The Meaning Behind The Song: Tom Traubert’s Blues by Tom Waits
When it comes to ballads, “Tom Traubert’s Blues” by Tom Waits holds a special place in the heart of many music lovers. This iconic song, also known as “Waltzing Mathilda,” has been covered by numerous artists and used in multiple TV shows and movies. The song’s haunting melody, paired with the bleak lyrics, continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
Tom Waits wrote “Tom Traubert’s Blues” in the late ’70s while on tour in Copenhagen, Denmark. The composer stumbled upon a local bar and struck up a conversation with a down-on-his-luck character named Tom Traubert. The encounter left a strong impression on Waits, who was moved by Traubert’s story of lost love, alcoholism and desperation. Waits took these mournful emotions and created a melancholic masterpiece that combined his signature gravelly voice with the sound of bagpipes and a waltz-like rhythm.
The Interpretation of the Song
The tale of “Tom Traubert’s Blues” is a tragic one. The main character, Tom Traubert, has hit rock bottom after losing his true love and turning to alcohol to cope. The song finds Traubert wandering the streets, drunk and alone, reminiscing about his past and the love he has lost. The lyrics describe a man who has given up on life and is ready to die. The mention of “Waltzing Mathilda” reflects the theme of a lost paradise, as it refers to the soldier’s song from Australia, which symbolizes the loss of innocence.
However, the song can be interpreted as a warning against alcohol abuse or a commentary on the challenging circumstances of a generation of individuals who have experienced loss, addiction, and abandonment.
The Legacy of the Song
“Tom Traubert’s Blues” is a timeless classic that has not lost its charm despite the passing of years. Since its release in 1976, the song has been covered by multiple artists, including Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, and The Pogues. Waits’ composition has resonated with multiple generations, conveying the sadness, lost, and disillusionment that is inherent in the human experience.
The song has been used in countless films and TV shows as a significant symbol of hopelessness, despair, and death. The haunting melody and sad lyrics serve as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the need to cherish our moments with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Is Tom Traubert?
Tom Traubert is a fictional character who inspired the song. Tom Waits met a man with the same name in a bar in Copenhagen and was captivated by him. Tom Traubert had lost everything and was hopeless as he wandered the streets. Waits took the emotions stirred up by this chance meeting and wrote a song that became a classic.
2. Who Has Covered the Song?
“Tom Traubert’s Blues” has been covered by numerous artists, including Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, and The Pogues. The most successful cover version is by Australian band Redgum, who recorded it as “I Was Only 19 (A Walk in The Light Green),” which became a hit in Australia.
3. What Is the Meaning of “Waltzing Mathilda”?
“Waltzing Matilda” is an Australian folk song that tells the story of a swagman who steals a sheep and then drowns himself in a waterhole to avoid arrest. The song is commonly interpreted as a symbol of the loss of youth and innocence.
4. What Is the Theme of the Song?
The theme of “Tom Traubert’s Blues” is the sadness, disillusionment, and loss that come with life. It is a lament about a man whose life has been ruined by lost love and alcoholism, and who has given up hope. The song reflects on a life that could have been.
5. What Instruments Are Used in the Song?
The song features Waits’ signature gravelly voice, accompanied by bagpipes, accordion, and a standard drum kit. The sound of the bagpipes adds a haunting feel, while the accordion provides a waltz-like rhythm.
6. What Are the Most Famous Lyrics in the Song?
The most famous lyrics in the song are the chorus, which begins with “And the wheels go round and round, and the flames leap up and down.” These lyrics reflect the desolation and despair associated with a lost love and addiction.
7. What Is the Significance of the Song’s Title?
The significance of the title lies in its association with the fictional character, Tom Traubert, who inspired the song. “Blues” is used to describe the genre of music the song belongs to, while “Tom Traubert” is named after the man who was the original inspiration behind the song.
8. How Was the Song Received by Fans and Critics?
Upon its release in 1976, “Tom Traubert’s Blues” received critical acclaim, with many praising the song’s haunting melody and emotional lyrics. Over the years, it has maintained its reputation as a melancholic masterpiece by one of America’s most iconic songwriters.
9. Why Has the Song Endured Over Time?
The song has endured because it speaks to a universal sense of loss, disillusionment, and despair. It tells a timeless story that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to touch the soul of listeners today, just as it did when it was first released.
10. What Is the Song’s Message?
The message of “Tom Traubert’s Blues” is that life can be cruel, and it is possible to lose touch with loved ones and become embroiled in addiction. The song serves as a reminder that life is fragile and should be cherished.
11. Does the Song Have a Political Message?
The song does not have a significant political message, although it can be interpreted as a commentary on the difficult circumstances that many generations have faced, including addiction, loss, and abandonment.
12. What Is Tom Waits Most Recognized for?
Tom Waits is recognized as a unique songwriter and performer who fused the sounds of blues, jazz, and rock to create his distinctive style. He is also recognized for his gritty voice and for writing songs that reflect on the struggles and beauty of life, including “Tom Traubert’s Blues.”
