Went down by the old courthouse
Stumbling through the streets
Had to get out of the house
Had to use my feet
And you may not think much of me now
But I think so damn much of you

Don't take any wooden nickels
When you sell your soul
A devil of a time awaits you
When the party's over
You're on your own

Trash truck coming up the road
Picking up the trash
Riding to a better place
Hoping we don't crash
Thinking how things
Have turned out
I never would've guessed it
This way

Don't take any wooden nickels
When you sell your soul
A devil of a time awaits you
When the party's over
You're on your own

And you may not think much of me now
But I think so damn much of you

Don't take any wooden nickels
When you sell your soul
A devil of a time awaits you
Now the party's over
I'm on my own

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eels's song Wooden Nickels tell a story of a person who is wandering aimlessly through the streets, trying to escape their current situation. The reference to the old courthouse and the trash truck passing by illustrate the idea that the person is surrounded by the remnants of a past they are trying to leave behind. The chorus warns against accepting "wooden nickels" when selling one's soul, or essentially giving in to temptation or making a deal with the devil. The lyrics suggest that such choices will inevitably lead to a difficult and lonely future, as the party eventually comes to an end and each person is left to face the consequences of their actions alone.

The line "And you may not think much of me now, but I think so damn much of you" adds an interesting layer to the song's meaning. It could be interpreted as the person speaking to a former lover or friend, admitting that their actions and current state may not reflect well on them in the other person's eyes. However, the singer also wants the other person to know that they still hold them in high regard, despite their current circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

Went down by the old courthouse
I walked down to the old courthouse

Stumbling through the streets
I was walking unsteadily through the streets

Had to get out of the house
I needed to leave my house

Had to use my feet
I had to walk to get where I wanted to go

And you may not think much of me now
You may not hold a high opinion of me at present

But I think so damn much of you
However, I consider you very highly

Don't take any wooden nickels
Do not accept fake or worthless goods

When you sell your soul
When you make a bad bargain

A devil of a time awaits you
You will have a difficult time

When the party's over
When the good times have passed

You're on your own
You are alone and without help