On the Nickel
Tom Waits Lyrics

Sticks and stones will break my bones
Even though I may be physically harmed, I will remain loyal and steadfast.

But I always will be true
Despite any difficulties I may face, I will not compromise my values or beliefs.

And when your mama is dead and gone
At some point in the future, after your mother has passed away.

I'll sing this lullaby just for you
I will offer you comfort in the form of a soothing song.

So what becomes of all the little boys
What happens to the young men who exhibit certain behaviors or characteristics.

Who never comb their hair?
Those who do not place importance on their appearance or personal hygiene.

They're lined up all around the block
Many of these individuals can be found in a specific location, standing in a queue or gathering.

On The Nickel over there
These little boys can be found on a street named The Nickel, located nearby.

So you better bring a bucket
You should prepare yourself because something challenging or unpleasant is going to happen.

There is a hole in the pail
The container meant to hold something is compromised and may not serve its intended function.

If you don't get my letter
In the event that you do not receive a message I have sent you.

Then you'll know that I'm in jail
You can infer that I have been incarcerated.

If you chew tobacco, and wish upon a star
If you engage in mundane activities and hold unrealistic expectations.

You'll find out where the scarecrows sit
You will discover where the outcasts and undesirables reside.

Just like punchlines between the cars
Similar to fleeting and unnoticed moments of humor that pass between cars on a moving train.

I know a place where a royal flush
I am acquainted with a location where a specific hand in a card game is not the most valuable.

Can never beat a pair
It is certain that a lower-ranked poker hand will overshadow a higher-ranked one in this place.

And even Thomas Jefferson
Even a notable historical figure, such as the third president of the United States, cannot escape the circumstances of The Nickel.

Is On The Nickel over there
He, too, can be found on the same street as the aforementioned little boys.

So ring around the rosie, you're sleepin' in the rain
You are experiencing a difficult and unpleasant situation, as evidenced by your bedraggled appearance.

And you're always late for supper
You have difficulty meeting basic and expected obligations and responsibilities.

And man you let me down, let me down again
You have failed to live up to my expectations once again, causing me disappointment and frustration.

I thought I heard a mockingbird, Roosevelt knows where
I may have heard a particular bird, and it is difficult to discern its location or significance.

You can skip the light with grady tuck
You can engage in light-hearted, carefree activity with a particular person named Grady Tuck.

On the Nickel over there
This activity can take place on the same street where the little boys and Thomas Jefferson are situated.

So what becomes of all the little boys
Once again referring to the consequences experienced by young men with certain characteristics.

Who run away from home?
Those who choose to leave their homes and families behind.

The world just keeps gettin' bigger
The universe continues to expand in perceived enormity.

Once you get out on your own
After you have obtained independence and autonomy from your childhood guardians.

The sandman takes you where
A fictional character responsible for bringing sleep can lead you to a certain place or experience.

You'll be sleepin' with a pillowman
You will encounter an individual whose exact identity and intentions may be unknown.

On The Nickel over there
This encounter will occur on the same street where many of the other previously mentioned characters can be found.

So let's climb up through that button hole
We should find a way to escape our current situation or location.

And fall right up the stairs
Despite taking a seemingly impossible path, we will end up reaching our intended destination.

I'll show you where the short dogs grow
I will demonstrate a location known for being unconventional, peculiar, or outside the norm.

On the Nickel over there
This location, yet again, is the same street previously mentioned throughout the song.