Tom Waits "On The Nickel" 1979 - live

sound is a little odd at first but it improves after first minute ... I promise !

sweetest version I've seen on YT ..

5th Street & Main, Los Angeles "On the Nickel", a wino's lullaby

Lyric:
It says sticks and stones can break my bones
but I always will be true
And when your mama's dead and gone,
I'll sing this lullaby just for you ...

What becomes of little boys
who never say their prayers?
They're sleeping like a baby
on the nickel over there ...

And if you chew tobacco
and wish upon a star
You'll find out where the scarecrows sit,
man they look like punch lines between the cars.

I know a place where a royal flush
can never beat a pair.
And even Thomas Jefferson
is on the nickel and is over there ...

So ring around the rosy,
sleepin' in the rain.
You're always late for supper
and man you let me down again ...

I thought I heard a mockingbird,
Roosevelt knows where.
I'm whistling past the graveyard,
and they're on the nickel over there ...

So what becomes of little boys
who run away from home?
The world keeps gettin' bigger
once you get out on your own.

So climb up through that buttonhole
and fall right up the stairs
And show you where the short dogs go,
they're on the nickel
and they're over there ...

Chorus of Waltzin' Matilda at end

Category:

Music

Tags:

• tom
• waits
• on
• the
• nickel
• 1979
• movie
• soundtrack
• music
• piano
• 5th
• fifth
• street
• main street
• los
• angeles
• ralph
• waite
• skid
• row
• alcoholism
• alcohol
• alcoholic
• drunk
• hobo
• bum
• wino
• Los Angeles Mission
• melancholy
• sad
• inspirational
• Beer
• Under
• Live Music
• California
• Drink
• Sadness
• Union Rescue Mission
• Salvation Army
• Goodwill Industries

[JackKangaroo1]

This song starts with a gravelly growl that can only be compared to Louie Armstrong. Then, about thirty seconds later, you realize that you are listening to one of the most beautiful songs you've ever heard. This is a heartfelt lullaby to all the downtrodden, displaced, hurt, broken and lost souls in the world. And no one else can so suddenly transport the listener into another space and time quite like Tom Waits does. He is a unique and mysterious presence in the music world.

[becksdollface]

@JackKangaroo1 well stated, Jack, thnx for your comment. no matter which of Tom's songs I listen to, it's the best song I ever heard, but this one really hooks me ...

bdf

[JackKangaroo1]

@becksdollface I first discovered Tom Waits' music thirty years ago through a musician friend in upstate New York. There is something peculiarly compelling about his voice and the songs he writes. I always get the feeling that he is connecting the listener to deeper realities, pulling them up for us to see. And seldom have I heard a voice sing with the passion and resonance of Tom Waits.

I also am a big fan of John Prine, another guy with a unique style. Check him out some time.

[becksdollface]

@JackKangaroo1 I knew about Tom for years but yt really made music accessible in a way TV & radio & MTV could not ... lovin' his new cd "Bad As Me"

[trinners61]

....and thank you, Ralph Waite!

[becksdollface]

@trinners61 I really want to see the movie, too; thnx for the reminder ...

bdf

[mothergone]

This was my son's favorite song. He died last month and I had this song played at his service. I was not that familiar with Tom Waits until now, but I forever more will be. I only wish I could have enjoyed this wonderful singer's songs with my beautiful son during his life. He was just 27. Thanks Tom Waits for bringing me closer to him as I will enjoy your music and remember my Gregory through it.

[Twistednerver]

@JackKangaroo1 Reminds me of Guthrie's Hobo Lullaby

[Twistednerver]

I first discovered Tom Waits when my retarded 35 year old neighbor who lives with his parents checked out the cd from the library.

[Ikkeiltkortemark]

learned to appreciate toms music by my brother,,, and now i really like his music,,, no, i don't like it,,, i love it,,, toms music is like a child... beautifull,,, inside and outside...

[shawndimery]

@mothergone Undying respect for you my friend.

[becksdollface]

@passionataful thnx Colette ... Tom is incredible ...