Tom Waits is a legendary American singer-songwriter known for his gravelly voice, idiosyncratic style, and lyrics that often explore the darker side of life. He has been active in the music industry for over four decades, and his influence can be felt across a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and folk. With a discography that spans 20 albums, Tom Waits has produced some of the most unique and memorable songs in modern music history. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Tom Waits songs of all time.
The list includes a mix of his most famous hits as well as some lesser-known gems that showcase his talent and versatility as a songwriter. Each song on this list is a testament to Tom Waits’ ability to craft vivid narratives and evoke deep emotions through his music. From the haunting ballads of “Time” and “Martha” to the gritty blues of “Jockey Full of Bourbon” and “Heartattack and Vine,” these songs represent the very best of Tom Waits’ illustrious career. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to his music, this list is sure to provide a glimpse into the genius of one of the most iconic figures in American music history.
1. Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis
“Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” is a poignant and evocative ballad by Tom Waits that tells the story of a young woman named Charley who writes a letter to her former lover, a man named Joe, from a prison cell in Minneapolis on Christmas Eve. Through her letter, Charley reveals the hardships she has faced in life, including drug addiction, prostitution, and the loss of a child. Waits’ raspy voice and piano accompaniment perfectly capture the sadness and desperation of Charley’s situation, while his poetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life filled with pain and regret. Despite the bleakness of the song’s subject matter, “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” is ultimately a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit.
2. Heartattack and Vine
“Heartattack and Vine” is a gritty and bluesy track from Tom Waits’ 1980 album of the same name. The song features Waits’ signature growling vocals, backed by a driving rhythm section and bluesy guitar riffs. With lyrics that reference everything from gambling to car crashes to drug addiction, “Heartattack and Vine” paints a vivid picture of life on the streets of urban America. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “It’s a sad refrain,” adds to the song’s mournful and reflective tone. Despite its dark subject matter, “Heartattack and Vine” is a compelling and energetic track that showcases Tom Waits’ unique style and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his music.
3. (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night
“(Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night” is a soulful and nostalgic track from Tom Waits’ second studio album of the same name. The song features Waits’ signature piano and jazzy horns, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of life in the city on a Saturday night. From the neon lights of the bars to the sound of the jukebox playing, Waits’ lyrics evoke a sense of longing and romanticism for a time and place that may no longer exist. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “I’m just looking for the heart of Saturday night,” is a testament to the universal human desire for connection and belonging. “The Heart of Saturday Night” showcases Tom Waits’ ability to weave together narrative and musical elements to create a deeply moving and memorable listening experience.
4. Johnsburg, Illinois
“Johnsburg, Illinois” is a haunting and atmospheric ballad from Tom Waits’ 1983 album “Swordfishtrombones.” The song features Waits’ gravelly vocals and a sparse arrangement of percussion and guitar, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. With lyrics that reference small-town life and the passing of time, “Johnsburg, Illinois” is a meditation on the beauty and sadness of the human experience. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “I’m just an innocent victim of a blinded alley,” is a reminder of the powerlessness and fragility of the human condition. Through his evocative lyrics and minimalist musical style, Tom Waits creates a mood of introspection and reflection, inviting the listener to contemplate the mysteries and complexities of life. “Johnsburg, Illinois” is a standout track in Tom Waits’ discography, showcasing his unique voice and talent for storytelling.
5. The Piano has been Drinking
“The Piano Has Been Drinking” is a classic Tom Waits track that showcases his irreverent sense of humor and unique musical style. The song features Waits’ signature growling vocals and a jazzy piano accompaniment, with lyrics that describe a night of heavy drinking at a bar. The song’s title is a play on words, with Waits suggesting that the piano itself is drunk and stumbling along with the patrons. Despite its humorous tone, “The Piano Has Been Drinking” also has a sense of sadness and melancholy, as Waits describes the loneliness and despair that often accompany a night of heavy drinking. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious melody have made it a fan favorite, and it remains a testament to Tom Waits’ ability to combine humor and pathos in his music.
6. Tom Traubert’s Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)
“Tom Traubert’s Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)” is a haunting and mournful ballad from Tom Waits’ 1976 album “Small Change.” The song features Waits’ gravelly voice and a simple yet powerful musical arrangement of accordion, piano, and strings. With lyrics that describe a night of heavy drinking in a foreign city, “Tom Traubert’s Blues” is a meditation on loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning in life. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda, you’ll go a-waltzing Matilda with me,” adds to the song’s sense of sadness and longing. Through his evocative lyrics and sparse musical style, Tom Waits creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that makes “Tom Traubert’s Blues” one of his most powerful and affecting songs.
7. Rain Dogs
“Rain Dogs” is a moody and atmospheric track from Tom Waits’ 1985 album of the same name. The song features Waits’ raspy voice and a complex musical arrangement of percussion, horns, and strings, creating a sense of tension and unease. With lyrics that describe a world of lost souls and broken dreams, “Rain Dogs” is a powerful commentary on the human condition. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “Rain dogs howl for the century,” adds to the song’s sense of urgency and desperation. Through his evocative lyrics and intricate musical style, Tom Waits creates a mood of melancholy and introspection, inviting the listener to contemplate the complexities and contradictions of the human experience. “Rain Dogs” is a standout track in Tom Waits’ discography, showcasing his unique voice and vision as an artist.
8. Hell Broke Luce
“Hell Broke Luce” is a powerful and intense track from Tom Waits’ 2011 album “Bad As Me.” The song features Waits’ growling vocals and a driving, percussion-heavy musical arrangement, creating a sense of urgency and chaos. With lyrics that reference war, violence, and the struggles of the human spirit, “Hell Broke Luce” is a visceral and unflinching commentary on the state of the world. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “All that war has left behind,” adds to the song’s sense of bleakness and despair. Through his raw and unfiltered lyrics and frenzied musical style, Tom Waits creates a mood of anger and defiance, inviting the listener to confront the harsh realities of the modern age. “Hell Broke Luce” is a standout track in Tom Waits’ later discography, showcasing his continued relevance and creative vitality as an artist.
9. Temptation
“Temptation” is a seductive and bluesy track from Tom Waits’ 1987 album “Frank’s Wild Years.” The song features Waits’ signature growling vocals and a playful musical arrangement of horns, percussion, and piano, creating a sense of excitement and danger. With lyrics that describe the thrill of indulging in forbidden desires, “Temptation” is a celebration of the darker side of human nature. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “I can’t resist, I can’t resist, I can’t resist,” adds to the song’s sense of reckless abandon and temptation. Through his evocative lyrics and infectious musical style, Tom Waits creates a mood of seduction and desire, inviting the listener to embrace their inner wildness and let go of their inhibitions. “Temptation” is a standout track in Tom Waits’ discography, showcasing his ability to combine poetry and musicality in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
10. Hoist That Rag
“Hoist That Rag” is a raucous and energetic track from Tom Waits’ 2004 album “Real Gone.” The song features Waits’ growling vocals and a frenetic musical arrangement of percussion, guitar, and horns, creating a sense of chaos and excitement. With lyrics that reference everything from pirates to war to the struggles of the working class, “Hoist That Rag” is a celebration of the human spirit in all its diversity and complexity. The chorus, which repeats the refrain “Hoist that rag,” adds to the song’s sense of defiance and rebelliousness. Through his evocative lyrics and explosive musical style, Tom Waits creates a mood of unbridled energy and excitement, inviting the listener to embrace their own wildness and let go of their inhibitions. “Hoist That Rag” is a standout track in Tom Waits’ later discography, showcasing his continued relevance and creative vitality as an artist.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
