negative emotions.
So mad 'cause I couldn't shake the noise out of the rattle
Frustration due to an inability to eliminate disturbing noises.
It was mean of me to say, but I meant it when I said
Admitting a harsh statement about taking on all the work and the other person taking credit.
That I guess I'll do all the work and I guess you take all the credit
Accepting a role without recognition, suggesting resignation.
If you read well then you read it
Suggesting that if the other person understands the situation, the speaker will endure it.
And I'll just be a dog and shed it alright
Comparing oneself to a dog, implying submission or being taken advantage of.
You and I (workin' around each other)
Reiteration of collaboration or interaction between the speaker and another person.
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