That Ol’ Tom Balm – – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by a fictional song about Tom Waits by Louis Armstrong, as if Waits were an inspiration for a Louis Armstrong born after Tom Waits.

Tom Waits, a troubadour of midnight’s embrace,

With gravel and grit in that whiskey-soaked voice,

He reaches deep within the soul’s sacred space,

And in the darkest corners, he finds a choice.

His songs are like whispers from forgotten streets,

Where neon signs flicker and secrets are kept,

In the company of lost souls he meets,

He sings of life’s sorrows, where dreams intercept.

In the clink of a glass and the howl of the wind,

In the rattle of trains on the steel tracks of night,

He conjures the stories of those who have sinned,

And the ones who’ve found solace in the pale moonlight.

He’s a poet of heartache, a maestro of pain,

His words are a balm for the weary and worn,

He captures the beauty that’s born from the rain,

In the midst of the chaos, a rose among thorns.

Tom Waits, he soothes like no other balm can do,

In the cadence of his music, we find our own way,

He weaves tales of the broken, the tried, and the true,

In the warmth of his art, we find solace each day.

So, raise a glass to the troubadour of the soul,

For Tom Waits, in his wisdom, will never grow old,

He reaches inside, makes the wounded heart whole,

In the stories he tells, our own tales unfold.

Artist Statement:

The song “That Ol’ Tom Balm” embodies an evocative tribute to the essence of Tom Waits through the lens of a hypothetical Louis Armstrong inspired by Waits. This analysis will delve into the technical and thematic aspects of the lyrics, highlighting the poetic devices and musical elements employed to convey the essence of Tom Waits’ artistry.

Lyricism and Imagery:

The lyrics are cornucopia of imagery and metaphor, reflecting Tom Waits’ signature style of storytelling. Waits is depicted as a troubadour of the night, with a voice characterized by “gravel and grit,” which metaphorically symbolizes the raw, earthy quality of his vocal delivery. 

The imagery of “whiskey-soaked voice” further reinforces the idea of Waits’ music as being infused with the melancholy and depth reminiscent of late-night revelries and introspective musings.

The portrayal of Waits’ songs as “whispers from forgotten streets” and references to “neon signs flicker[ing]” conjure vivid imagery of film noir, urban landscapes and the downtrodden characters that inhabit them. These images serve to underscore Waits’ role as a chronicler of the marginalized and dispossessed, capturing the essence of their lives with empathy and authenticity.

Rhythm and Meter:

The rhythmic structure of the lyrics mimics the cadence of jazz and blues with a hint of boogie-woogie, as only Louis Armstrong could deliver. The use of internal rhyme and alliteration adds a musical quality to the verses, enhancing their melodic flow and rhythmic appeal. For example, phrases like “In the clink of a glass and the howl of the wind” and “He’s a poet of heartache, a maestro of pain” demonstrate a mastery of rhythm and cadence, akin to the syncopated beats of jazz improvisation.

Themes of Solace and Redemption:

Central themes in the song revolve around solace, redemption, and the transformative power of art. Waits is portrayed as a healer of sorts, offering solace to the “weary and worn” through his music. The imagery of a “balm for the weary and worn” suggests that Waits’ songs possess a healing quality, capable of soothing the pains of life and offering respite from the harsh realities of the world.

Moreover, the idea of finding beauty amidst chaos is a recurring motif, emphasizing Waits’ ability to uncover moments of grace and poignancy in the midst of despair. The line “In the midst of the chaos, a rose among thorns” encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting Waits’ talent for illuminating the beauty inherent in life’s struggles.

Conclusion:

“That Ol’ Tom Balm,” pays homage to Tom Waits’ artistic legacy by capturing the essence of his music and persona in lyrical form. Through vivid imagery, rhythmic lyricism, and thematic depth, the song celebrates Waits’ status as a witty troubadour of the soul, whose music continues to resonate with audiences, offering solace, and insight into the human experience.