Lyrics: Tom Waits. Heartattack And Vine. On The Nickel.

Sticks and stones will break my bones
But I always will be true
And when your mama is dead and gone
I'll sing this lullaby just for you

And what becomes of all the little boys
Who never comb their hair?
Lined up all around the block
On the nickel over there

So you better bring a bucket
There is a hole in the pail
And if you don't get my letter
Then you'll know that I'm in jail

And what becomes of all the little boys
Who never say their prayers?
They're sleepin' like a baby
On the nickel over there

And if you chew tobacco
Wish upon a star
You'll find out where the scarecrows sit
Just like punchlines between the cars

And I know a place where a royal flush
Can never beat a pair
And even Thomas Jefferson
Is on the nickel over there

So ring around the rosie
Sleepin' in the rain
You're always late for supper
Man you let me down, let me down again

I thought I heard a mockingbird
Roosevelt knows where
Skip the light, with grady tuck
On the nickel over there

So what becomes of all the little boys
Who run away from home?
Well the world just keeps gettin' bigger
Once you get out on your own

So here's to all the little boys
Sandman takes you where
Sleepin' with a pillowman
On the nickel over there

Climb up through that button hole
Fall right up the stairs
I'll show you where the short dogs grow
On the nickel over there