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