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On The Nickel

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On the Nickel (A Wino's Lullabye)
Based on this live performance from 1979
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1-k_Jcstbk
Chorded by GWiZ (gwiz665@gmail.com)
Notes: Since this is played on the Piano originally, there's a lot of fiddling with singular tones to widen 
the sound, generally you can feel free to experiment with 7's and sus4 and sus2s. The ending Waltzing Matilda
chord progression is a little different than the chords I found anywhere, the F#7 is a Tom Waits substitution
but just sounds great. 
[Verse]
G                      D
Sticks and stones will break my bones,
G                    D
But I always will be true,
G                  D        D/C#   Bm
When your mama is dead and gone,
               Em             A7sus4A7
                               - 
I'll sing this lullaby just for you,
G                    D
So what becomes of little boys,
G                   D
Who never say their prayers,
G                            D Bm
Well they're sleepin' like a baby,
       Em7    A7   D
On the Nickel over there.
[Verse]
G                  D
And if you chew tobacco,
G                  D
And wish upon the star,
G                                D   D/C#  Bm
Well you'll find out where the scarecrows sit,
                    Em                     A7sus4  A7
Man they look like punchlines between the cars,
G                          D
And I know a place where a royal flush,
G                D
Can never beat a pair,
G                D     Bm
And even Thomas Jefferson,
          Em      A7   D
Is on the nickel over There.
[Verse]
G                  D
So ring around the rosie,
G                     D
You're sleepin in the rain,
G                           D  Bm
And you're always late for supper,
           Em             A7
And man you let me down again,
G                   D
I thought I heard a mocking bird,
G                D
Roosevelt knows where,
G                            D     Bm
They're whisteling past the grave yard
                   Em      A    D
And they're on the nickel over there.
[Verse]
G                   D
So what becomes of little boys,
G                  D
That run away from home,
G                         D     Bm
Well the world keeps gettin' bigger,
Em                     A7sus4  A7
Once you get out on your own,
G                           D
So climb up thru that buttonhole,
G                       D
And fall right up the stairs,
G                         D        Bm
I'll show you where the short dogs go,
       Em       A7sus4  A7  D
On the nickel...over there.
[Seque into riff from Waltzing Matilda (not Tom Traubert's Blues)]
D F#7 Bm G
D Bm Em A
D F#7 Bm G
D Bm A D

On The Nickel chords and lyrics

Free chords for On The Nickel by Tom Waits. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

On the Nickel (A Wino's Lullabye)
Based on this live performance from 1979
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1-k_Jcstbk
Chorded by GWiZ (gwiz665@gmail.com)
Notes: Since this is played on the Piano originally, there's a lot of fiddling with singular tones to widen 
the sound, generally you can feel free to experiment with 7's and sus4 and sus2s. The ending Waltzing Matilda
chord progression is a little different than the chords I found anywhere, the F#7 is a Tom Waits substitution
but just sounds great. 
[Verse]
[Verse]
[Verse]
[Verse]
[Seque into riff from Waltzing Matilda (not Tom Traubert's Blues)]
D F#7 Bm G
D Bm Em A
D F#7 Bm G
D Bm A D

On The Nickel Chords by Tom Waits

Learn how to play On The Nickel by Tom Waits with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “On The Nickel chords”, “On The Nickel guitar chords”, or “Tom Waits On The Nickel chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy On The Nickel chords and for experienced players who want accurate On The Nickel lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, F#7, G, D, D/C#, Bm.

Frequently asked questions about On The Nickel

How do I play "On The Nickel" by Tom Waits on guitar?

Open the free chords for "On The Nickel" by Tom Waits on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "On The Nickel" by Tom Waits free?

Yes. The chords for "On The Nickel" by Tom Waits are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "On The Nickel" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "On The Nickel" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "On The Nickel"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "On The Nickel" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "On The Nickel" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "On The Nickel" by Tom Waits with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Tom Waits below.

What key is "On The Nickel" in?

The chords for "On The Nickel" show the original chord names (including A, F#7, G, D, D/C#, Bm). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.