Tom Waits — Little Drop of Poison
Album: OrphansAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2577
Length: 3:09
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I like my town with a little drop of poison
Nobody knows they're lining up to go insane
I'm all alone, I smoke my friends down to the filter
But I feel much cleaner after it rains
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
Did the devil make the world why god was sleeping
Someone said you'll never get a wish from a bone
Another wrong good-bye nd a hundred sailors
That deep blue sky is my home
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
A rat always knows when he's in with weasels
Here you lose a little every day
I remember when a million was a million
They all have ways to make you pay
They all have ways to make you pay
Nobody knows they're lining up to go insane
I'm all alone, I smoke my friends down to the filter
But I feel much cleaner after it rains
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
Did the devil make the world why god was sleeping
Someone said you'll never get a wish from a bone
Another wrong good-bye nd a hundred sailors
That deep blue sky is my home
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall
She always had that little drop of poison
A rat always knows when he's in with weasels
Here you lose a little every day
I remember when a million was a million
They all have ways to make you pay
They all have ways to make you pay
Comments (310)add comment
bodinrichard1 wrote:
I respect that.
Enjoy what you enjoy, avoid what you don't, and have a lovely day.
It must be me.
Everyone else appears to love this guy.....but I just can't get there.
I listen to a huge spectrum of music (and adore the variety on RP obvs) but...Tom Waits just doesn't work for me. I don't get it!
I respect that.
Enjoy what you enjoy, avoid what you don't, and have a lovely day.
DrLex wrote:
I think I could appreciate this song more upon repeated listenings, which would make it unsuitable for hell. I think "My heart will go on" from Celine Dion would be a much better candidate.
I will Always Love you by Whitney is my contribution to your list
I think I could appreciate this song more upon repeated listenings, which would make it unsuitable for hell. I think "My heart will go on" from Celine Dion would be a much better candidate.
I will Always Love you by Whitney is my contribution to your list
It must be me.
Everyone else appears to love this guy.....but I just can't get there.
I listen to a huge spectrum of music (and adore the variety on RP obvs) but...Tom Waits just doesn't work for me. I don't get it!
Everyone else appears to love this guy.....but I just can't get there.
I listen to a huge spectrum of music (and adore the variety on RP obvs) but...Tom Waits just doesn't work for me. I don't get it!
DrLex wrote:
I think I could appreciate this song more upon repeated listenings, which would make it unsuitable for hell. I think "My heart will go on" from Celine Dion would be a much better candidate.
The day RP plays that is the day I sign out. (apologies to Celine Dion fans)
I think I could appreciate this song more upon repeated listenings, which would make it unsuitable for hell. I think "My heart will go on" from Celine Dion would be a much better candidate.
The day RP plays that is the day I sign out. (apologies to Celine Dion fans)
theirongiant wrote:
Thanks for this!
Tom is fabulous!!!!
Some good Kurt Weill here
jjbix37 wrote:
Please do.
never quite understood the popularity of mr waits, . . i'll keep trying
Please do.
never quite understood the popularity of mr waits, . . i'll keep trying
A rat always knows when he's in with weasels...
Don’t get how one can’t love that guy, awesome
Illustrator Jim Lackey produced a drawing called "Visible Tom Waits" that neatly explains why his voice sounds like one of Hell's minions coming up for a one night show:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVS0UohI4vo/Ty_6a60aAhI/AAAAAAAAETw/FPeXzWz5_tA/s1600/visible%2Btom%2Bwaits.jpg
Roguewarer wrote:
I gotta agree with you here. I have never been able to take Tom's vocals, although I know he's beloved by many. The skip button is great for me when he comes on.
No, thanks.
To each his/her own., of course.
Echoing another member RE:TW: He makes me appreciate the other RP programming. ;-)
I gotta agree with you here. I have never been able to take Tom's vocals, although I know he's beloved by many. The skip button is great for me when he comes on.
No, thanks.
To each his/her own., of course.
Echoing another member RE:TW: He makes me appreciate the other RP programming. ;-)
To each his/her own., of course.
Echoing another member RE:TW: He makes me appreciate the other RP programming. ;-)
sfoster66 wrote:
This post is difficult ; difficult as defined by you.
Tom is a difficult artist.
Artists who create difficult works are often considered elitist...as though the difficulty were an inserted aspect with the intention of frightening off a wider, popular audience and hoping for an 'elite' audience.
All the debate on his 'greatness' stems from this root....
This post is difficult ; difficult as defined by you.
Chimpmeister wrote:
Sounds like he smoked a pack or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
Sounds like he's trying to sound like he smoked a carton or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
Sounds like he smoked a pack or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
Sounds like he's trying to sound like he smoked a carton or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
idiot_wind wrote:
It's a challenge.
i get these confused
is this song: a tango, bossa nova, or samba?
It's a challenge.
i get these confused
is this song: a tango, bossa nova, or samba?
is this song: a tango, bossa nova, or samba?
Tom is a difficult artist.
Artists who create difficult works are often considered elitist...as though the difficulty were an inserted aspect with the intention of frightening off a wider, popular audience and hoping for an 'elite' audience.
All the debate on his 'greatness' stems from this root....
Artists who create difficult works are often considered elitist...as though the difficulty were an inserted aspect with the intention of frightening off a wider, popular audience and hoping for an 'elite' audience.
All the debate on his 'greatness' stems from this root....
paloeguevo wrote:
nope. That's a tango
could be bossa nova
nope. That's a tango
could be bossa nova
Chimpmeister wrote:
Sounds like he smoked a pack or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
He quit smoking a long time before that
Sounds like he smoked a pack or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
He quit smoking a long time before that
idiot_wind wrote:
nope. That's a tango
a samba?
nope. That's a tango
There is a certain mood, and if you're in it, there is nothing quite as soul-satisfying as a strong hit of wild, random Tom Waits. Big smile!
a samba?
Tippster wrote:
Sounds like he smoked a pack or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
Un-listenable to me. I just expect him to bust into a coughing fit at any moment.
Sounds like he smoked a pack or two of cigarettes just before he recorded the song.
ThePoose wrote:
See Danmc's post above
Who is the background banshee?
See Danmc's post above
A rat always knows when he's in with weasels
2017-21 WH apt description.
Complaining about vocals? OK, how about THIS?
jukes1 wrote:
“Miss” is pretty condecending. Just because we think this sucks doesn’t mean we “missed” something. Just that it sucks.
I think you misunderstood my comment. No condescension was intended. I simply meant that Tom's wit and humor can be very subtle. It's not a criticism of those who don't like his music. And who's 'we"? Do you speak for everyone here?
“Miss” is pretty condecending. Just because we think this sucks doesn’t mean we “missed” something. Just that it sucks.
I think you misunderstood my comment. No condescension was intended. I simply meant that Tom's wit and humor can be very subtle. It's not a criticism of those who don't like his music. And who's 'we"? Do you speak for everyone here?
Love that creepy stuff.
nannimae wrote:
It sounds more like a musical saw (aka "singing saw") to me; Waits tends to prefer acoustic instruments over electronic ones. I couldn't find a listing of the personnel for this recording but he's used them on his recordings before.
ThePoose wrote:
It's an instrument called a theremin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Who is the background banshee?
It's an instrument called a theremin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
It sounds more like a musical saw (aka "singing saw") to me; Waits tends to prefer acoustic instruments over electronic ones. I couldn't find a listing of the personnel for this recording but he's used them on his recordings before.
ThePoose wrote:
It's an instrument called a theremin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Who is the background banshee?
It's an instrument called a theremin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
“ that deep blue sky is my home“
Great lyrics and alliterations throughout this song
My second daughter played a song for me a few years back...and the piano has been drinking. That was my first ever taste of Tom Waits.
I've been a fan since.
I've been a fan since.
garyalex wrote:
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
“Miss” is pretty condecending. Just because we think this sucks doesn’t mean we “missed” something. Just that it sucks.
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
“Miss” is pretty condecending. Just because we think this sucks doesn’t mean we “missed” something. Just that it sucks.
STLBubbles wrote:
I concur.
ExploitingChaos wrote:
Its a badass tune, but I never wanna hear that ever again
Un-listenable to me. I just expect him to bust into a coughing fit at any moment.
Considering to downgrade this song even further… 2 -> 1
Gee, I like Tom. Really I do. But this one sounds too raw to me. Couldn't listen to the lyrics, because I couldn't listen to his voice. Maybe 'cause I'm listening through good headphones?
Still, he's had more hits than I have.
Still, he's had more hits than I have.
Clear your throat asshole!
so much fun , love it
Utopia_Bold wrote:
He's the rich relative in the music business, and deservedly so!
He had to have a rich relative in the music business.
He's the rich relative in the music business, and deservedly so!
maboleth wrote:
That's why I like it!
Sorry, but he sounds like a drunk singing in a lonely inn. Good music behind, but his voice is abrasive.
That's why I like it!
DrLex wrote:
I'm with you there, DrLex - I'm at a 6 now and what the hell...7 it is! Long Live RP!!
I guess my score will be creeping up every time I hear this, as is usually the case with Waits songs. I am now at 4.
I'm with you there, DrLex - I'm at a 6 now and what the hell...7 it is! Long Live RP!!
Its a badass tune, but I never wanna hear that ever again
A Salsa to a Tango! Thank you RP! 
chinaski wrote:
So Cool! (do I hear the clanging of hanging metal pipes as well : ) love St. Tom the Inebriated
The Theremin is the secret sauce to this songs list of instrumental ingredients.
So Cool! (do I hear the clanging of hanging metal pipes as well : ) love St. Tom the Inebriated
garyalex wrote:
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
Agreed.
You can use a variation of this argument any time someone says "This isn't music!"
I want to have a plaque made with this written on it.
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
Agreed.
You can use a variation of this argument any time someone says "This isn't music!"
I want to have a plaque made with this written on it.
garyalex wrote:
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
I couldn't have written this better myself. Really, I couldn't.
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
I couldn't have written this better myself. Really, I couldn't.
Like Funny, I just posted a comment on a Cake song, mentioning that Tom Waits falls into the same category: a little goes far. This one gets extra credit for being a tango.
garyalex wrote:
Yep.
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
Yep.
Funny, I just posted a comment on a Cake song, mentioning that Tom Waits falls into the same category: a little goes far. This one gets extra credit for being a tango.
kgage wrote:
Music to be waterboarded to.
St. Tom the Inebriated love it : )
I guess my score will be creeping up every time I hear this, as is usually the case with Waits songs. I am now at 4.
My wife and I are tangoing across the kitchen... love this!
Painful
phlegm (sucko-barfo it is sir!)
Tom Waits. Ten it is sir.
... lovely! maboleth wrote:
Tom's destroyed his lungs and liver so you don't have to.
bitbanger wrote:
Sorry, but he sounds like a drunk singing in a lonely inn. Good music behind, but his voice is abrasive.
Tom's destroyed his lungs and liver so you don't have to.
bitbanger wrote:
Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill would have loved this.
Ah, a tango!
I love Wait's waltzes too, but this tango comes so close to the heart of the dance:
the darkness, the mystery, the passionate ritual steps....
he just nails it.
I love Wait's waltzes too, but this tango comes so close to the heart of the dance:
the darkness, the mystery, the passionate ritual steps....
he just nails it.
That's what I love about that song. It is gritty and puts you into a dark place. A friend's band has been highly influenced by Tom Waits, Orpheum Bell. Check them out if you like the background music with less alcohol.
Sorry, but he sounds like a drunk singing in a lonely inn. Good music behind, but his voice is abrasive.
Music to be waterboarded to.
A long time ago I suggested Tom Waits for RP because I think it was never played. I'm quite happy to hear it so often nowadays. Thanks! :)
this is the recording that got Waits turned down at the cabaret
The Theremin is the secret sauce to this songs list of instrumental ingredients.
garyalex wrote:
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
Indeed. In that respect, he is similar to Warren Zevon, who also regularly ventured into the dark side (with tongue firmly in cheek — sometimes). The difference, I suppose, is that Warren's voice was more in keeping with the tastes of most. But Tom uses the gravelly voice to add another layer of context to his songs. Great songwriting.
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
Indeed. In that respect, he is similar to Warren Zevon, who also regularly ventured into the dark side (with tongue firmly in cheek — sometimes). The difference, I suppose, is that Warren's voice was more in keeping with the tastes of most. But Tom uses the gravelly voice to add another layer of context to his songs. Great songwriting.
He had to have a rich relative in the music business.
hagz21 wrote:
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
This is not music. On the upside, it makes me appreciate everything else that is played.
I think it's very much music, and that of the highest caliber. The lyrics alone earn it a degree of greatness. Tom's approach isn't for everyone. He sometimes combines a dark view with understated humor. It's easy to miss if you aren't really listening. Or if you just don't like it. For those of us who do, the man is a treasure.
frank_eindhoven wrote:
Only from "serious" music lovers. Outstanding for me. Younger folk should take him less seriously.
Wow, all those negative comments about Tom Waits, i must be dreaming 
Only from "serious" music lovers. Outstanding for me. Younger folk should take him less seriously.
Wow, all those negative comments about Tom Waits, i must be dreaming
This is not music. On the upside, it makes me appreciate everything else that is played.
"A rat always knows when he's in with weasels"
A great line. Though the lyrics as a whole make me never want to be anywhere near Tom W's mindset.
A great line. Though the lyrics as a whole make me never want to be anywhere near Tom W's mindset.
VV wrote:
Yes, very bad! Not good music!
Awful noise
Yes, very bad! Not good music!
Awful noise
"The piano has been drinking, not me"
I tried using that once as an excuse, and it didn't work. Geeez.
I tried using that once as an excuse, and it didn't work. Geeez.
Catalytic wrote:
Good answer; I agree.
Nobody. Luckily for me, he does it anyway.
Good answer; I agree.
Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill would have loved this.
This sounds like the live music at a Zombie strip club. What's that stuck to the pole?
Utopia_Bold wrote:
Nobody. Luckily for me, he does it anyway.
Who told this guy he could sing?
Nobody. Luckily for me, he does it anyway.
Who told this guy he could sing?
I love this wonderful freak of nature.
No words for this one. Laughing my butt off! Sucko-barfo at best.
I think Bill plays this just to see if people are listening and care enough to hit the PSD button.
I certainly did.
I certainly did.
1wolfy wrote:
Death can`t be this bad !!! And if so, we just found the reason why people are afraid to die.
I imagine if the dead could sing, it would sound like this.
Death can`t be this bad !!! And if so, we just found the reason why people are afraid to die.
I imagine if the dead could sing, it would sound like this.
fredriley wrote:
It's surely not for karaoke bars...
patrick30 wrote:
depends on the bar
People would have fun with it at the karaoke my husband runs in a dive bar outside of Spokane, WA. Since I've been going there with him for the last 3 years, I've heard all kinds of things (nothing surprises me anymore)!
fredriley wrote:
It's surely not for karaoke bars...
depends on the bar
It's surely not for karaoke bars...
depends on the bar
On_The_Beach wrote:
Well put. Tom's music is not for the simple-minded.
It's surely not for karaoke bars...
Well put. Tom's music is not for the simple-minded.
It's surely not for karaoke bars...
Hell Broke Luce really needs the video to be appreciated. Too bad.
I smoked my friend down to the filter... a golden line.
Seems to be a love him or hate him theme through these comments. I'm definitely on the love him side. I consider him one of the true geniuses in modern rock.
ThePoose wrote:
A bowed saw.
Who is the background banshee?
A bowed saw.
When I heard Bill say, "Up next a quirky little song from a quirky little dude", I thought to myself, "Must be Tom Waits."
This is a good thing.
This is a good thing.
unclehud wrote:
OMG! An example of evolution .... ?
let's hope so
OMG! An example of evolution .... ?
let's hope so
Stingray wrote:
OMG! An example of evolution .... ?
clipped:
Still OK - just not really for me!
OMG! An example of evolution .... ?
Such a sweet and smooth voice! Like barbed wire.
Just bought Daniel Melingo's album and am noticing the similarities - in the voice at least
VAUDEVILLE - not Rock!
In this department I prefer Mr. Grinderman!
Still OK - just not really for me!
Love Tom Waits - his lyrics are always interesting!
Who is the background banshee?
Why not Tom's Cemetary Polka?
sajitjacob wrote:
sajitjacob wrote:
I want this played at my funeral.
sajitjacob wrote:
Why? So you'll be glad that you're dead?
I want this played at my funeral.
Why? So you'll be glad that you're dead?
Utter bilge
cutiepie_jessy wrote:
What a happy life you must have. Pirates and pianos...he he.
HATERS!!!
I love this song!! It's from SHREK (2, I believe)
The pirate is playing the piano in the bar!
I love this song!! It's from SHREK (2, I believe)
The pirate is playing the piano in the bar!
What a happy life you must have. Pirates and pianos...he he.
I want this played at my funeral.
WTF ?
dig wrote:
And there's fine line between being a unique genius and being Mensa qualified.
There's a fine line between music and just trying to be different.
And there's fine line between being a unique genius and being Mensa qualified.
Oh god, make it stop.
Webfoot wrote:
Nope. Just people with good taste.
But instead for the arrogant and judgmental?
Nope. Just people with good taste.
jocelynsart wrote:
I quite like lemming pie.
omg - can I spell H-O-R-R-I-D correctly?
anyone who thinks this is genius has been sucked in inho - I refuse to be a lemming
anyone who thinks this is genius has been sucked in inho - I refuse to be a lemming
I quite like lemming pie.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Well put. Tom's music is not for the simple-minded.
But instead for the arrogant and judgmental?
Well put. Tom's music is not for the simple-minded.
But instead for the arrogant and judgmental?
There's a fine line between music and just trying to be different.
Why have I never heard this before? Why is this so brilliant? WHY?!
Sasha2001 wrote:
Well put. Tom's music is not for the simple-minded.
I dont think Tom Waits cares what anyone else thinks about his music. I should also hope that his fans wouldn't either. Part of the appeal of liking him is that you get to feel like you're part of a club. A club of people who like their music doused with a lot of second hand smoke.
Well put. Tom's music is not for the simple-minded.
I'd just like to give a shout out for Max Wall - Dream Tobacco, I've got this single, from the 10 Single Stiff Box Set i bought in the late 70's. It might explain why i find Tom Waits style to be just fine