Tom’s Borrowed Lament – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by Owner of a Lonely Heart from YES. Reimagined as a Tom Waits soliloquy.

(Verse 1)

In the city’s constant glow, where the streets are paved with sorrow,

There’s a lonely heart, lost in the shadows of tomorrow.

Through the urban haze, where the dreams all fall apart,

Tales around the burning drum, hobo’s art.

(Chorus)

He’s the owner of a lonely heart, in a world that’s cold and dark,

Sings a ballad of the city, where the dreams leave their mark.

In the alleyways of yearning, where the night is torn apart,

He’s the troubadour of loneliness, with a beat-up, weary heart.

(Verse 2)

Cigarette smoke rising, like whispers in the rain,

Echoes of a love lost, like a distant, haunting refrain.

The jukebox hums the blues, tales of love that couldn’t last,

In the dive bar’s corner, where memories are cast.

(Chorus)

He’s the owner of a lonely heart, in a world that’s cold and dark,

Sings a ballad of the city, where the dreams leave their mark.

In the alleyways of yearning, where the night is torn apart,

He’s the troubadour of loneliness, with a beat-up, weary heart.

(Bridge)

Squeeze Box wheezes, as the harmonica sighs,

A waltz of solitude, beneath the moonlit skies.

The broken glass reflects the pain, in the puddles on the street,

He stumbles through the memories, with worn-out shoes on his feet.

(Verse 3)

In the dim-lit gloom, recycled hooch flows like tears,

He tells his story, to the ghosts that linger near.

A ragged soul, in a world that’s unforgiving,

Searching for a solace, in the echoes of the living.

(Chorus)

He’s the owner of a lonely heart, in a world that’s cold and dark,

Sings a ballad of the city, where the dreams leave their mark.

In the alleyways of yearning, where the night is torn apart,

He’s the troubadour of loneliness, with a beat-up, weary heart.

(Outro)

As the night descends, and the city starts to sleep,

He fades into the shadows, where the secrets are buried deep.

The ballad lingers, like a ghost in the mist,

A long-life-lived tale, of a lonely heart’s tryst.

Artist Statement: 

“Tom’s Borrowed Lament” presents a rambling narrative akin to a soliloquy encapsulated in the realms of a Tom Waits-esque musical landscape. Inspired by the thematic elements of YES’s “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” this composition delves into the troubadour tradition to weave a tapestry of longing and introspection.

Harmonic and Melodic Analysis:

The chord progression follows a typical blues structure, providing a familiar framework for the narrative. The melody is characterized by its bluesy inflections, reflecting the protagonist’s emotional turmoil and the gritty atmosphere of the urban landscape.

Lyricism and Narrative:

The lyrics paint imagery evoking the gritty reality of city life. The protagonist, portrayed as a troubadour of loneliness, navigates the desolate streets and dimly lit alleyways, seeking solace amidst the ruins of broken dreams. The recurring motif of a “lonely heart” underscores the central theme of emotional isolation and the quest for connection in a cold and unforgiving world.

Instrumentation and Arrangement:

The instrumentation complements the song’s thematic content, with elements reminiscent of Tom Waits’s signature sound. The use of instruments such as harmonica, accordion, piano, and acoustic guitar creates a raw and earthy atmosphere, enhancing the song’s emotional depth. The arrangement is sparse yet evocative, allowing the lyrics to take centre stage while providing a subtle backdrop of musical texture.

Structural Analysis:

The song follows a traditional verse-chorus structure, with each verse building upon the central theme of loneliness and yearning. The chorus serves as a poignant refrain, encapsulating the protagonist’s emotional journey amidst the urban decay. The bridge section provides a moment of introspection, with the instrumentation reflecting the protagonist’s inner turmoil before transitioning back into the final verse and chorus.