Maybe you wonder what it is Makes people good or bad Why some guy, an ace without a doubt Turns out to be a bastard And the other way about
I'll tell you what I feel It's just the nickel under the heel Oh you can live like hearts and flowers And everyday is a wonderland tour Oh you can dream and scheme and happily put And take, take and put But first be sure That nickel's under your foot
Go stand on someone's neck while you take him Cut into somebody's throat as you put For every dream and scheme, depending on whether All through the storm You've kept it warm That nickel under your foot
And if you're sweet then you'll grow rotten Your pretty heart covered over with soot And if for once you're gay and devil-may-care-less And oh so hot I'll know you've got That nickel under your foot