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see the sad part of all this, is that the vast majority of the people ever listening to this song won't have the slightest fucking clue why it's one of the saddest pieces of art ever created - but instead they'll be sitting in their warm cozy houses and laughing at something which they'll never comprehend
much like laughing at an old drunk getting stabbed by kids on the street
@weaverfever55 mate, please dont confuse vocal range with being tone deaf, if tom was tone deaf he'd be hitting all the wrong notes on his piano too, his vocal range is what gives him the strained gravelly sound which is part of the charm of this style of music, i'm completely biased as a fan i know, but he is an outstanding songwriter, poet and performer.
...dislikes...man, either this tune has ripped yo' soul right outta yer brain thru' yo' ears...or you must be so damn religious...I mean so...fucking...goddamn religious...that y'all wouldn't be able to hear, turn and look to see -then, recognise Father Creator, Mother Holy Spirit Creator and their Son, IAM Creator of this beautiful yet love-less universe....then run to them as a toddler, teen or elder would to his own beloved Family... ...please, don't be so self-inflicted blind!
@curiosofsigns not really, me thinks. I mean, about drinking or not. Could be that but i take it's more because he's not singing about what's beautiful or great or charming or bright. But about what's broken. Who likes to look at the garbage rather the flowers?
why do all you faggots get into a big rant about why you like it/dont like it, or why others should/shouldnt like it?
if you like it, like it and say why if you want and if you dont like it; youre welcome to say why you dont. stop having these retarded fucking bitch conversations about shit nobody fucking cares about. youre never going to change someone's mind, whichever "side" you're on.
This is art at it's most raw. This tugs incessantly at my heart strings. It is a new addition today in my Christmas playlist along with Bing Crosby, Elvis, She & Him, Florence and the Machine, Frank Sinatra, Susan Boyle, Metallica, John Mayer, Bobby Darin, BB King, Bare Naked Ladies "I saw 3 ships come sailing in". I love good music and the more diverse, the better. Merry Christmas everyone
No other song describes "the already and the not yet" of the Kingdom of God like this performance does. Merry Christmas to all. May the peace, hope, and love of God surround all this Christmas.
merry christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! btw does indluging in cabernet, tom waits, and chewing tabacco make me an affluent hillbilly, a hillbilly trying to be affluent, or is it a wash?
From someone that has made a living out of spotting singers, what makes a great singer for me is not technical ability, it is emotion and tone. Its often the imperfections that give the voice nuance. And there is, in my opinion, none much better than Mr. Waits living, breathing and working today.
@jeannicol1969 Well stated my friend. It's a rare combination that makes the singer, an artist of this calliber. Amy Winehouse had that combination IMO. Merry Christmas to you and Amy.
Throughout all of his work, Tom goes through a huge amount of emotions, more so than many other musicians that have come before and after him. Chances are, if today's musicians took inspiration from Tom Waits rather than the processed music we had from the late 70s and onward, we would see many more genuine artists dealing with real issues rather than manufactured artists trying to peddle merchandise and portray negative images to this generation.
This is a deliciously funny song in classic American humor: an outrageous story told with an utterly serious mien. And in Tom's case, with a touching and sincere emotion also in the payload.
I first saw Tom Waits open for Frank Zappa at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos,Ca.circa`74.He painted an obtuse picture of everyday life with his lyrics and music.No body loves him like he loves himself and thats a good thing! You can catch him in LA at his restaurant.
I think a lot of Tom Wait's performances are a mixed bag of emotions. At this point in the concert they probably didn't know how to react to each line.
@PartSasquatch I agree to an extent. Some of the lyrics got a chuckle out of me as well. Tom Waits is nothing is not hilarious. It's a rare performer that can combine such powerful sadness with such brilliant comedy.
@veritasaxe I suppose that makes sense. And I see from reading other comments that people consider Tom's lyrics to be somewhat funny. I have to say, I never did find anything funny about the lyrics, I just found them amazingly raw and real. He does of course have a strong comic side our Mr. Waits. Although I think that comes from that fact that most tragedy has is somewhat comedic by nature.
@RebelShell I couldn't agree more. Having seen my fair share of personal tragedy, (especially over the coarse of this year) I can definitely say that if we can't find a way to laugh at it, it will crush us. It very nearly did me. Happy Christmas, RebelShell. I hope your holidays are spectacular!
Tom Waits is one of America's great talents. Maybe some of the less enlightened do not understand that Tom Waits owes more to American novelists like Nelson Algren and James T. Farrell, and to European composers like Kurt Weill (and lyricist Brecht) and American jazz greats like Thelonious Monk than he does to simplistic rock musicians.
@AubreyfromOregon I think they're laughing because of the intentionally ironic juxtaposition between the traditional Christmas story which deals with hope and the birth of a loved and wanted child, with the broken down sad and sorry life of a woman unexpectedly pregnant in a chaotic lifestyle with many of her friends dead or in prison.
I don't think the song is anti-Christian, listening to it makes me grateful for good things especially health, home, job, family and friends. And Jesus
@didgeboy287 because he'd already broken it five years earlier with 'Martha'. And then 'Tom Traubert's Blues' finished the job off three years later. But if my heart was still in one piece, this song would have broken it.
To me a great singer has never been how technically well he can sing, despite what Simon Cowell might tell you, but how well a singer can bring his own thing to the table. Tommy here's got that covered.
@MarkArandjus - Talent is no substitute for passion. He simply steps up to the mic and bears his soul to everyone. Pure, naked, passionate expression of himself. There is nothing better.
@MarkArandjus It's really for me never been a part of whether or not he can sing. His voice is distinguishable enough and soulful enough that to me; it is the most beautiful singing of all.
Yes - agreed, and he has an underlying dark sense of humour. His songs mostly make your throat tight and at the same time he makes you smile. A very unique artist. It's a shame he hasn't got more recognition
Though I''m a big fan of Tom, and played this song a lotta times from CD, I never heard him live, and never seen this clip before. I love it.
From the comments I see, I notice not everyone quite understands what Tom is doing or is all about. All, I can say; If you''ve ever been lonely or drunk, or both... or maybe I should say, if you have ever truly been alive and in touch with your feelings... you'll know exactly what Tom is all about...
Tom Waits a singer and songwriter and he is what I cal a real artist, I have been reading his biography, he deserves all the consideration in the world for he wroks for the love of what he does which is music
Some of you are confused. Tom Waits is not really a singer and should not be judged on his singing voice.. He is a poet and storyteller, who happens to recite his work while playing the piano. He is a unique talent. There will never be another like him.
Whether or not someone is a good singer is subjective. It's arguable making it able for people to have opinions. So congratulations foottothenuts you formed an opinion but your opinion is wrong!!!
If it was a fact no one would be having this conversation period. Basically the whole scientific method thing of how to create a law. You know form an idea, for example Tom Waits is a poor singer then form hypothesis(a testable statement). Experiment gathering data what we've been doing here. Finally the conclusion which I would say went poorly for you. Making you're statement neither fact or a law.
@foottothenuts Seriously, if youre one of these snobs that ridiculously think music has so to be sung a certain way to be "good", why are you even here? Are you so much of a loser that you like to start arguments in places you know you'll lose? Snobs: "oh but music started this way, it should all sound that way" Me: "Shut the Fk UP!"
@foottothenuts music in it's purest form much like any art, does not follow "rules". that's what makes a great artist. so if you think tom sucks, then go listen to an artist you prefer. from my point of view this is one of my favorite songs ever, and the live performance kicks the shit out of the recorded version. so in summation, if you think tom sucks,don't listen.
I seriously doubt tom waits gives a flying fuck what you think about his voice, he smokes cigarettes and snorts cocaine. and puts it the fuck down like no other. fuck off, listen to celene dion if you like voices and shit. pussy.
Thanks for bringing the laughter to my attention. It would be easy to get bogged down in the sadness of this song. Sometimes we forget to see the funny side but a genius like Tom Waits can blend the two so seamlessly.
I'm compared to him! wow sooo beyond my wildest dreams! Sooo blessed Check me out and Him too ddick ouch no really sooo wise and treats aren't this lucky I am Ddick Springfieldzs rocks or just is sooo Tom don't wait see for yourself, be sure to find all of Ddickzs tough stuff oh rrick is sooo cool to pay for me and well how do you think I get played? you 2 thanks Tom love youfor the favor! yahoo who i mean oooooh ooooh yeeah
@foottothenuts Hi, He's better than good,He's a great singer, not the sweetest voice, granted, but listen to how he moulds and teases the piece into the shape he wants, then guides it where he wants. I think that's what being a good singer is about.
@MrBowsmith No. Being a good singer isn't your fucked up definition. A great singer has a wide range, clarity, power, and sustain. He has nothing in every category. It's not about how much he can do to avoid actually singing. He can't even form a melody.
@foottothenuts He's not a good technical singer according to traditional rules. That sort of misses the point, though; his songs often lose something when covered, in ways that other performers' songs often do not, which has to mean he's doing something right with them. Perhaps if one's narrow expectations and rules get in the way of enjoying clearly well-crafted entertainment art, it's the expectations and rules that are the problem.
@fakejohnwilkesbooth people can enjoy his fucking songs all they want. When they go around saying he's a great singer when he doesn't even try or give a fuck about trying to sing, as compared to someone like Geoff Tate who takes professional training and all throughout his professional career worked to refine his singing, then there's a problem.
@foottothenuts If we're using that same logic, let's compare bebop and opera. Bebop doesn't quite use prepared sheet music, just a lead sheet and the musicians improvise around a general theme. In opera, everything is finely crafted to a uniform sound. Is either of them better or is either one of them more or less music than the other? No. Tom Waits has spent his professional career refining his particular brand of singing.
@ravenwing613 You see the thing here is he's a horrible fucking singer. He sucks at singing. That's what we're talking about. WHO'S GOOD AT SINGING. Not WHO DO YOU LIKE MORE. It doesn't fucking matter if you like whether or not a band actually tries to sound good. What I'm talking about is a singer who sucks AT SINGING. I don't care how he tells his lyrics or what goofy voices he can do. He sucks at singing. Does everyone here understand??? That's ALL I'm trying to get across.
@foottothenuts That's opinion, nothing more. Arguing opinion is as silly as shouting at the sun to not rise. Whereas you approach greatness in singing via a strictly technical standpoint, I might view greatness in singing as believability in conveyance of emotion or in trying to get said artist's point across. In which case, by my criteria, Tom Waits is a great singer. Taste and opinion is not a basis for an argument.
@foottothenuts Omg moore than 4000 people likes and u and some 70 people don´t. Gosh maybe u right?? Or maybe you not get it?? Maybe u want to suck Justin B? Maybe u 12 years old ...Blähhh
@matseman46 Of course. If someone doesn't like a singer you like, that must obviously mean they love Justin Bieber. People jump to that conclusion to much.
@foottothenuts Whether or not you care for his particular brand of singing is missing the point. If you like Geoff Tate, go listen to Queensryche. Personally, I find them bland and conducive of lethargy. I'm not going to Queensryche videos and bashing what I percieve to be a lack of soulful simplicity. When things simply have to be technical to be good, I think that's missing the point of music as a whole.
He's not a good technical singer according to traditional rules. That sort of misses the point, though; his songs often lose something when covered, in ways that other performers' songs often do not, which has to mean he's doing something right with them. Perhaps if one's narrow expectations and rules get in the way of enjoying clearly well-crafted entertainment art, it's the expectations and rules that are the problem.
ahhhh I love Tom Waits; and people who are smart enough to dig hin. This whole post is proof; who the hell else will debate the strength of laughter and sadness, as if they revolve in one big circle... bless you all, and have a great holiday
Anyone that truly thinks that Tom is some "hack" or "retarted guy" needs to first learn how to spell "retarded" when divvying out insults, otherwise you just look foolish. Secondly, you couldn't be more wrong... You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone with more talent, wit, or natural ability to make you laugh and cry at the same time than this here one of a kind entertainer. He's our "Late Night Evening Prostitute."
This and on the nickel are 2 of my all time favorite songs. Not just tom waits songs, but of all songs. Maybe it's because I'm broke and drunk all the time and can easily identify with the characters of which he sings about... Tonight was a scotch and Tom Waits night =)
I guess there is a bit of humor in Silent night with his unusual singing, but that song "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" gets me. Especially that line, "Charlie, baby, I think I'm happy now" considering the end of the song. :'(
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hey peoples! i work hard on my creative videos and get very low views. so PLEASE check out my videos. be sure to check out SEEDS, and SOFTLY CONFINED (COOL stop motion animation) (Original MUSIC) and much more! thanks! :) (subscribe if you like)
MrMovieSound 15 hours ago
Its dry wit people... tom wanted it to be funny and sad
Unacknowledged86 2 days ago
see the sad part of all this, is that the vast majority of the people ever listening to this song won't have the slightest fucking clue why it's one of the saddest pieces of art ever created - but instead they'll be sitting in their warm cozy houses and laughing at something which they'll never comprehend
much like laughing at an old drunk getting stabbed by kids on the street
LordSanta78 1 week ago
@LordSanta78 shut the fuck up
PastyPickle 4 days ago
Maybe it depends what mood you're in, but I can't imagine how this song can provoke laughter.
IDmcgowan 1 week ago
@IDmcgowan
Why not? That line about the virgin having a child cracks me up every time.
Agett 1 week ago
@Agett Not even Tom Waits can cut through your pretentiousness?
outcast302 1 day ago
GOSH! !!!!!!
lauren461 1 week ago
fuck man...this is genial!!!!
pedroqueiroz1000 1 week ago
@pedroqueiroz1000 yes this is the right word , genial!
lauren461 1 week ago
interesting how the Silent Night part has so much more impact the second time.
SquishedButterfly 1 week ago 3
I don't know whether to cry or laugh, so I'm gonna do a bit of both.
Bandaids4ever 2 weeks ago
Like a drunken angel with throat cancer...
Philisophicles 2 weeks ago
I feel sorry for anyone who cant appreciate and see the beauty in this song
Jetwildli7 2 weeks ago 3
@weaverfever55 mate, please dont confuse vocal range with being tone deaf, if tom was tone deaf he'd be hitting all the wrong notes on his piano too, his vocal range is what gives him the strained gravelly sound which is part of the charm of this style of music, i'm completely biased as a fan i know, but he is an outstanding songwriter, poet and performer.
DoktorSteflon 2 weeks ago 3
This is one of my favorite performances of all time...
stevesan 2 weeks ago
The way he says, " he takes me out dancin' " is adorable.
ninjajesuszombie 2 weeks ago
high,or somethin,shit is buy this is real shittie,flat tone def shit,shit shittie
weaverfever55 3 weeks ago
...dislikes...man, either this tune has ripped yo' soul right outta yer brain thru' yo' ears...or you must be so damn religious...I mean so...fucking...goddamn religious...that y'all wouldn't be able to hear, turn and look to see -then, recognise Father Creator, Mother Holy Spirit Creator and their Son, IAM Creator of this beautiful yet love-less universe....then run to them as a toddler, teen or elder would to his own beloved Family... ...please, don't be so self-inflicted blind!
SittingMooseShaman 3 weeks ago
@SittingMooseShaman even if you dislike it it still affects your soul.
curiosofsigns 2 weeks ago
@curiosofsigns ...naw, man...I was aimin' that at th' 73 dislikes...they gotta be fuggin' cold...absolutely fuggin' cold...
SittingMooseShaman 2 weeks ago
@SittingMooseShaman Yeah Tom Waits is divisive. Some people just don't get him. I think it's got something to do with whether you drink or not.
curiosofsigns 2 weeks ago
@curiosofsigns not really, me thinks. I mean, about drinking or not. Could be that but i take it's more because he's not singing about what's beautiful or great or charming or bright. But about what's broken. Who likes to look at the garbage rather the flowers?
GabrielCaetanoMusic 2 weeks ago
@curiosofsigns I don't drink, but I've been a Waits fan for years. -_-
MrJeaye 2 weeks ago
<3
SergiKu2011 3 weeks ago
I love his voice, the insecurity he is able to emanate....he is great...x I want to be his friend!!!
kokumusicismylove 4 weeks ago in playlist Favorite videos
some of you call him Tom Waits...I call him genius...
pedroqueiroz1000 4 weeks ago
fuck
PinkFloydrulez 4 weeks ago
71 people never had a drink.
aricars6263 1 month ago 3
Happy new year all you raindogs out there
: - )
Pmitsou123 1 month ago 41
@Vicartje abso-fucking-lutely.
nickthurnbeck 1 month ago
@Vicartje i just seen this on tv like not even 5min ago and he is a true poet..i feel privlaged to have heard tom
TheGsx19 1 month ago
My god I love you Tom.
crookjoe 1 month ago
This is great, but I don't get why the audience is laughing. Is it supposed to be funny?
thehumburger 1 month ago
@thehumburger they are happy to see someone more f* up than them
silvioluizmaria 1 month ago in playlist Tom Waits
@thehumburger I think it's a bit of a heart broken laughter. Sometimes you can't do much about life than just laugh.
stevesan 1 month ago
This song has a lot of heart.
ehukai26 1 month ago
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JezusSlave 1 month ago
Nothing like this...one of my favorite performances, favorite songs, favorite stories.
LthreeL4 1 month ago
I like how he interpolates "Silent Night" into this. It creates an interesting juxtaposition with the story in the card.
stefmagura 1 month ago
why do all you faggots get into a big rant about why you like it/dont like it, or why others should/shouldnt like it?
if you like it, like it and say why if you want and if you dont like it; youre welcome to say why you dont. stop having these retarded fucking bitch conversations about shit nobody fucking cares about. youre never going to change someone's mind, whichever "side" you're on.
23rice23 1 month ago
Almost forgot to listen to this. Merry Christmas Mr. Waits
razorlikeblue 1 month ago 3
:)
miketzanos11 1 month ago
Merry Christmas Tom!
relativelypainless 1 month ago
Amazing. As profound and tragically beautiful and heart-wrenching as anything by Schubert. Tom is the man.
warrencriswell 1 month ago
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This is art at it's most raw. This tugs incessantly at my heart strings. It is a new addition today in my Christmas playlist along with Bing Crosby, Elvis, She & Him, Florence and the Machine, Frank Sinatra, Susan Boyle, Metallica, John Mayer, Bobby Darin, BB King, Bare Naked Ladies "I saw 3 ships come sailing in". I love good music and the more diverse, the better. Merry Christmas everyone
celestian1111 1 month ago
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Merry Christmas
gskaloyan 1 month ago
No other song describes "the already and the not yet" of the Kingdom of God like this performance does. Merry Christmas to all. May the peace, hope, and love of God surround all this Christmas.
scvman992000 1 month ago 2
Merry Christmas All!
RebelShell 1 month ago
@RebelShell And you!
veritasaxe 1 month ago
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
wasjunk11 1 month ago
merry christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! btw does indluging in cabernet, tom waits, and chewing tabacco make me an affluent hillbilly, a hillbilly trying to be affluent, or is it a wash?
rocknroll19842 1 month ago 2
@rocknroll19842 Whatever you want man, whatever you want.
rsoomer 1 month ago
From someone that has made a living out of spotting singers, what makes a great singer for me is not technical ability, it is emotion and tone. Its often the imperfections that give the voice nuance. And there is, in my opinion, none much better than Mr. Waits living, breathing and working today.
jeannicol1969 1 month ago
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@jeannicol1969 Well stated my friend. It's a rare combination that makes the singer, an artist of this calliber. Amy Winehouse had that combination IMO. Merry Christmas to you and Amy.
celestian1111 1 month ago
Happy holidays all you tom waits fans.
trevorlee21 1 month ago
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Merry Christmas
farragutfishing 1 month ago
I'm watching PBS's re-broadcast of this concert as I type this.
So unbelievably cool to see this full show!!
coeconspiritor 1 month ago
Merry Christmas, everybody. And thanks Tom for giving us another great album this year.
poughkeepsiejohn1 1 month ago
Would audiences in 2011 laugh so similarly?
cinger7 1 month ago
I've played this every day over the last week or so
relyTsIemaNyM 1 month ago
Beautiful but bizarre that the audience are laughing.
Golden007Goose 1 month ago 2
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Throughout all of his work, Tom goes through a huge amount of emotions, more so than many other musicians that have come before and after him. Chances are, if today's musicians took inspiration from Tom Waits rather than the processed music we had from the late 70s and onward, we would see many more genuine artists dealing with real issues rather than manufactured artists trying to peddle merchandise and portray negative images to this generation.
CalculatingInfinity6 1 month ago
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CalculatingInfinity6 1 month ago
My god... Tom Tom Tom, i can only say, i love this man, makes all of my days, including this christmas
Miemiejj 1 month ago 4
Wesołych Świąt, Tomku, pozdrowienia z Polski!
EmilKonikowski 1 month ago
Happy Christmas Tom, I love you
MrBongoRock 1 month ago 3
This is a deliciously funny song in classic American humor: an outrageous story told with an utterly serious mien. And in Tom's case, with a touching and sincere emotion also in the payload.
somercet1 1 month ago
I first saw Tom Waits open for Frank Zappa at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos,Ca.circa`74.He painted an obtuse picture of everyday life with his lyrics and music.No body loves him like he loves himself and thats a good thing! You can catch him in LA at his restaurant.
gregtheiceman 1 month ago 2
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Tom Waits is the best the best and point
OMAREALUX 1 month ago
Tom Waits is Tom Waits biggest fan.
maximon72 1 month ago
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tom waits has become my favorite singer in the last two days
TheMpo1986 1 month ago
I think a lot of Tom Wait's performances are a mixed bag of emotions. At this point in the concert they probably didn't know how to react to each line.
zapwai 1 month ago
I don't understand why the audience lasughs. It's beautiful, but not funny. ??
RebelShell 1 month ago
@RebelShell They're laughing because they don't know how to deal with the emotions this song is bringing up inside them.
veritasaxe 1 month ago
@veritasaxe and some of the lines are a bit funny as well.
veritasaxe 1 month ago
@veritasaxe I think they are laughing because, whether he meant it or not, he said those lyrics in a comedic fashion.
PartSasquatch 1 month ago
@PartSasquatch I agree to an extent. Some of the lyrics got a chuckle out of me as well. Tom Waits is nothing is not hilarious. It's a rare performer that can combine such powerful sadness with such brilliant comedy.
veritasaxe 1 month ago
@veritasaxe I suppose that makes sense. And I see from reading other comments that people consider Tom's lyrics to be somewhat funny. I have to say, I never did find anything funny about the lyrics, I just found them amazingly raw and real. He does of course have a strong comic side our Mr. Waits. Although I think that comes from that fact that most tragedy has is somewhat comedic by nature.
RebelShell 1 month ago 3
@RebelShell In the face of real horror you either laugh or cry. And there are only so many tears.
vudu8ball 1 month ago
@RebelShell I couldn't agree more. Having seen my fair share of personal tragedy, (especially over the coarse of this year) I can definitely say that if we can't find a way to laugh at it, it will crush us. It very nearly did me. Happy Christmas, RebelShell. I hope your holidays are spectacular!
veritasaxe 1 month ago
This is now my favorite version of this ole' tune.....
A million thank yous to whom ever posted and shared.....
tejastiger61 1 month ago
Tom Waits is one of America's great talents. Maybe some of the less enlightened do not understand that Tom Waits owes more to American novelists like Nelson Algren and James T. Farrell, and to European composers like Kurt Weill (and lyricist Brecht) and American jazz greats like Thelonious Monk than he does to simplistic rock musicians.
FraterSoddi 1 month ago
Pure Genius.
craziesthorse 1 month ago
why are they laughing?
AubreyfromOregon 1 month ago
@AubreyfromOregon I think they're laughing because of the intentionally ironic juxtaposition between the traditional Christmas story which deals with hope and the birth of a loved and wanted child, with the broken down sad and sorry life of a woman unexpectedly pregnant in a chaotic lifestyle with many of her friends dead or in prison.
I don't think the song is anti-Christian, listening to it makes me grateful for good things especially health, home, job, family and friends. And Jesus
stephenhayesuk 1 month ago 2
You lost me at "And Jesus".
Goshka 1 month ago
How does your heart not break hearing this song?
didgeboy287 1 month ago
@didgeboy287 because he'd already broken it five years earlier with 'Martha'. And then 'Tom Traubert's Blues' finished the job off three years later. But if my heart was still in one piece, this song would have broken it.
ofs82 1 month ago 3
Someone needs to hook Tom up with Garrison Keillor. I might pay to see that...
Andolini99 1 month ago
Just amazing! Great channel too. Sub back!
PSPhotoVideo 1 month ago
'i wish i had all the money we used to spend on dope' class
bobshark123 1 month ago
To me a great singer has never been how technically well he can sing, despite what Simon Cowell might tell you, but how well a singer can bring his own thing to the table. Tommy here's got that covered.
MarkArandjus 1 month ago 31
@MarkArandjus - Talent is no substitute for passion. He simply steps up to the mic and bears his soul to everyone. Pure, naked, passionate expression of himself. There is nothing better.
vt92psyc 1 month ago 18
@MarkArandjus It's really for me never been a part of whether or not he can sing. His voice is distinguishable enough and soulful enough that to me; it is the most beautiful singing of all.
Toedoog 1 month ago
@MarkArandjus
Yes - agreed, and he has an underlying dark sense of humour. His songs mostly make your throat tight and at the same time he makes you smile. A very unique artist. It's a shame he hasn't got more recognition
kathmandoo 1 month ago
Lol....i bet at least 69 Hookers from Minneapolis felt offended :D
9nine3 1 month ago
Tom could sing really well in his early years
then he kind of ended up doing his own thing
doctormarmalade 1 month ago
@doctormarmalade
Since when?
RayasNegroOvejas 1 month ago
Though I''m a big fan of Tom, and played this song a lotta times from CD, I never heard him live, and never seen this clip before. I love it.
From the comments I see, I notice not everyone quite understands what Tom is doing or is all about. All, I can say; If you''ve ever been lonely or drunk, or both... or maybe I should say, if you have ever truly been alive and in touch with your feelings... you'll know exactly what Tom is all about...
Vicartje 1 month ago 57
@Vicartje you hit the nail; I salute you.
ihbarba 1 month ago
Beautiful
ValenciaMerble08 1 month ago
brings me to tears every time
rpetriniful 1 month ago
Tom Waits a singer and songwriter and he is what I cal a real artist, I have been reading his biography, he deserves all the consideration in the world for he wroks for the love of what he does which is music
silvpaula 1 month ago
Tom Waits is a GENIUS.
Jeffitaph 1 month ago
Some of you are confused. Tom Waits is not really a singer and should not be judged on his singing voice.. He is a poet and storyteller, who happens to recite his work while playing the piano. He is a unique talent. There will never be another like him.
Grizzlybear406 1 month ago 6
Merry Christmas, best Christmas song ever written :D
11lzyes 1 month ago
@foottothenuts Go and post some more video game videos and quit talking about who is a talented singer or not. Tom Waits is gifted.
lazyhp 1 month ago
Merry fuckin' Christmas everybody, cheers.
JustaKid087 1 month ago 4
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Whether or not someone is a good singer is subjective. It's arguable making it able for people to have opinions. So congratulations foottothenuts you formed an opinion but your opinion is wrong!!!
jimsci1 1 month ago
If it was a fact no one would be having this conversation period. Basically the whole scientific method thing of how to create a law. You know form an idea, for example Tom Waits is a poor singer then form hypothesis(a testable statement). Experiment gathering data what we've been doing here. Finally the conclusion which I would say went poorly for you. Making you're statement neither fact or a law.
jimsci1 1 month ago
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jimsci1 1 month ago
@foottothenuts Seriously, if youre one of these snobs that ridiculously think music has so to be sung a certain way to be "good", why are you even here? Are you so much of a loser that you like to start arguments in places you know you'll lose? Snobs: "oh but music started this way, it should all sound that way" Me: "Shut the Fk UP!"
Tom wouldn't want you as a fan anyways.
knochknight 1 month ago
@foottothenuts music in it's purest form much like any art, does not follow "rules". that's what makes a great artist. so if you think tom sucks, then go listen to an artist you prefer. from my point of view this is one of my favorite songs ever, and the live performance kicks the shit out of the recorded version. so in summation, if you think tom sucks,don't listen.
nickthurnbeck 1 month ago
Anyone who criticizes Tom has no idea what entertaining is all about.
555Filters 1 month ago 3
I seriously doubt tom waits gives a flying fuck what you think about his voice, he smokes cigarettes and snorts cocaine. and puts it the fuck down like no other. fuck off, listen to celene dion if you like voices and shit. pussy.
10WchaseW01 1 month ago
great Tommasino....
TheNellamaria 1 month ago
Thanks for bringing the laughter to my attention. It would be easy to get bogged down in the sadness of this song. Sometimes we forget to see the funny side but a genius like Tom Waits can blend the two so seamlessly.
morrismadeleine 1 month ago
Fantastic!
Meretsjen 1 month ago
Genius .
whillop 1 month ago
Incredible guy, love you Tom <3
ListentoLen 1 month ago
I'm compared to him! wow sooo beyond my wildest dreams! Sooo blessed Check me out and Him too ddick ouch no really sooo wise and treats aren't this lucky I am Ddick Springfieldzs rocks or just is sooo Tom don't wait see for yourself, be sure to find all of Ddickzs tough stuff oh rrick is sooo cool to pay for me and well how do you think I get played? you 2 thanks Tom love youfor the favor! yahoo who i mean oooooh ooooh yeeah
Pamemastiff111 1 month ago
Do people actually think he's a good singer?
foottothenuts 1 month ago
@foottothenuts Hi, He's better than good,He's a great singer, not the sweetest voice, granted, but listen to how he moulds and teases the piece into the shape he wants, then guides it where he wants. I think that's what being a good singer is about.
MrBowsmith 1 month ago
@MrBowsmith No. Being a good singer isn't your fucked up definition. A great singer has a wide range, clarity, power, and sustain. He has nothing in every category. It's not about how much he can do to avoid actually singing. He can't even form a melody.
foottothenuts 1 month ago
@foottothenuts As you wish!
MrBowsmith 1 month ago
@foottothenuts He's not a good technical singer according to traditional rules. That sort of misses the point, though; his songs often lose something when covered, in ways that other performers' songs often do not, which has to mean he's doing something right with them. Perhaps if one's narrow expectations and rules get in the way of enjoying clearly well-crafted entertainment art, it's the expectations and rules that are the problem.
fakejohnwilkesbooth 1 month ago
@fakejohnwilkesbooth people can enjoy his fucking songs all they want. When they go around saying he's a great singer when he doesn't even try or give a fuck about trying to sing, as compared to someone like Geoff Tate who takes professional training and all throughout his professional career worked to refine his singing, then there's a problem.
foottothenuts 1 month ago
@foottothenuts If we're using that same logic, let's compare bebop and opera. Bebop doesn't quite use prepared sheet music, just a lead sheet and the musicians improvise around a general theme. In opera, everything is finely crafted to a uniform sound. Is either of them better or is either one of them more or less music than the other? No. Tom Waits has spent his professional career refining his particular brand of singing.
ravenwing613 1 month ago
@ravenwing613 You see the thing here is he's a horrible fucking singer. He sucks at singing. That's what we're talking about. WHO'S GOOD AT SINGING. Not WHO DO YOU LIKE MORE. It doesn't fucking matter if you like whether or not a band actually tries to sound good. What I'm talking about is a singer who sucks AT SINGING. I don't care how he tells his lyrics or what goofy voices he can do. He sucks at singing. Does everyone here understand??? That's ALL I'm trying to get across.
foottothenuts 1 month ago
@foottothenuts That's opinion, nothing more. Arguing opinion is as silly as shouting at the sun to not rise. Whereas you approach greatness in singing via a strictly technical standpoint, I might view greatness in singing as believability in conveyance of emotion or in trying to get said artist's point across. In which case, by my criteria, Tom Waits is a great singer. Taste and opinion is not a basis for an argument.
ravenwing613 1 month ago
@ravenwing613 No. You're arguing facts. Opinion is whether or not someone likes his music. Fact is whether or not he's a good singer.
foottothenuts 1 month ago
@foottothenuts Omg moore than 4000 people likes and u and some 70 people don´t. Gosh maybe u right?? Or maybe you not get it?? Maybe u want to suck Justin B? Maybe u 12 years old ...Blähhh
matseman46 1 month ago
@matseman46 Of course. If someone doesn't like a singer you like, that must obviously mean they love Justin Bieber. People jump to that conclusion to much.
foottothenuts 1 month ago
@foottothenuts Whether or not you care for his particular brand of singing is missing the point. If you like Geoff Tate, go listen to Queensryche. Personally, I find them bland and conducive of lethargy. I'm not going to Queensryche videos and bashing what I percieve to be a lack of soulful simplicity. When things simply have to be technical to be good, I think that's missing the point of music as a whole.
ravenwing613 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
He's not a good technical singer according to traditional rules. That sort of misses the point, though; his songs often lose something when covered, in ways that other performers' songs often do not, which has to mean he's doing something right with them. Perhaps if one's narrow expectations and rules get in the way of enjoying clearly well-crafted entertainment art, it's the expectations and rules that are the problem.
fakejohnwilkesbooth 1 month ago
is he is on drugs?
unggrabb 1 month ago
@unggrabb No, but he is high on his own fucking talent.
CharlieIsLORD 1 month ago
@unggrabb he's drunk as a skunk
4anythingelse 1 month ago
@unggrabb no drugs involved mate just raw talent from a master in his own right
bangform 1 month ago
ahhhh I love Tom Waits; and people who are smart enough to dig hin. This whole post is proof; who the hell else will debate the strength of laughter and sadness, as if they revolve in one big circle... bless you all, and have a great holiday
TheMrGebler 1 month ago 3
Anyone that truly thinks that Tom is some "hack" or "retarted guy" needs to first learn how to spell "retarded" when divvying out insults, otherwise you just look foolish. Secondly, you couldn't be more wrong... You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone with more talent, wit, or natural ability to make you laugh and cry at the same time than this here one of a kind entertainer. He's our "Late Night Evening Prostitute."
knivesandpeppers 1 month ago 63
@knivesandpeppers Let the troll's, troll. Don't waste your time trying to explain the obvious. Even though you did it perfectly! :)
jjaywill 1 month ago 2
@knivesandpeppers couldnt have said it better! whoever thinks hes retarded needs to listen to the piano has been drinking
TheCornguy 1 month ago
@knivesandpeppers Amen
MinorThing 1 month ago
@knivesandpeppers Who?
byteusa 1 month ago
@byteusa
The rolling stones, johnny cash, and alice cooper all love tom waits. Absolutely no one cares if your ignorant ass does not know who he is.
stfu0you0Troglodyte 1 month ago
@knivesandpeppers ... what about- cajoling and argumentative thinker with a gift for music? well said you K.
Tommyfazz 1 month ago
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If I wanted to watch a retarted guy on a stage I would have watched the acceptance speeches for the special olympics.
jawlek1 1 month ago
THE REASON POSERS LISTEN TO THIS SONG: The title
THE REASON FANS LISTEN TO THIS SONG: The song
SilkySkillsUnited 1 month ago
@SilkySkillsUnited At least their listening to 'im. That's what counts.
bluejay3525 1 month ago
@bluejay3525 Lemme guess, you knew Tom before he was cool, right? Hipster douche...
bluejay3525 1 month ago
@SilkySkillsUnited what about people who are just curious why do they listen. you sound like an elitist prick.
bankyedwards591 1 month ago
@bankyedwards591 and you sound like a pretentious cunt. Don't forget to use your question marks, genius.
SilkySkillsUnited 1 month ago
@SilkySkillsUnited @bankyedwards591 Both of you shut up. Jesus fuckin' christ.
apersonalitytoofar 1 month ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You forgot about option 3, someone posted this crappy song on my face book and now I want that 6 minutes of my life back
jawlek1 1 month ago
@jawlek1 You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
stump200 1 month ago
very overrated
formerKGBchief 1 month ago
Anyone got the link to Small Change?
zenshinzenrei 1 month ago
from laughter to tears in ten seconds flat
MrGramm3r 1 month ago 26
@MrGramm3r That's what he does. Ain't it?
nutmeg42 1 month ago
The saddest things in life can be the funniest.
"He don't play the trombone neither."
ravenwing613 1 month ago
This Christmas card from Tom Waits might be the best one I will get all season.
briteness 1 month ago 5
This and on the nickel are 2 of my all time favorite songs. Not just tom waits songs, but of all songs. Maybe it's because I'm broke and drunk all the time and can easily identify with the characters of which he sings about... Tonight was a scotch and Tom Waits night =)
virtuosooo 1 month ago
What a voice! In my humble opinion...song/voice...that's human and emphasizes that we're all in the same game.
capegirl6214 1 month ago
4:02 no one laughs anymore after the beans are spilled. guess the song wasn't that funny after all
dirty7black7boy7 1 month ago 3
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klapp08 1 month ago
Is he drunk? lol
Noooooo0ooOooooo 1 month ago
wats wrong cant take waite gooooooo
TheYOADRIENE 1 month ago
@TheYOADRIENE what the fuck are you saying?
Noooooo0ooOooooo 1 month ago
I guess there is a bit of humor in Silent night with his unusual singing, but that song "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" gets me. Especially that line, "Charlie, baby, I think I'm happy now" considering the end of the song. :'(
desotowright 1 month ago
It would be a dream to see him live. Magic!
Mamadhero 1 month ago
i didnt laugh, just cried. that b1tch. avoid mpls.
TheBarbarian420 1 month ago 2
I heard that he started smoking when he was 7 years old. Does anyone know if this is true? 'Cause if so, that's both perfect and horrifying.
LethargicTurtle 1 month ago
THE BEST
Tubifia 2 months ago
64 people doesn't like when drunk people sings and play the piano
WheMpayEe 2 months ago 2
@WheMpayEe you mean when the piano has been drinking, of course.... not me. :-)