There's more to that song than I initially heard. The song is about a man who's stuck in his hole/his dying small town and is incapable of leaving it. When the corn is that tall it means no one is taking care of the fields anymore and so much time had passed. The dry season (dust, fields on fire) and then the wet season / heavy pouring rain season marks the relentless passage of the years. The wagon full of rain means the train is stuck, unmoved for ages. That music that carries across the plains is played elsewhere, away. And he's just dreaming about these far away happy places he'll never see. Because he never took that bus at the corner (which was leaving). Taking the "Marley Bone Coach" means to walk on your own legs / your own bones (back to his house or to nowhere). "Whistle down the wind" means to slowly dissipate or fade out and disappear. There are places where the Music and Circus never ends. He's talking about Paradise or the After Life. That's his only destination now. His last wish, or hope, for something better. Because he got stuck where he is. Too afraid to leave. And now its too late. He never took that bus years ago. And never will.
@@Abbs_Bee Thats because I'm old, I guess. Tom Waits evokes images to our concient mind but doesn't give much clues what they mean. The older your are, the clearer they get. By your profile pic your seem to be young. I'm glad you appreciate Tom Waits. This song in particular which is possibly my favorite song I know. Its a deeply relatable and deeply human song about these fears and doubts that pins us to the ground. Followed by regrets and sorrow. And acceptance when its finally too late. You are young. Take that bus. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman is another great song on that same theme from a women's perspective. She, too, is a deeply relatable and human song writer
For some reason, people confuse "notes" with "tones". Tom's tone may not be appreciated by everyone, but every note he sings is perfect; they are exactly where they should be, and where he wants them to be. Singing is not just about crystal-clear voices singing "wallpaper music". Singing can be about pure emotion, in particular sorrow, heartache and despair. Nobody, I repeat NOBODY, can convey sorrow, heartache and despair like Tom Waits. If one truly appreciates his writing, then one should also be aware that very few singers (if any), however good you feel their voice may be, can do justice to a song like this, Or House Where Nobody Lives, Ruby's Arms, If I Have to Go, On the Nickel, Kentucky Avenue, Tom Traubert's Blues, Take it With Me, etc.
I fell in love with Tom when I was just a teenager. His music still makes me feel comforted.
Thank you for adding this.
There's more to that song than I initially heard.
The song is about a man who's stuck in his hole/his dying small town and is incapable of leaving it.
When the corn is that tall it means no one is taking care of the fields anymore and so much time had passed.
The dry season (dust, fields on fire) and then the wet season / heavy pouring rain season marks the relentless passage of the years.
The wagon full of rain means the train is stuck, unmoved for ages.
That music that carries across the plains is played elsewhere, away.
And he's just dreaming about these far away happy places he'll never see.
Because he never took that bus at the corner (which was leaving).
Taking the "Marley Bone Coach" means to walk on your own legs / your own bones (back to his house or to nowhere).
"Whistle down the wind" means to slowly dissipate or fade out and disappear.
There are places where the Music and Circus never ends. He's talking about Paradise or the After Life.
That's his only destination now. His last wish, or hope, for something better.
Because he got stuck where he is. Too afraid to leave. And now its too late.
He never took that bus years ago. And never will.
thank you! but how do you know all that? its amaizing
@@Abbs_Bee Thats because I'm old, I guess. Tom Waits evokes images to our concient mind but doesn't give much clues what they mean. The older your are, the clearer they get.
By your profile pic your seem to be young. I'm glad you appreciate Tom Waits. This song in particular which is possibly my favorite song I know. Its a deeply relatable and deeply human song about these fears and doubts that pins us to the ground. Followed by regrets and sorrow. And acceptance when its finally too late.
You are young. Take that bus.
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman is another great song on that same theme from a women's perspective. She, too, is a deeply relatable and human song writer
I've never heard (or at least haven't noticed) a lap steel in any of Tom's music until now. It fits so well with his voice.
Oh yes. Very beautiful. I took the Marleybone coach from nowhere in South Dakota to Chicago.
a deep feeling, I love this man. thanks for uploading.
Tom Waits makes me think of Bruce Springsteen, Charles Bukowski, and Captain Beefheart all at the same time.
Who told Tom that he could sing? Write yes, but sing?
For some reason, people confuse "notes" with "tones". Tom's tone may not be appreciated by everyone, but every note he sings is perfect; they are exactly where they should be, and where he wants them to be.
Singing is not just about crystal-clear voices singing "wallpaper music". Singing can be about pure emotion, in particular sorrow, heartache and despair. Nobody, I repeat NOBODY, can convey sorrow, heartache and despair like Tom Waits.
If one truly appreciates his writing, then one should also be aware that very few singers (if any), however good you feel their voice may be, can do justice to a song like this, Or House Where Nobody Lives, Ruby's Arms, If I Have to Go, On the Nickel, Kentucky Avenue, Tom Traubert's Blues, Take it With Me, etc.
God.
a multitude of fans, sales, etc told him that he could, you git
There's more to singing than sounding like American idol auditions, pal.
Please broaden your horizons.