The Meaning Behind The Song: How’s It Gonna End by Tom Waits
| Title | How’s It Gonna End |
|---|---|
| Artist | Tom Waits |
| Writer/Composer | Kathleen Brennan & Tom Waits |
| Album | Real Gone (2004) |
| Release Date | October 5, 2004 |
Tom Waits, the legendary American singer-songwriter, is known for his unique and distinctive musical style. One of his notable songs, “How’s It Gonna End,” comes from his album “Real Gone” released in 2004. This hauntingly beautiful song brings together Waits’ poetic lyrics, soulful vocals, and atmospheric melodies to create a captivating masterpiece.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple facing the challenges and uncertainties of life. The protagonist is strapped for money with only three dollars in his pocket and a worn-out car. His wife has decided to leave him, and the couple’s troubles are further emphasized by the reference to “trouble, worry, pain, and struggle.” There is a sense of desperation as she writes “goodbye” on the car’s hood, symbolizing a definitive ending to their relationship.
The song then takes a mysterious turn with the mention of a map of Missouri and lipstick on the glass, suggesting that the couple may have escaped their troubles by leaving abruptly in the middle of the night. However, the girl disappears behind a “smoke-colored curtain,” revealing that the relationship was built on deceit. The ring she wore turns out to be fake, and she ultimately “sinks like a hammer into the lake,” suggesting a tragic end.
“How’s It Gonna End” explores the themes of betrayal, lost love, and the elusive nature of truth. Waits’ poetic storytelling allows listeners to immerse themselves in the characters’ lives and contemplate the unpredictable twists and turns that fate can bring. The mention of a “crooked tree” symbolizes the impossibility of fixing something that was inherently flawed, while the line “promises are never meant to keep” reflects the fragility of human relationships.
This song resonates with me on a personal level, as it reflects the complexities and uncertainties inherent in life. The lyrics speak to the universal desire to understand how things will ultimately unfold. We all want to know how our stories will end, whether we will find happiness or continue to face challenges. The song’s introspective and introspective nature allows us to reflect on our own lives and the unpredictable nature of the future.
The haunting melodies and atmospheric instrumentals further enhance the song’s overall mood. They create a sense of melancholy and introspection, perfectly complementing the introspective themes explored in the lyrics. Listening to this song evokes a range of emotions and can serve as a source of creative inspiration. The disparate, stream-of-consciousness threads woven throughout the song encourage deeper contemplation and spark the imagination.
In conclusion, “How’s It Gonna End” by Tom Waits is a lyrical masterpiece that delves into the uncertainties and complexities of life. Through vivid storytelling and atmospheric melodies, Waits captivates listeners and invites them to ponder the meaning and ultimate outcome of their own stories. This song serves as a reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the only certainty is the uncertainty of the future. So, how’s it going to end? Only time will tell.
