About the song
Tom Waits, the iconic American singer-songwriter, has a knack for crafting poignant narratives within his music, and “Tom Traubert’s Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)” is a prime example of his storytelling prowess. Released as part of his 1976 album “Small Change,” this song has become a timeless piece in Waits’ extensive discography, cherished by fans and critics alike for its raw emotion and evocative imagery.
The title itself, “Tom Traubert’s Blues,” hints at the melancholic undertones that permeate the song. It’s a ballad that takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of life, blending elements of folk, blues, and jazz into a captivating sonic experience. Waits’ gravelly voice adds a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the lyrics, drawing listeners into the narrative with every word.
The song’s narrative unfolds like a vivid tableau, painting scenes of despair, longing, and introspection. From the bustling streets of Copenhagen to the quiet moments of reflection, Waits’ lyrics delve deep into the human experience, exploring themes of loss, love, and redemption. The imagery is vivid and visceral, creating a sense of intimacy that resonates long after the music fades.
Musically, “Tom Traubert’s Blues” is a masterclass in storytelling through song. The haunting melodies, accompanied by Waits’ signature piano arrangements and soulful instrumentation, create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the lyrical journey. Each note seems to carry the weight of the narrative, adding depth and texture to the overall experience.
What sets this song apart is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in listeners. Whether it’s the wistful nostalgia of reminiscing about the past or the bittersweet acceptance of life’s uncertainties, “Tom Traubert’s Blues” strikes a chord on a deeply human level. It’s a testament to Waits’ songwriting genius and his ability to capture the essence of the human condition in musical form.
In conclusion, “Tom Traubert’s Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)” stands as a timeless classic in Tom Waits’ repertoire, showcasing his mastery as a storyteller and musician. It’s a song that transcends genres and generations, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who lends an ear to its captivating tale.
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Lyrics
Wasted and wounded, it ain’t what the moon didI’ve got what I paid for nowSee ya tomorrow, hey Frank, can I borrowA couple of bucks from you?To go Waltzing Mathilda, Waltzing MathildaYou’ll go Waltzing Mathilda with meI’m an innocent victim of a blinded alleyAnd I’m tired of all these soldiers hereNo one speaks English, and every thing’s brokenAnd my stacks are soaking wetTo go Waltzing Mathilda, Waltzing MathildaYou’ll go Waltzing Mathilda with meNow the dogs are barking and the taxi cab’s parkingA lot they can do for meI begged you to stab me, you tore my shirt openAnd I’m down on my knees tonightOld bush mill’s I staggered, you buried the dagger inYour silhouette window lightTo go Waltzing Mathilda, Waltzing MathildaYou’ll go Waltzing Mathilda with meNow I lost my Saint Christopher now that I’ve kissed herAnd the one-armed bandit knowsAnd the Maverick Chinamen, and the cold-blooded signsAnd the girls down by the strip-tease shows goWaltzing Mathilda, Waltzing MathildaYou’ll go Waltzing Mathilda with meNo, I don’t want your sympathy, the fugitives sayThat the streets aren’t for dreaming nowManslaughter dragnets and the ghosts that sell memoriesThey want a piece of the action anyhow goWaltzing Mathilda, Waltzing MathildaYou’ll go Waltzing Mathilda with meAnd you can ask any sailor, and the keys from the jailerAnd the old men in wheelchairs knowThat Mathilda’s the defendant, she killed about a hundredAnd she follows wherever you may goWaltzing Mathilda, Waltzing MathildaYou’ll go Waltzing Mathilda with meAnd it’s a battered old suitcase to a hotel someplaceAnd a wound that will never healNo Prima Donna, the perfume is onAn old shirt that is stained with blood and whiskeyAnd goodnight to the street sweepersThe night watchman flame keepers and goodnight to Mathilda too