The Early Years: The Lyrics of Tom Waits (1971-1982)

by Tom Waits

Known for his growling vocals and for the distinct poetry of his lyrics, Tom Waits has amassed over the course of three decades a devoted cult following. The Early Years collects the lyrics--formative... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061458007
• ISBN13: 9780061458002
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Ecco Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Only if you're old enough

I'm caught between the extant reviews. The key is to be old enough to have heard these songs, even if it's years since the experience. What great fun to find out what he really said in pieces like "Step Right Up" and "Pasties and a G String". Those of us who've crossed the bar of a half-century will take "Martha" so much more to heart, now that our own Martha's are gone. We know the 'Heart of Saturday Night' - Saturday night back then - is still the best that could ever be. Pity the youngsters who never had the brilliance of a slow dance, who never had three or four too many but made it to work the next day and kept going because your 'baby' was waitin up for you. Get it, recall it, make up your own melodies when the memory's going fuzzy - it's all to the good.

Haunting writing, reads well as poetry

I find some of the songs haunting. Tom has a great feel for a symbol that cuts deep. The song Broken Bicycles is especially good. Heartattack and Vine, etc. are classics for Tom Waits buffs. I found myself yearning for the music and atmosphere that Tom creates in his work. Nonetheless, the lyrics all on their own a worth reading.