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