...more specific. Yes, for it is he

So here's to all the little boys
who never comb their hair

So here's to all the little boys
who never say their prayers

feckin' genius!

I think I remember Waits telling the story to this song. The Nickel is a street...5th St. in NYC or somewhere. It's the area where the homeless people hang around.

If you don't know the album Mr Fade, then it's "Heart Attack and Vine". The title track caused Waits to take Levi's to court. His first song to his future wife (Jersey Girl) is on it, and the track following 'On The Nickel' is 'Mr Seigal', which starts with the lines -

I spent all my money
in a Mexican whorehouse
across the street from a catholic church!!

Apologies.

I always get excited when someone else gets excited about Tom Waits.