[intro musical solo] [Verse 1] I cast my line in a puddle, hopin’ for a dime, But the fish ain’t bitin’, they’re just wastin’ my time. They’re swimmin’ in circles like a drunk at a dance, I’m fishin’ for a nickel, but I ain’t got a chance. [Chorus] Fishin’ for a nickel in a river of dreams, Where the water’s all muddy and the truth’s what it seems. I’m reelin’ in nothin’ but a bucket of air, But I’ll keep on fishin’ ‘cause I just don't care. [Verse 2] The bait shop’s sold out of promises and hope, So I tied on a bottle cap and a piece of old rope. The fish laugh like hyenas, they’re smarter than me, They know I’m just anglin’ for a life that’s free. [Chorus] Fishin’ for a nickel in a river of dreams, Where the water’s all muddy and the truth’s what it seems. I’m reelin’ in nothin’ but a bucket of air, But I’ll keep on fishin’ ‘cause I just don't care. [Verse 3] My old man told me, “Son, don’t chase what don’t shine,” But I’m hooked on the glitter of a five-and-dime. The river’s runnin’ dry, but my heart’s still wet, I’m fishin’ for a nickel, and I ain’t quittin’ yet. [Chorus] Fishin’ for a nickel in a river of dreams, Where the water’s all muddy and the truth’s what it seems. I’m reelin’ in nothin’ but a bucket of air, But I’ll keep on fishin’ ‘cause I just don't care. [Bridge] The moon’s up there winkin’ like a barmaid at last call, Sayin’, “Boy, keep on castin’, you might catch it all.” So I’ll dangle my dreams where the big ones might bite, Fishin’ for a nickel ‘neath the stars tonight. [Verse 4] I tried fishin’ for compliments, from folks I would meet, Castin' out praises, both bitter and sweet. But the kind words were scarce, like a dry riverbed, Had better luck findin’ loose change instead! [Chorus] Fishin’ for a nickel in a river of dreams, Where the water’s all muddy and the truth’s what it seems. I’m reelin’ in nothin’ but a bucket of air, But I’ll keep on fishin’ ‘cause I just don't care. [Outro] Yeah, I'm just fishin' for a nickel, with a smile on my face, In this wild, crazy river, at my own happy pace. Got my line in the water, got my heart in my hand, Just fishin' for a nickel, in this promised land. No, I ain't quittin' yet! Not me! [short musical solo] I ain't quittin' yet! [harmonica solo] Not
