I used to stand on the corner when I was a child And I would play my guitar and sing as the people went by The sidewalks were crowded, but I'd just sing louder 'cause I didn't mind Spending my time, spending my rhymes, and singing for nickels and dimes Nickels and dimes, a song at a time for nickels and dimes I'd brighten their day as they'd go on their way and they'd brighten mine A sidewalk rehearsal for dreams that I held in my mind I knew that someday, in my own special way, I'd repay all their nickels and dimes I recall the sidewalks each night as I stand on the stage As I play my guitar and sing for the people who pay 'Cause finally, I made it to what they all call the Big Time But I still remember I still owe some nickels and dimes Nickels and dimes, a song at a time for nickels and dimes A sidewalk rehearsal for dreams that I held in my mind So, if you remember a child on the corner of time, You'll know that I wrote this to repay your nickels and dimes (repeat and fade out)