Tom Waits Lyrics
If God and the devil wrote songs together, they might sound a little like this.
Matthew Galgani
Often to the annoyance of my wife and kids, I'm prone to point out that not much in life happens that can't be referenced by a Tom Waits lyric.
The gravely voiced singer-songwriter has been around since the early 1970s. From his debut Closing Time in 1974 to his latest release, Bad As Me in 2011, Waits has released 17 studio albums, not including live albums and collaborations on various collections.
People not familiar with Tom Waits might have come across popular covers of two of his original songs: Jersey Girl, covered by Bruce Springsteen, and Downtown Train, covered by Rod Stewart. And bands as diverse as the Eagles (Ol' 55), the Ramones (I Don't Wanna Grow Up) and Diana Krall (Temptation), to name just a few, have also recorded covers.
And for a unique — and amusingly dark — cover from Tom Waits himself, check out Heigh Ho (The Dwarf's Marching Song) on Stay Awake: Various Interpretations of Music from Vintage Disney Films.
This list could meander into any number of topics. But in what a tongue-in-cheek Waits might refer to as "the religious material," I'll highlight just a few examples of lyrics and songs that show the irony, iconoclasm, cynicism, sarcasm, humanity and humor found in Tom Waits lyrics.
From hellfire-and-brimstone preachers and songs of sin and salvation to sometimes cryptic explorations of faith, countless religious themes weave their way into his lyrics. What's parody and what's personal belief? Who knows? Like his music, grittily seasoned with flavors of folk, cabaret jazz, crunchy rock and William Burroughs-inspired bizarre, he's not an easy artist to categorize or pigeonhole – and why bother?
Here's a little taste of that theme from Waits in a short interview discussing how "God's away on business."
Tom Waits Lyrics & Songs: Just A Smattering
See if you can come up with a number that matches your faith.
From Way Down In The Hole | Watch Video
There ain't no devil. There's only God when he's drunk.
From Heart Attack And Vine | Watch Video
Don't get on my knees to pray, don't memorize the books of the Bible, I got my own special way.
From Chocolate Jesus | Watch Video
You say that it's gospel, but I know that it's only church.
From That Feel, a collaboration with Keith Richards
I've got no reason and I've got no doubt.
From Jesus Gonna Be Here | Watch Video
Temptation, I can't resist.
From Temptation | Watch Video
I don't wanna be filled with doubt, I don't wanna be a good boy scout.
From I Don't Wanna Grow Up | Watch Video
There's no light in the tunnel, no irons in the fire, come on up to the house.
From Come On Up To The House
How is it that the only ones responsible for making this mess, got their sorry asses stapled to a goddamn desk.
From Hell Broke Luce | Watch Video
Did the Devil make the world while God was sleeping?
From A Little Drop Of Poison
I know a place where a royal flush will never beat a pair. Even Thomas Jefferson is on the nickel over there.
From On The Nickel | Watch Video
Jesus whispered, "Eni meany meany miney moe." They're too proud to duck their heads that's why they bring it down so low.
From 'Til The Money Runs Out | Watch Video
Never could stand that dog.
From Frank's Wild Years | Watch Video
Bonus videos: The surprising "genius" of Tom Waits on the David Letterman show and a unique press conference.
And for a closer "look" at the man, check out Tom Waits by Matt Mahurin: Portraits and visit TomWaits.com.
