Tom Waits — Long Way Home
Album: Big Bad Love (Soundtrack)Avg rating:
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Length: 3:20
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Well I stumbled in the darkness
I'm lost and alone
Though I said I'd go before us
And show the way back home
Is there a light up ahead?
I can't hold on very long
Forgive me pretty baby but I always take the long way home
Money's just something you throw
Off the back of a train
Got a handful of lightening
A hatful of rain
And I know that I said
I'd never do it again
And I love you pretty baby but I always take the long way home
I put food on the table
And a roof overhead
But I'd trade it all tomorrow
For the highway instead
Watch your back if I should tell you
Loves the only thing I've ever known
One thing for sure pretty baby I always take the long way home
You know I love you baby
More than the whole wide world
You are my woman
I know you are my pearl
Let's go out past the party lights
We can finally be alone
Come with me and we can take the long way home
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
I'm lost and alone
Though I said I'd go before us
And show the way back home
Is there a light up ahead?
I can't hold on very long
Forgive me pretty baby but I always take the long way home
Money's just something you throw
Off the back of a train
Got a handful of lightening
A hatful of rain
And I know that I said
I'd never do it again
And I love you pretty baby but I always take the long way home
I put food on the table
And a roof overhead
But I'd trade it all tomorrow
For the highway instead
Watch your back if I should tell you
Loves the only thing I've ever known
One thing for sure pretty baby I always take the long way home
You know I love you baby
More than the whole wide world
You are my woman
I know you are my pearl
Let's go out past the party lights
We can finally be alone
Come with me and we can take the long way home
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
Comments (371)add comment
Amazing.
steeler wrote:
Here's all one needs to know about Tom Waits. He used to stay at a SRO Hotel in Chicago (those are hotels where transients stay). He did so by choice. Then he got married, and, in an interview before an upcoming Chicago concert, he lamented the fact he no longer could stay in his favorite SRO because his spouse refused to do so. This guy is music's version of Charles Bukowski. He's an original.
And in NYC, he stayed at the Dixie Hotel in Times Square...That's the Times
Square before it was Disney-fied and lost all of its lovely sleaze...;-(
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
And in NYC, he stayed at the Dixie Hotel in Times Square...That's the Times
Square before it was Disney-fied and lost all of its lovely sleaze...;-(
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
d-don wrote:
I love both the vocals and lyrics. Tom is a one-of-a-kind genius in my book!
"Money's just something
to throw off the back of the train.
Got a head full of lightnin'
and a hat full of rain."
Say what you want about his vocals, I love his lyrics.
to throw off the back of the train.
Got a head full of lightnin'
and a hat full of rain."
Say what you want about his vocals, I love his lyrics.
I love both the vocals and lyrics. Tom is a one-of-a-kind genius in my book!
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
The real question is not whether he intends for this sound or not, to my ear it is rubbish. It sounds neither pleasing nor appealing in any form.
Grr... I have wanted to rant on this for a long time...
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
The real question is not whether he intends for this sound or not, to my ear it is rubbish. It sounds neither pleasing nor appealing in any form.
LizK wrote:
He's a great singer. If you have to loathe anyone, start with Trump and his enablers.
I loathe Tom Waits. I know he needs to eat, and sings to get that, but where on the page is PSE?
He's a great singer. If you have to loathe anyone, start with Trump and his enablers.
I loathe Tom Waits. I know he needs to eat, and sings to get that, but where on the page is PSE?
Heard several covers of this song, all sound good which is
a trademark of an excellent song, regardless of who records it. Yep!
a trademark of an excellent song, regardless of who records it. Yep!
Look. If there's a dead body in the trunk of my car, I'VE BEEN FRAMED! 'Down By Law'.
kcar wrote:
Well said, and I almost agree, but that title has to go to Shane MacGowan!
Look: there are songs to get drunk by and there are songs that were plastered by 11 am. Tom is the patron saint of the eternal drunken hangover. We're all just cracks in his Cosmic Cirrhosis.
Well said, and I almost agree, but that title has to go to Shane MacGowan!Just upped this to a 10 (from 9)
SPORTS NIGHT
Season 2: Episode 13: Dana Get Your Gun Dan & Casey's Office
DAN: Look in my eyes.
CASEY: No.
DAN: Seriously, look in my eyes.
CASEY: Seriously, no.
DAN: If you were to look in my eyes, you know what you'd see?
CASEY: Dan-- (they walk and talk through the office)
DAN: You'd see the look of sheer desperation.
CASEY: I am not switching with you.
DAN: Is it because you don't want to do the show with Tina?
CASEY: I have plans.
DAN: Winding down is not plans.
CASEY: I'm not just winding down. I was thinking about seeing a movie.
DAN: A movie?
CASEY Yeah.
DAN: I'm gonna miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity tomorrow night so you can see a movie?
CASEY: Well, you want to see a singer.
DAN: Do you know how often Tom Waits plays clubs?
CASEY: No.
DAN: Tom Waits never plays clubs. You know what he's doing tomorrow night?
CASEY: He's playing a club?
DAN: He's playing a club.
CASEY: Should I go see him?
DAN: Casey, I--
CASEY: 'Cause I have the night off.
DAN: You can have my firstborn son, just take tomorrow night's show. (they have reached the studio)
CASEY: So I have to work tomorrow and raise your child. Hey, Elliot, uh, you got the word on Webber?
ELLIOT: X-rays came back negative. They think it's just a sprain.
CASEY: I need new clothes.
DAN: You want me to buy you clothes?
CASEY: No, I'm gonna buy my own clothes, I just want Natalie to go with me.
DAN: I offer you the world and you want clothes?
CASEY: Look, this girl named Lillian I just met said I dress like her father.
DAN: You do dress like her father.
CASEY: You know Lillian's father?
DAN: I don't have to know Lillian's father.
CASEY: You're asking me for a favor and mocking me at the same time?
DAN: I'm sorry.
CASEY: Look, Natalie has really good taste in clothes. Last time she went with me, I found a cool scarf.
DAN: So why don't you ask her to go?
CASEY: I did. She-- It's complicated. She said no.
DAN: So all I have to do is get Natalie to go shopping with you?
CASEY: Yes.
DAN: I could kiss you right now.
CASEY: Please don't.
Season 2: Episode 13: Dana Get Your Gun Dan & Casey's Office
DAN: Look in my eyes.
CASEY: No.
DAN: Seriously, look in my eyes.
CASEY: Seriously, no.
DAN: If you were to look in my eyes, you know what you'd see?
CASEY: Dan-- (they walk and talk through the office)
DAN: You'd see the look of sheer desperation.
CASEY: I am not switching with you.
DAN: Is it because you don't want to do the show with Tina?
CASEY: I have plans.
DAN: Winding down is not plans.
CASEY: I'm not just winding down. I was thinking about seeing a movie.
DAN: A movie?
CASEY Yeah.
DAN: I'm gonna miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity tomorrow night so you can see a movie?
CASEY: Well, you want to see a singer.
DAN: Do you know how often Tom Waits plays clubs?
CASEY: No.
DAN: Tom Waits never plays clubs. You know what he's doing tomorrow night?
CASEY: He's playing a club?
DAN: He's playing a club.
CASEY: Should I go see him?
DAN: Casey, I--
CASEY: 'Cause I have the night off.
DAN: You can have my firstborn son, just take tomorrow night's show. (they have reached the studio)
CASEY: So I have to work tomorrow and raise your child. Hey, Elliot, uh, you got the word on Webber?
ELLIOT: X-rays came back negative. They think it's just a sprain.
CASEY: I need new clothes.
DAN: You want me to buy you clothes?
CASEY: No, I'm gonna buy my own clothes, I just want Natalie to go with me.
DAN: I offer you the world and you want clothes?
CASEY: Look, this girl named Lillian I just met said I dress like her father.
DAN: You do dress like her father.
CASEY: You know Lillian's father?
DAN: I don't have to know Lillian's father.
CASEY: You're asking me for a favor and mocking me at the same time?
DAN: I'm sorry.
CASEY: Look, Natalie has really good taste in clothes. Last time she went with me, I found a cool scarf.
DAN: So why don't you ask her to go?
CASEY: I did. She-- It's complicated. She said no.
DAN: So all I have to do is get Natalie to go shopping with you?
CASEY: Yes.
DAN: I could kiss you right now.
CASEY: Please don't.
Damn there should be a Tom waits only channel on RP bill
Damn, this song stops me every time. Amazing, perfect 10.
There is only one Tom Waits!!….and he can't be copied or corralled.This man is a classic artist,composer,poet,actor,etc….What a guy!!
thediceareloaded wrote:
Tom Waits basically doing a Johnny Cash song. What's not to like here?
rpdevotee wrote:
The voice
Look: there are songs to get drunk by and there are songs that were plastered by 11 am. Tom is the patron saint of the eternal drunken hangover. We're all just cracks in his Cosmic Cirrhosis.
Tom Waits basically doing a Johnny Cash song. What's not to like here?
rpdevotee wrote:
The voice
Look: there are songs to get drunk by and there are songs that were plastered by 11 am. Tom is the patron saint of the eternal drunken hangover. We're all just cracks in his Cosmic Cirrhosis.
a clear 7, but an 8 if Norah Jones was singing 
thediceareloaded wrote:
oldman wrote:
Many different songs named "Long Way Home" this one was written by Mr. Waits, and Kathleen Brennan his wife....
Sorry it just bugs me that credit is given to the wrong artists for writing a song that a very quick search could reveal who wrote it, particularly when some artists never do covers of other peoples songs.
Your post is interesting and informative, but the post you were responding to did not allege that this song was an actual cover of a Johnny Cash song; it was written more as a metaphor which implied that "this is basically a Johnny Cash song that Tom Waits wrote". The word "basically" should have indicated that.
Tom Waits basically doing a Johnny Cash song. What's not to like here?
oldman wrote:
Many different songs named "Long Way Home" this one was written by Mr. Waits, and Kathleen Brennan his wife....
Sorry it just bugs me that credit is given to the wrong artists for writing a song that a very quick search could reveal who wrote it, particularly when some artists never do covers of other peoples songs.
Your post is interesting and informative, but the post you were responding to did not allege that this song was an actual cover of a Johnny Cash song; it was written more as a metaphor which implied that "this is basically a Johnny Cash song that Tom Waits wrote". The word "basically" should have indicated that.
Different and quite interesting!
thediceareloaded wrote:
The voice
Tom Waits basically doing a Johnny Cash song. What's not to like here?
The voice
meatballsmom wrote:
I hear you knockin', but you can't come in
I hear you knockin', but you can't come in
Awesome!
Love it! Love love love it!
"Clink" schlurrrp : )
he's that rumbly, grainy voiced angel without wings, there in the smoky rooms with low-wattage lights, laughs and tunes and sharp eyes lookin' you up and down, "clink" here's to you my friend! now where'd that delicious little piano player head-off to without kissin' uncle Tom, "nuther round Barry!"
Posted: Mar 27, 2015 18:03
he's that rumbly, grainy voiced angel without wings, there in the smoky rooms with low-wattage lights, laughs and tunes and sharp eyes lookin' you up and down, "clink" here's to you my friend! now where'd that delicious little piano player head-off to without kissin' uncle Tom, "nuther round Barry!"
love is the only thing I've ever known...
thediceareloaded wrote:
Many different songs named "Long Way Home" this one was written by Mr. Waits, and Kathleen Brennan his wife.
"The Long Way Home" is another song name of which there appears to be several versions (a google search really surprised me on that) I had forgotten about the Supertramp version! There is also a Roseanne Cash / John Leventhal song that is very recent. (Good album , too!)
The most familiar version from my early days, that I know is the Waylon Jennings "I'm A Long Way From Home" which I think he wrote. Again I was surprised how many versions came up and I'm afraid I did not take the time to listen to them for differences. But I think the Jennings version is the one I remember that Johnny did early in his career.
For fear of making a blanket statement that someone will find an exception.
As far as I know there are some constants in life.
Aside from death and Taxes.
Usually you can count on the following artists/song writers, do not do covers: (not counting concerts)
Tom Waits
Bruce Springsteen
Neil Young
Joni Mitchell
Leonard Cohen
Patty Griffen
Rodney Crowell
Lucinda Williams (?)
The list goes on, other people do covers of their songs.
Please feel free to add to this list.
Recently I've seen people credit someone who has done a cover of a song (and may very well own the song by default because of an excellent cover version, Johnny's version of "Hurt" written by Trent Reznor, springs to mind, Emmy Lou Harris version of "Where Will I Be" is another), but giving credit to the wrong artist for writing and indeed doing their own song.
Which like it or not, it is their song, and really they can do it like they originally heard it in their head.
Sorry it just bugs me that credit is given to the wrong artists for writing a song that a very quick search could reveal who wrote it, particularly when some artists never do covers of other peoples songs.
Tom Waits basically doing a Johnny Cash song. What's not to like here?
Many different songs named "Long Way Home" this one was written by Mr. Waits, and Kathleen Brennan his wife.
"The Long Way Home" is another song name of which there appears to be several versions (a google search really surprised me on that) I had forgotten about the Supertramp version! There is also a Roseanne Cash / John Leventhal song that is very recent. (Good album , too!)
The most familiar version from my early days, that I know is the Waylon Jennings "I'm A Long Way From Home" which I think he wrote. Again I was surprised how many versions came up and I'm afraid I did not take the time to listen to them for differences. But I think the Jennings version is the one I remember that Johnny did early in his career.
For fear of making a blanket statement that someone will find an exception.
As far as I know there are some constants in life.
Aside from death and Taxes.
Usually you can count on the following artists/song writers, do not do covers: (not counting concerts)
Tom Waits
Bruce Springsteen
Neil Young
Joni Mitchell
Leonard Cohen
Patty Griffen
Rodney Crowell
Lucinda Williams (?)
The list goes on, other people do covers of their songs.
Please feel free to add to this list.
Recently I've seen people credit someone who has done a cover of a song (and may very well own the song by default because of an excellent cover version, Johnny's version of "Hurt" written by Trent Reznor, springs to mind, Emmy Lou Harris version of "Where Will I Be" is another), but giving credit to the wrong artist for writing and indeed doing their own song.
Which like it or not, it is their song, and really they can do it like they originally heard it in their head.
Sorry it just bugs me that credit is given to the wrong artists for writing a song that a very quick search could reveal who wrote it, particularly when some artists never do covers of other peoples songs.
Tom Waits basically doing a Johnny Cash song. What's not to like here?
Blech. Can I vom now?
I agree too!
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
Grr... I have wanted to rant on this for a long time...
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
I second that rant!NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
Grr... I have wanted to rant on this for a long time...
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
Awful!
Grr... I have wanted to rant on this for a long time...
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
ALL singing is contrived in some sense or another. Tom Waits gets EXACTLY the sound he is looking for. He knows precisely what he wants and he's spent a long time perfecting it. For me this is no different to a classically trained singer. Have you ever listened to a really good soprano or tenor? It is EXACTLY the same thing.. they are looking for a certain sound and invest a huge amount of time getting there. And most professional singers I know have a really high regard for singers like Tom Waits. Ok, so your benchmark might be clarity of tone, closing the vocal chords, getting rid of that breathiness most people naturally have when they sing. But by crikey, that is not the only benchmark out there. But then are aiming at singing Lieder or opera. At a guess, Tom Waits isn't aiming for that genre.
hayduke2 wrote:
Right on! Well stated i4niblind : ) (clink!)
Totally agree with you sir!
Right on! Well stated i4niblind : ) (clink!)
Totally agree with you sir!
i4niblind wrote:
Right on! Well stated i4niblind : ) (clink!)
Ahhh. Tom Waits. Genius lyricist. Outstanding sonic engineer. Seems to me you must have absolutely no imagination if you don't like this guy.
Right on! Well stated i4niblind : ) (clink!)
There are artist and music styles I simply cannot connect to. This is one of them...
Outclasses all covers. Tom Waits rules! 
dsd wrote:
"clink" Cheers to that dsd! Well stated
Great songs like this can bind so tightly to the vocals that everything seems just perfect. I know in my head that Waits can't sing. But this song knows better.
"clink" Cheers to that dsd! Well stated
The piano has been drinking, not him....
steeler wrote:
Indeed. This song is a gem from his many...
One of our greatest composers of his era.
Indeed. This song is a gem from his many...
One of our greatest composers of his era.
I know and love this song, now I have to see this movie!
Ja genau Tom Rumbel di Bumbel
As a non-Waits fan I must acknowledge that this is just gorgeous!
he's that rumbly, grainy voiced angel without wings, there in the smoky rooms with low-wattage lights, laughs and tunes and sharp eyes lookin' you up and down, "clink" here's to you my friend! now where'd that delicious little piano player head-off to without kissin' uncle Tom, "nuther round Barry!"
Wow, the best Tom Waits song I've heard until today. This is worth a solid 3.
Storyteller...he is the vein...
VV wrote:
You are crazy.
Call me crazy but I'm partial to singers who can actually sing. Not sure what this is called...
You are crazy.
Utopia_Bold wrote:
I know. Pretty cool, huh?
He sounds like he swallowed a shovel full of gravel.
I know. Pretty cool, huh?
ladron wrote:
Well put.
And I agree.
I'm a big fan of singers that are deeply musical without having a perfect instrument to work with. I don't like everything Tom Waits does, but this song is pretty great.
Well put.
And I agree.
I'm a big fan of singers that are deeply musical without having a perfect instrument to work with. I don't like everything Tom Waits does, but this song is pretty great.
Call me crazy but I'm partial to singers who can actually sing. Not sure what this is called...
It is Tom Waits?? R U kidding, Bill? I thought it was Alison Krauss!!! ;D
dsd wrote:
...agreed.....a fair comment dsd
Great songs like this can bind so tightly to the vocals that everything seems just perfect. I know in my head that Waits can't sing. But this song knows better.
...agreed.....a fair comment dsd
Great songs like this can bind so tightly to the vocals that everything seems just perfect. I know in my head that Waits can't sing. But this song knows better.
Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Exactly. All visual art does not have to be 'pretty' either.
Love it. My fav from Tom. You can hear the burden of his life and experience in his song - and appreciate why it has been a long way home (and why he is looking for refuge). Often vocals are more than sounding nice.
Exactly. All visual art does not have to be 'pretty' either.
Great vocal, full of character. Simple, spacious arrangement perfectly complements it.
He sounds like he swallowed a shovel full of gravel.
MrRedwood wrote:
Amen. I get so tired of the whiny comments about singers with distinctive but imperfect voices (Waits, Dylan, Young, Cohen et al).
Run along and listen to your generic auto-tuned entertainment androids.
Folks that think a voice needs to sound pretty, or at least smooth, miss out on some of the best music out there. Waits is certainly an acquired taste, but like a shot of good Rye, the experience is one I delight in.
Amen. I get so tired of the whiny comments about singers with distinctive but imperfect voices (Waits, Dylan, Young, Cohen et al).
Run along and listen to your generic auto-tuned entertainment androids.
Folks that think a voice needs to sound pretty, or at least smooth, miss out on some of the best music out there. Waits is certainly an acquired taste, but like a shot of good Rye, the experience is one I delight in.
Tom waits has always sounded like a singer doing an impression of someone else to me, like when people try to do Louis Armstrong. Nah.
Tom's the "Dog's" You can hear Toms influence in Roger Waters recent vocal offerings.
Money's just something you throw
Off the back of a train
Got a handful of lightening
A hatful of rain
Pure genius, sounds just fine to me as well.
Off the back of a train
Got a handful of lightening
A hatful of rain
Pure genius, sounds just fine to me as well.
This is dire. If I want to hear gargling I go in the bathroom.
Grammarcop wrote:
You mean he was flying it around wow {grammarcop how ironic}
Waits was on Letterman last night, hawking his latest album.
You mean he was flying it around wow {grammarcop how ironic}
How 'bout an Emotional Weather Report ?
TW's poems always hit me closer to the heart then dear JaxBrown, no chardonay flavor with wizened Tom, more of a grumbly cold brew for this thirsty dog
boober wrote:
What a great story!
My girlfriend(now my wife)and I caught Tom Waits at Trenton State College in 1977.He played in a small classroom to a crowd of about 75 people.I loved his show.After he and his band were finished I walked out with my girlfriend but decided to double back and see a friend(who was also was at the show).
To my surprise,Tom wasn't done with the show......he stepped outside the classroom with his band and was talking about the gig.
"Jesus christ.....I can't believe we just played this piece of shit"
"Like pulling teeth trying to get some applause"
Then he sees me and my girlfriend and he says....."You missed the best show ever man"
I said...."We were at the show Tom....I thought you were done"
He says..... "Well now(puffing on a cigarrette)what do you think.....should we go back in and play an encore?.....I don't want to leave ALL those people hanging"
He(and his 4 piece band) went back in with me and my girlfriend right behind them.He's one of a kind!
To my surprise,Tom wasn't done with the show......he stepped outside the classroom with his band and was talking about the gig.
"Jesus christ.....I can't believe we just played this piece of shit"
"Like pulling teeth trying to get some applause"
Then he sees me and my girlfriend and he says....."You missed the best show ever man"
I said...."We were at the show Tom....I thought you were done"
He says..... "Well now(puffing on a cigarrette)what do you think.....should we go back in and play an encore?.....I don't want to leave ALL those people hanging"
He(and his 4 piece band) went back in with me and my girlfriend right behind them.He's one of a kind!
What a great story!
Ahhh. Tom Waits. Genius lyricist. Outstanding sonic engineer. Seems to me you must have absolutely no imagination if you don't like this guy.
One of my favourites
My girlfriend(now my wife)and I caught Tom Waits at Trenton State College in 1977.He played in a small classroom to a crowd of about 75 people.I loved his show.After he and his band were finished I walked out with my girlfriend but decided to double back and see a friend(who was also was at the show).
To my surprise,Tom wasn't done with the show......he stepped outside the classroom with his band and was talking about the gig.
"Jesus christ.....I can't believe we just played this piece of shit"
"Like pulling teeth trying to get some applause"
Then he sees me and my girlfriend and he says....."You missed the best show ever man"
I said...."We were at the show Tom....I thought you were done"
He says..... "Well now(puffing on a cigarrette)what do you think.....should we go back in and play an encore?.....I don't want to leave ALL those people hanging"
He(and his 4 piece band) went back in with me and my girlfriend right behind them.He's one of a kind!
To my surprise,Tom wasn't done with the show......he stepped outside the classroom with his band and was talking about the gig.
"Jesus christ.....I can't believe we just played this piece of shit"
"Like pulling teeth trying to get some applause"
Then he sees me and my girlfriend and he says....."You missed the best show ever man"
I said...."We were at the show Tom....I thought you were done"
He says..... "Well now(puffing on a cigarrette)what do you think.....should we go back in and play an encore?.....I don't want to leave ALL those people hanging"
He(and his 4 piece band) went back in with me and my girlfriend right behind them.He's one of a kind!
Cynaera wrote:
You have such a lyrical way of cutting through the bullshit.
I agree, though - his voice, these days, is definitely an acquired taste. I happen to love it and hate it. I love it because he's still singing. I hate it because he's done immeasurable harm to his vocal cords, and he won't stop. He'll probably die gritting out his incredible lyrics on a voice that gave up the ghost a decade ago. Still, I love his music, and I'll sit through his near-monotone growling, because to me, he's just that good.
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
You have such a lyrical way of cutting through the bullshit.
I agree, though - his voice, these days, is definitely an acquired taste. I happen to love it and hate it. I love it because he's still singing. I hate it because he's done immeasurable harm to his vocal cords, and he won't stop. He'll probably die gritting out his incredible lyrics on a voice that gave up the ghost a decade ago. Still, I love his music, and I'll sit through his near-monotone growling, because to me, he's just that good.Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
"Money's just something
to throw off the back of the train.
Got a head full of lightnin'
and a hat full of rain."
Say what you want about his vocals, I love his lyrics.
to throw off the back of the train.
Got a head full of lightnin'
and a hat full of rain."
Say what you want about his vocals, I love his lyrics.
Mr. Waits, can I get you a throat lozenge, sir?
Wow an almost listenable TW song. Should stick to song writing and let others cover his songs IMO.
Love it. My fav from Tom. You can hear the burden of his life and experience in his song - and appreciate why it has been a long way home (and why he is looking for refuge). Often vocals are more than sounding nice.
agkagk wrote:
Add Leonard Cohen to that list. They've written some amazing songs/poetry (particularly Cohen). Too bad they also chose to perform (i.e. sing) them. They should have left that aspect of it to someone (anyone) else. The poetry is brilliant, but they can't sing.
so, would it be OK if they sang each others songs?
Add Leonard Cohen to that list. They've written some amazing songs/poetry (particularly Cohen). Too bad they also chose to perform (i.e. sing) them. They should have left that aspect of it to someone (anyone) else. The poetry is brilliant, but they can't sing.
so, would it be OK if they sang each others songs?
Give him a lozenge already. For pete's sake.
LizK wrote:
A voice like a smoker's cough. Brown phlegm
maybe.. but like Dylan's, i prefer to think of it like he's got the blood of the land in his voiceWaits was on Letterman last night, hawking his latest album.
A voice like a smoker's cough. Brown phlegm
a + ........ discovered this awesome station!
a - ........ discovered this horrid singer lol!
a - ........ discovered this horrid singer lol!
Cynaera wrote:
You have such a lyrical way of cutting through the bullshit. I agree, though - his voice, these days, is definitely an acquired taste. I happen to love it and hate it. I love it because he's still singing. I hate it because he's done immeasurable harm to his vocal cords, and he won't stop. He'll probably die gritting out his incredible lyrics on a voice that gave up the ghost a decade ago. Still, I love his music, and I'll sit through his near-monotone growling, because to me, he's just that good.
Give the new album a listen and see if you like the 'new' voice he uses (on the tracks I've heard, anyway). It'll take some getting used to, for me anyway.
You have such a lyrical way of cutting through the bullshit.
I agree, though - his voice, these days, is definitely an acquired taste. I happen to love it and hate it. I love it because he's still singing. I hate it because he's done immeasurable harm to his vocal cords, and he won't stop. He'll probably die gritting out his incredible lyrics on a voice that gave up the ghost a decade ago. Still, I love his music, and I'll sit through his near-monotone growling, because to me, he's just that good.Give the new album a listen and see if you like the 'new' voice he uses (on the tracks I've heard, anyway). It'll take some getting used to, for me anyway.
Yeah,Well......Hmmmm....(.cough,spit.)..."I like Tom Waits."....he said with kinda of a half- way grin,cigarette dangling out of his mouth as he reached for his shot of tequila.
A treasure!
A treasure!
Tom has a new album. I'd love to hear this, for example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCbPkr9AEG4&ob=av2e
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCbPkr9AEG4&ob=av2e
Mexilicious wrote:
Hmmm, Patti Smith maybe? Marianne Faithfull from the mid-70s and beyond?
Precisely my three favourite singers. I love the fact that they sound like they just rolled out of bed with a hangover and are groping around for a half-smoked cigarette butt while they try to remember how they wound up in that cheesy motel room. Especially Tom Waits. But aren't there any women to add to the list of great bad singers? Or do we just have a much healthier lifestyle?
Hmmm, Patti Smith maybe? Marianne Faithfull from the mid-70s and beyond?
Proclivities wrote:
Yes, heaven forbid that three of the most prolific and talented singer/songwriters in history get out and sing songs that they wrote, in defiance of your rules.
Precisely my three favourite singers. I love the fact that they sound like they just rolled out of bed with a hangover and are groping around for a half-smoked cigarette butt while they try to remember how they wound up in that cheesy motel room. Especially Tom Waits. But aren't there any women to add to the list of great bad singers? Or do we just have a much healthier lifestyle?
Yes, heaven forbid that three of the most prolific and talented singer/songwriters in history get out and sing songs that they wrote, in defiance of your rules.
Precisely my three favourite singers. I love the fact that they sound like they just rolled out of bed with a hangover and are groping around for a half-smoked cigarette butt while they try to remember how they wound up in that cheesy motel room. Especially Tom Waits. But aren't there any women to add to the list of great bad singers? Or do we just have a much healthier lifestyle?
koryreagan wrote:
agkagk wrote:
Add Leonard Cohen to that list. They've written some amazing songs/poetry (particularly Cohen). Too bad they also chose to perform (i.e. sing) them. They should have left that aspect of it to someone (anyone) else. The poetry is brilliant, but they can't sing.
Yes, heaven forbid that three of the most prolific and talented singer/songwriters in history get out and sing songs that they wrote, in defiance of your rules.
Bill, you're killing me slowly with Tom Wait and Bob Dylan songs. I turn down my volume when these two make an appearance.
agkagk wrote:
Add Leonard Cohen to that list. They've written some amazing songs/poetry (particularly Cohen). Too bad they also chose to perform (i.e. sing) them. They should have left that aspect of it to someone (anyone) else. The poetry is brilliant, but they can't sing.
Yes, heaven forbid that three of the most prolific and talented singer/songwriters in history get out and sing songs that they wrote, in defiance of your rules.
fredriley wrote:
Back in the '80s, while I was between moving cities, I stayed with my sister at her apartment in downtown Toronto. The entrance way to her place was off an alley.
One night, I was listening to some Tom Waits and my sister entered the room and screamed "IT'S YOU!!!!"
"I'VE BEEN AFRAID TO LEAVE THE APARTMENT BECAUSE I THOUGHT THERE WERE DRUNKS IN THE ALLEY."
:)
F*ck me, he sounds pissed as a fart in the opening part. You'd think it was some wino croaking into his cider bottle. Which is precisely the effect Tom Waits is after achieving ;)
A great songwriter and poet, highly perceptive, writes from the streets, but his voice is a 'challenging' listen, as they say.
A great songwriter and poet, highly perceptive, writes from the streets, but his voice is a 'challenging' listen, as they say.
Back in the '80s, while I was between moving cities, I stayed with my sister at her apartment in downtown Toronto. The entrance way to her place was off an alley.
One night, I was listening to some Tom Waits and my sister entered the room and screamed "IT'S YOU!!!!"
"I'VE BEEN AFRAID TO LEAVE THE APARTMENT BECAUSE I THOUGHT THERE WERE DRUNKS IN THE ALLEY."
:)
fredriley wrote:
You have such a lyrical way of cutting through the bullshit. I agree, though - his voice, these days, is definitely an acquired taste. I happen to love it and hate it. I love it because he's still singing. I hate it because he's done immeasurable harm to his vocal cords, and he won't stop. He'll probably die gritting out his incredible lyrics on a voice that gave up the ghost a decade ago. Still, I love his music, and I'll sit through his near-monotone growling, because to me, he's just that good.
F*ck me, he sounds pissed as a fart in the opening part. You'd think it was some wino croaking into his cider bottle. Which is precisely the effect Tom Waits is after achieving ;)
A great songwriter and poet, highly perceptive, writes from the streets, but his voice is a 'challenging' listen, as they say.
A great songwriter and poet, highly perceptive, writes from the streets, but his voice is a 'challenging' listen, as they say.
You have such a lyrical way of cutting through the bullshit.
I agree, though - his voice, these days, is definitely an acquired taste. I happen to love it and hate it. I love it because he's still singing. I hate it because he's done immeasurable harm to his vocal cords, and he won't stop. He'll probably die gritting out his incredible lyrics on a voice that gave up the ghost a decade ago. Still, I love his music, and I'll sit through his near-monotone growling, because to me, he's just that good. johnjconn wrote:
If you remove the Cohen's, Dylan's and Watt's vocal performance, all your left with is a bunch of American Idol type singers.
Long live the raspy voiced song writters who live and die by their songs. I only wish more artist like Lenny, Bobby and Tommy were around today, it makes the song more interesting.
I'm tired of the pretty boy and bimbo girl voices.
A-effing-men. There is a difference between being a "great singer," like Dylan and Waits, and having a "great voice." Like looking at a Mark Rothko painting and saying "I don't get it."
If you remove the Cohen's, Dylan's and Watt's vocal performance, all your left with is a bunch of American Idol type singers.
Long live the raspy voiced song writters who live and die by their songs. I only wish more artist like Lenny, Bobby and Tommy were around today, it makes the song more interesting.
I'm tired of the pretty boy and bimbo girl voices.
A-effing-men. There is a difference between being a "great singer," like Dylan and Waits, and having a "great voice." Like looking at a Mark Rothko painting and saying "I don't get it."
aelfheld wrote:
Half right. Waits, yes. Dylan, yes.
Half right. Waits, yes. Dylan, no.
Half right. Waits, yes. Dylan, yes.
He has a voice like a thousand angels...moaning in agony and despair.
F*ck me, he sounds pissed as a fart in the opening part. You'd think it was some wino croaking into his cider bottle. Which is precisely the effect Tom Waits is after achieving ;)
A great songwriter and poet, highly perceptive, writes from the streets, but his voice is a 'challenging' listen, as they say.
A great songwriter and poet, highly perceptive, writes from the streets, but his voice is a 'challenging' listen, as they say.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Half right. Waits, yes. Dylan, no.
Bill, you're keeping the vast majority of listeners happy with Tom Waits and Bob Dylan songs. We turn up the volume when these two make an appearance! 
Half right. Waits, yes. Dylan, no.
Stefen wrote:
Yeah, good song. I like the Norah Jones cover of it too.
This is one of those songs where I like everybody's version. Thanks Tom.
Yeah, good song. I like the Norah Jones cover of it too.
Drinkin' and thoroughly enjoying Mr. Waits. Thanks!
If Charles Bukowski could sing, I imagine his voice would sound like Tom Waits.
I'm with you, On_The_Beach. Tom and Bob are at the TOP of my list. BTW, they are excellent singers. Masters of phrasing and inflection.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Bill, you're keeping the vast majority of listeners happy with Tom Waits and Bob Dylan songs. We turn up the volume when these two make an appearance!
On_The_Beach wrote:
Bill, you're keeping the vast majority of listeners happy with Tom Waits and Bob Dylan songs. We turn up the volume when these two make an appearance!
koryreagan wrote:
Add Leonard Cohen to that list. They've written some amazing songs/poetry (particularly Cohen). Too bad they also chose to perform (i.e. sing) them. They should have left that aspect of it to someone (anyone) else. The poetry is brilliant, but they can't sing.
Bill, you're killing me slowly with Tom Wait and Bob Dylan songs. I turn down my volume when these two make an appearance.
Add Leonard Cohen to that list. They've written some amazing songs/poetry (particularly Cohen). Too bad they also chose to perform (i.e. sing) them. They should have left that aspect of it to someone (anyone) else. The poetry is brilliant, but they can't sing.
koryreagan wrote:
Bill, you're keeping the vast majority of listeners happy with Tom Waits and Bob Dylan songs. We turn up the volume when these two make an appearance!
Bill, you're killing me slowly with Tom Wait and Bob Dylan songs. I turn down my volume when these two make an appearance.
Bill, you're keeping the vast majority of listeners happy with Tom Waits and Bob Dylan songs. We turn up the volume when these two make an appearance!
koryreagan wrote:
You know what: ditch Bob in favour of Tom ;)
Bill, you're killing me slowly with Tom Wait and Bob Dylan songs. I turn down my volume when these two make an appearance.
You know what: ditch Bob in favour of Tom ;)
steeler wrote:
Brilliant segue from Jackson Browne's Fountain of Sorrow.
The other side of the emotional journey. Different takes on the same overriding theme.
Well said. I didn't intend to have an emotional morning, but here we are.The other side of the emotional journey. Different takes on the same overriding theme.
Brilliant segue from Jackson Browne's Fountain of Sorrow.
The other side of the emotional journey. Different takes on the same overriding theme.
The other side of the emotional journey. Different takes on the same overriding theme.
This is one of those songs where I like everybody's version. Thanks Tom.
Sounds like something Johnny Cash would have played.
ranesjr wrote:
Wow, this is painful.
Tom Waits is pretty amazing that way. How he bottles pain in so many subtle sweet variations is the spark of art. Story of the life I'm still writing. ulibcn wrote:
Tom a bath tub a bottle of burbon a razor and a mind full of sweet painful memorys
this guy just kills me (and makes me long for more)
Tom a bath tub a bottle of burbon a razor and a mind full of sweet painful memorys
Four 3s and a 2 - looks like it's another doldrum period on RP, at least for me. Time for a wee break - back in 10.
Bill, you're killing me slowly with Tom Wait and Bob Dylan songs. I turn down my volume when these two make an appearance.
But can he sing? 
SweTex wrote:
I'll see your excerpt and raise you this:
Watch your back if I should tell you
Love's the only thing I've ever known
9
"got a head full of lightning
and a hat full of rain"
9
10
and a hat full of rain"
9
10I'll see your excerpt and raise you this:
Watch your back if I should tell you
Love's the only thing I've ever known
9
Unlike me, I always take the wrong way home....
Amazing, a Tom Waits song I've never heard! Thanks for playing it. He has a knack for making songs for obscure movies.
"got a head full of lightning
and a hat full of rain"
9 10
and a hat full of rain"
9
10Big bad love has been ordered just now.
(on https://www.cede.ch)
(on https://www.cede.ch)
Played too often on RP. Bill, let's hear another one of his greats!