MRH Blog

Tom Waits Week – Day 7

March 30th 2014 – Day 89

For the final installment of my celebration of Tom’s incredible talent, I have chosen the song that makes me smile, shudder, feel sad and happy all at the same time. It’s the epitome of urban blues, jazz, beat poetry, paying homage to film noir, road movies, and  still managing to stay so cool it melts your socks.

The first time I got to see Tom live was in London, November 1987. He was touring Franks Wild Years, but threw in a lot of Rain Dogs as well. For the most part, the audience were pretty subdued and static, seated, politely clapping at all the right times. I was so excited I couldn’t contain the groove, and when he started playing the rhumba version ‘Straight to the Top’ a couple of songs into the show, I jumped up and start dancing, shouting “Play it Tom, play it!” – that was a good gig.

Tom, I fucking love you; thank you for making such wonderful music, and for entertaining me for so many years, and thank you for being such an influence on my own creative spirit.

Small Change

Well small change got rained on with his own .38
and nobody flinched down by the arcade
and the marquise weren’t weeping 
they went stark ravin’ mad
and the cabbies were the only ones 
that really had it made
cause his cold trousers were twisted 
and the sirens high and shrill
and crumpled in his fist was a five dollar bill
and the naked mannikins with their 
cheshire grins
and the raconteurs 
and roustabouts said buddy 
come on in 
cause the dreams ain’t broken down here 
now… they’re walkin’ with a limp
now that 

small change got rained on with his own .38
and nobody flinched down by the arcade
and the burglar alarm’s been disconnected 
and the newsmen start to rattle
and the cops are tellin’ jokes about some whore house in Seattle
and the fire hydrants plead the 5th Amendment
and the furniture’s bargains galore
but the blood is by the juke box 
on an old linoleum floor
and it’s a hot rain on 42nd Street 
and now the umbrellas ain’t got a chance
and the newsboy’s a lunatic 
with stains on his pants cause…

small change got rained on with his own .38
and no one’s gone over to close his eyes
and there’s a racing form in his pocket 
circled Blue Boots in the 3rd
and the cashier at the clothing store 
he didn’t say a word as the
siren tears the night in half 
and someone lost his wallet
well it’s surveillance of assailants 
if that’s whachawannacallit
but the whores still smear on
and they all look like
but their mouths cut just like 
razor blades and their eyes are like stilettos
and her radiator’s steaming 
and her teeth are in a wreck
now she won’t let you kiss her 
but what the hell did you expect
and the gypsies are tragic and if you 
wanna to buy perfume, well 
they’ll bark you down like 
carneys…sell you Christmas cards in June
but…

small change got rained on with his own .38
and his headstone’s 
a gumball machine
no more chewing gum or 
baseball cards or 
overcoats or dreams and
someone is hosing down the sidewalk 
and he’s only in his teens

small change got rained on with his own .38
and a fist full of dollars can’t change that
and someone copped his watch fob 
and someone got his ring
and the newsboy got his pork pie Stetson hat
and the tuberculosis old men 
at the Nelson wheeze and cough
and someone will head South 
until this whole thing cools off cause
small change got rained on with his own .38
small change got rained on with his own .38

Tom Waits, 1976

Namaste.

Tom Waits Week – Day 6

March 29th 2014 – Day 88

I couldn’t find a decent live performance of this track, but it is one of my favourites and one of Tom’s classics. I guess I like it because it emphasises the complete avant garde, dada-esque, surealist beauty of his work. The words, whilst lyrical and sensible, offer an edge of insanity that is obviously comical, but also disturbing – and the piano playing itself is wonderfully broken.

I have heard people talking about Tom’s live performances, saying that he is a natural and spontaneous artist; he is not. He is a brilliant showman and performer; every thing he does (aside from the odd adlib) is rehearsed and perfected, and designed to look unplanned. He is vaudevillian to the core of his being.

The Piano has been Drinking (not me)

The piano has been drinking 
my neck tie is asleep
and the combo went back to New York 
the jukebox has to take a leak
and the carpet needs a haircut 
and the spotlight looks like a prison break
cause the telephone is out of cigarettes 
and the balcony is on the make
and the piano has been drinking

the piano has been drinking
and the menus are all freezing
and the lightman’s blind in one eye 
and he can’t see out of the other
and the piano tuner’s got a hearing aid 
and showed up with his mother
and the piano has been drinking

the piano has been drinking
cause the bouncer is a Sumo wrestler 
cream-puff casper milk toast
and the owner is a mental midget with the I.Q. of a fencepost
cause the piano has been drinking

the piano has been drinking
and you can’t find your waitress 
with a Geiger counter
and she hates you and your friends 
and you just can’t get served 
without her
and the box-office is drooling 
and the bar stools are on fire
and the newspapers were fooling 
and the ashtrays have retired
and the piano has been drinking

the piano has been drinking
the piano has been drinking
not me, not me, not me, not me, not me

Tom Waits, 1976

Namaste.

Tom Waits Week – Day 5

March 28th 2014 – Day 87

A vast proportion of Tom’s work is focused on the people and places in our societies that we often forget or chose to ignore. Even though Tom’s work may have a beautiful sense of irony and elements of sarcasm, the words he writes never fail to strike home the fact that while we live our comfortable lives, there are others who are not always so lucky for what ever reason.

Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

Hey Charlie I’m pregnant and living on 9th Street
right above a dirty bookstore off Euclid Avenue
and I stopped takin dope and I quit drinkin whiskey
and my old man plays the trombone and works out at the track

he says that he loves me even though it’s not his baby
he says that he’ll raise him up like he would his own son
and he gave me a ring that was worn by his mother
and he takes me out dancin every Saturday night

and hey Charlie I think about you everytime I pass a fillin station
on account of all the grease you used to wear in your hair
and I still have that record of Little Anthony and the Imperials
but someone stole my record player now how do you like that?

hey Charlie I almost went crazy after Mario got busted

I went back to Omaha to live with my folks
but everyone I used to know was either dead or in prison
so I came back to Minneapolis this time I think I’m gonna stay

hey Charlie I think I’m happy for the first time since my accident
and I wish I had all the money we used to spend on dope
I’d buy me a used car lot and I wouldn’t sell any of em
I’d just drive a different car every day dependin on how I feel

hey Charlie for chrissakes if you want to know the truth of it
I don’t have a husband he don’t play the trombone
I need to borrow money to pay this lawyer and Charlie hey
I’ll be eligible for parole come Valentine’s day

Tom Waits, 1978

Namaste.

Tom Waits Week – Day 4

March 27th 2014 – Day 86

House Where Nobody Lives

There’s a house on my block
that’s abandoned and cold
Folks moved out of it a
long time ago
and they took all their things
and they never came back
Looks like it’s haunted
with the windows all cracked 
and everyone calls it
the house, the house where
nobody lives.

Once it held laughter
Once it held dreams
Did they throw it away
Did they know what it means
Did someone’s heart break
or did someone do somebody wrong?

Well the paint was all cracked
It was peeled off of the wood
Papers were stacked on the porch
where I stood
and the weeds had grown up
just as high as the door
There were birds in the chimney
and an old chest of drawers
Looks like no one will ever
come back to the
House where nobody lives

Once it held laughter
Once it held dreams
Did they throw it away
Did they know what it means
Did someone’s heart break
or did someone do somebody wrong?

So if you find someone
someone to have, someone to hold
Don’t trade it for silver
Don’t trade it for gold
I have all of life’s treasures
and they are fine and they are good
They remind me that houses
Are just made of wood
What makes a house grand
Ain’t the roof or the doors
If there’s love in a house
It’s a palace for sure
Without love
It ain’t nothin but a house
A house where nobody lives

Without love it ain’t nothin
But a house, A house where
Nobody lives.

Tom Waits, 1999

Namaste.

https://youtu.be/YH4KM1uYPq8

Tom Waits Week – Day 3

March 26th 2014 – Day 85

The album “Heartattack & Vine” has always been one of my favourites, and to me the whole thing is a work of poetry; from the slow groove of the opening title track to the heart-wrenching sadness of the final ballad, it is a masterpiece.

But when I first heard the album I was just getting into blues, and there is one song that stands out the most for me as an anthem for all the raw street imagery of urban-blues. It is like a cross between Charles Bukowski and Elmore Leonard, with a small trippy slice of William Burroughs thrown in.

Mr Siegal

I spent all my money in a Mexican whorehouse baby
cross the street from a Catholic church
and I wiped off my revolver
and I buttoned up my burgundy shirt

I shot the morning in the back with my red wings on
told the sun he better go back down
and if I can find a book of matches
I’m goin to burn this hotel down

you got to tell me brave captain
why are the wicked so strong
how do the angels get to sleep
when the devil leaves his porch light on

well I dropped thirty grand on the nugget slots
I had to sell my ass on Fremont Street
and the drummer said theres sanctuary
over at the bagdad room

oh and now thats one for the money two for the show
three to get ready and go man go
I said tell me mister Siegel
how do I get out of here

Willard’s knocked out on a bottle of heat
drivin dangerous curves across the dirty sheets
he said man you ought to see her when her parents are gone
man you ought to hear her when the sirens on

I said tell me brave captain
why are the wicked so strong
how do the angels get to sleep
when the devil leaves the porch light on

don’t you know that ain’t no broken bottle that I picked up in my headlights
on the other side of the Nevada line
where they live hard die young
and have a good lookin corpse every time

well you know the pit boss said: I should keep movin
this is where you go when you die
so I shot a black beauty
and I kissed her right between the eyes

oh well Willard’s knocked out on a bottle of heat
drivin dangerous curves across the dirty sheets
he said when the bitch is wound up and her parents are gone
man you ought to hear her with the siren on

I said tell me brave captain
why are the wicked so strong
how do the angels get to sleep
when the devil leaves his porch light on

I spent all my money now in a Mexican whorehouse
cross the street from a Catholic church
and then I wiped off my revolver
and I buttoned up my burgundy shirt

I shot the morning in the back with my red wings on
I told the sun he’d better go back down
and if I can find a book of matches
I’m goin to burn this hotel down

well it’s one for the money two for the show
I said three to get ready and go man go
I said tell me mister Siegel
how do I get out of here

Tom Waits, 1980

Namaste.

Tom Waits Week – Day 2

March 25th 2014 – Day 84

When my wife and I got married, I borrowed these words from Tom to let everyone know just how much I love her. Thanks Tom.

A Little Trip To Heaven

Little trip to Heaven on the wings of your love
Banana moon is shining in the sky
Feel like I’m in Heaven when you’re with me
Know that I’m in heaven when you smile
Though we’re stuck here on the ground

I got something that I’ve found and it’s you

And I don’t have to take no trip to outer space
All I have to do is look at your face
And before I know it, I’m in orbit around you
Thanking my lucky stars that I’ve found you
When I see your constellation
Honey, you’re my inspiration and it’s you

You’re my North star when I’m lost and feeling blue
The sun is breaking through the clouds
Don’t you, don’t you know it’s true?
Honey, all the other stars seem dim around you
Thanking my lucky stars that I’ve found you
When I see your smiling face, honey
I know nothing ever going to take your place and it’s you

And it’s you, and it’s you
And it’s you, and it’s you, and it’s you
And it’s you, and it’s you

Tom Waits, 1973

Namaste.

Tom Waits Week

March 24th 2014 – Day 83

Tom Waits has probably been one of the most influential artists of my life; and when I say artist, I mean in the whole sense of the word. He is a musician, performer, poet, and a complete work of art as a person. So, this week I celebrate his impact on my life with some of my favourite pieces.

Today is “Step Right Up”; I first heard this song (on the album “Small Change”, which we will revisit this later week) in 1986, and it sealed my admiration of him as a poet. This is a great live performance from 1977, the lyrics are below, and I hope you enjoy it.

Step Right Up

Step right up, step right up, step right up,
Everyone’s a winner, bargains galore
That’s right, you too can be the proud owner
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar, we got service after sales
You need perfume?
We got perfume, how ‘bout an engagement ring?
Something for the little lady, something for the little lady,
Something for the little lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got a white sale
And a smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Act now, act now, and receive as our gift, our gift to you
They come in all colours, one size fits all
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you’re tired of kitchen drudgery
Everything must go, going out of business, going out of business
Going out of business sale
Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man
Don’t settle for less
How do we do it? how do we do it?
Volume, volume, turn up the volume
Now you’ve heard it advertised, don’t hesitate
Don’t be caught with your drawers down,
Don’t be caught with your drawers down
You can step right up, step right up

That’s right, it filets, it chops, it dices, slices,
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair, it gets rid of embarrassing age spots,
It delivers a pizza, and it lengthens, and it strengthens
And it finds that slipper that’s been at large
under the chaise lounge for several weeks
And it plays a mean Rhythm Master,
It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar
And it’s only a dollar, step right up, it’s only a dollar, step right up

‘Cause it forges your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
For complete refund of price of purchase
Step right up
Please allow thirty days for delivery, don’t be fooled by cheap imitations
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
Swim in it, sleep in it,
Live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it
Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets, that’s right
And it entertains visiting relatives, it turns a sandwich into a banquet
Tired of being the life of the party?
Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife,
And it walks your dog, and it doubles on sax
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack, see you later alligator
See you later alligator
And it steals your car
It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking
It’s a friend, and it’s a companion,
And it’s the only product you will ever need
Follow these easy assembly instructions it never needs ironing
Well it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff,
Gives you dandruff, and it finds you a job, it is a job
And it strips the phone company free take ten for five exchange,
And it gives you denture breath
And you know it’s a friend, and it’s a companion
And it gets rid of your traveler’s checks
It’s new, it’s improved, it’s old-fashioned
Well it takes care of business, never needs winding,
Never needs winding, never needs winding
Gets rid of blackheads, the heartbreak of psoriasis,
Christ, you don’t know the meaning of heartbreak, buddy,

C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon
‘Cause it’s effective, it’s defective, it creates household odors,
It disinfects, it sanitizes for your protection
It gives you an erection, it wins the election
Why put up with painful corns any longer?
It’s a redeemable coupon, no obligation, no salesman will visit your home
We got a jackpot, jackpot, jackpot, prizes, prizes, prizes, all work guaranteed
How do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it
We need your business, we’re going out of business
We’ll give you the business
Get on the business end of our going-out-of-business sale
Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions, batteries not included
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available,
Step right up, step right up, step right up

You got it buddy: the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
C’mon step right up
Get away from me kid, you bother me…
Step right up, step right up, step right up, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon
Step right up, you can step right up, c’mon and step right up,
C’mon and step right up

Tom Waits, 1976

Namaste.