[Verse 1]

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I'm gonna keep 'em that way 'til the swallows get back from Texarkana

[Verse 2]

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I'm gonna keep 'em that way 'til the swallows get back from Louisiana

[Refrain]

Well, I used to chew 'em off, I was nervous over you

I missed that clickin', tickin' sound, honey, what am I gonna do?

[Verse 3]

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I'm gonna keep 'em that way 'til the swallows get back from Alabama

There he goes

[Refrain]

Well, I used to chew 'em off, I was nervous over you

I missed that clickin', tickin' sound, honey, what am I gonna do?

[Verse 4]

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I keep my fingernails long so they click when I play the piano

I'm gonna keep 'em that way 'til the swallows get back